Air Force Maj. Gen. Luke Cropsey Wins Wash100 Award for Championing Military Modernization and Unified Operations
Executive Mosaic proudly recognizes U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Luke Cropsey with the 2025 Wash100 Award, which is given out annually to spotlight the top executives, government leaders and military officials who are making a difference in the government contracting arena.
Cropsey’s commitment to modernizing the Air Force played a major role in his selection to this year’s esteemed list of Wash100 Award winners. His critical work as the program executive officer for command, control, communications and battle management has been central to integrating various programs within the Air Force to achieve seamless command and control across different domains.
Give Luke Cropsey the recognition he deserves! Cast your ballot at Wash100.com’s popular vote competition. The deadline is on April 30.
“Maj. Gen. Cropsey’s first Wash100 win is a recognition of his exceptional career in the U.S. Air Force, where he’s been a driving force behind some of the most critical initiatives in defense and technology,” said Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic.
“His leadership role in the DAF Battle Network, a pivotal part of the U.S. Air Force’s contribution to the Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control—a.k.a. CJADC2—framework, places him at the heart of one of the most exciting and challenging projects in GovCon. With a background spanning the National Reconnaissance Office, the Office of the Secretary of Defense and space operations, Maj. Gen. Cropsey’s career has been defined by versatility, vision and an unwavering commitment to innovation,” added the Wash100 Award founder.
Leading the DAF BATTLE NETWORK
Cropsey was appointed in September 2022 as the first PEO C3BM, operating under the assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology and logistics. He has since been at the forefront of the Air Force’s modernization efforts and the unification of military operations.
The PEO has been working on advancing the Department of Defense’s goal of connecting military warfighting systems via the Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control, or CJADC2, program. The initiative intends to streamline the delivery of capabilities that enhance operations within the Department of the Air Force BATTLE NETWORK through the optimization of technical architecture and acquisition processes.
This integrated network fuses sensors, effectors and logistics to bolster situational awareness, accelerate decision-making and streamline command for the Air Force, Space Force and their allies. Cropsey oversees more than 50 programs that ensure the battle network makes the right and timely decisions while maintaining an information advantage in the face of emerging threats.
The Air Force veteran also directs the development of the Advanced Battle Management System, a critical component of the CJADC2 initiative.
Cropsey currently serves dual leadership roles after being confirmed as the first-ever commander of the Air Force Information Dominance Systems Center in January. The AFIDSC, operating under the Air Force Materiel Command, was established to further the service’s great power competition objectives.
In his latest capacity, Cropsey oversees the Air Force’s C3 efforts and leads the C3BM’s focus on cyber, electronic warfare, information systems and enterprise digital infrastructure.
“Our commitment to C3BM and delivering the DAF BATTLE NETWORK has never wavered and never faltered,” said Cropsey. “The creation of the Information Dominance Systems Center is a sign our airmen and guardians are driving innovation and excellence to ensure our nation is ready to face tomorrow’s challenges today,” he added.
Cropsey said during the Life Cycle Industry Days held on July 30 that one needs to think outside the box when creating an integrated network. As the PEO, he wants those involved to be ruthless in pursuing what’s necessary for the DAF BATTLE NETWORK to succeed. This includes collaborating with enterprise stakeholders, prioritizing operational outcomes and executing DAF PEO C3BM priorities.
Addressing the LCID audience, Cropsey said, “We have to align around the outcome — the operational outcome — that we have to achieve. And what that looks like, and how we get after it, is the piece that gets really interesting.”
Awards and Achievements
Cropsey earned his second star after the Senate confirmed his promotion last year. He assumed his new rank in July. The Air Force leader gave credit to his team for the recognition.
“While honored, this promotion is really a testament to the accomplishments of the incredible team I have the privilege of serving. We’re just getting started here in C3BM and I’m excited to continue standing beside my Air Force and Space Force teammates to deliver what our Nation needs to win the next fight.”
Just half a year later, Cropsey was confirmed for his third star. In January, the PEO C3BM leader was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general, concurrent with his appointment as commander of the AFIDSC.
Before becoming the Battle Management Czar, Cropsey served as director of the Air Force’s Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate. In this capacity, he managed foreign military sales to over 110 countries. He was also a senior military assistant for the assistant secretary of the Air Force and senior materiel leader for various directorates and divisions.
During his nearly three-decade career, Cropsey served in various leadership positions of growing significance. He was the deputy for systems engineering plans and policy under the assistant secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, a joint staff officer within the European Command and chief of the strategic integration branch of the 303rd Aeronautical Systems Wing. Cropsey also served as a legislative liaison at the National Reconnaissance Office and a weapon effects engineer at the Munitions Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory in his early years.
Executive Mosaic congratulates Cropsey and the entire C3BM team for their 2025 Wash100 win.
Visit Wash100.com and cast your vote for Luke Cropsey as your favorite 2025 Wash100 awardee.