Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has removed Senior Military Advisor, Air Force Lieutenant General Jennifer M. Short
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has removed Senior Military Advisor, Air Force Lieutenant General Jennifer M. Short

Who is Jennifer Marie Short? Biography of Lieutenant General

Lieutenant General Jennifer Marie Short was born in 1970/1971, into a family with a strong military tradition. She is the third member of her family to achieve the rank of general officer in the United States Air Force. Her father, Lieutenant General Michael Short, retired in 2000, while her brother, Brigadier General Christopher M. Short, retired in 2019.

Jennifer Short graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Arizona State University in 1993. She was commissioned through Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, in 1995, marking the start of her extensive and decorated military career.

Lieutenant General Jennifer Short: Military Career

Lieutenant General Short's career in the Air Force has been marked by a series of prestigious roles and commands, demonstrating her leadership and expertise across different domains:

Operational Leadership: She commanded both the 358th Fighter Squadron and the 23rd Wing, showcasing her ability to lead operational units effectively.

Strategic Roles: She has held staff positions such as Chief of Staff at Pacific Air Forces and Director of Legislative Liaison in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. These roles required strategic thinking and in-depth knowledge of military operations and policy.

Joint Assignments: Her joint assignments included serving as Deputy Director for Strategic Planning and Policy at the United States Indo-Pacific Command, where she played a significant role in shaping strategic initiatives in a critical geopolitical region.

In July 2024, she was promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed as Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, reflecting her high standing within the military hierarchy.

Personal Life

Jennifer Short married Scott Evens on October 23, 2010. While not much is publicly known about her personal life, her marriage reflects a stable personal foundation amidst her demanding military career.

Financial Status and Assets

Information about Lieutenant General Short’s financial status and assets has not been widely disclosed. As a high-ranking military officer, her earnings would be commensurate with military pay scales, including benefits and allowances, but specific figures or personal investments remain private.

The Controversial Dismissal

On February 23, 2025, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth removed Lieutenant General Jennifer M. Short from her position as Senior Military Assistant, effective immediately. The announcement of her removal came as a surprise to many, as there was no prior public indication of issues related to her performance or conduct.

The specific reasons for her dismissal have not been disclosed by the Department of Defense. Speculation in military and defense circles suggests potential disagreements over policy, management issues, or other internal conflicts, but without an official statement, the exact cause remains unknown.

Legacy and Impact

Despite the sudden and unclear end to her role as Senior Military Assistant, Lieutenant General Short's career remains a testament to her leadership and dedication. She has contributed to multiple facets of the Air Force's mission, from direct combat command to strategic policy development.

Her career serves as an inspiration, particularly as a prominent female leader in the military, and her influence is likely to be felt in the Air Force for years to come, regardless of recent developments.