F R. Schnell is the deputy Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) for Infrastructure. He assists in leading a combined team of military, government civilians, and contractors at multiple geographically separated units in the execution of a $4B+ portfolio to create a robust, enduring Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI). These advanced systems provide the foundation for High- End Advanced Test, Training, and Tactics Development by all Guardians. As deputy PEO OTTI, Schnell’s portfolio includes the National Space Test and Training Complex (NSTTC) and enterprise Space Training systems, providing interconnected, scalable, and distributed physical and digital ranges for full-spectrum test and training capabilities for the joint warfighter.

Schnell’s most recent assignment was director, Battlespace Awareness Acquisition Delta, Space Domain Power Directorate, Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Combat Power Directorate, Space Systems Command (SSC), Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado leading 380 military, civilian, and contractor personnel with a $628 million budget. He oversaw several primary lines of effort, including Advanced SDA Capabilities & Battlespace Integration, Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Sensing Systems, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Cheyenne Mountain Complex Integrated Threat Warning and Attack Assessment program, Future Military Sales, and Strategic Space-based Early Missile Warning portfolios. Schnell’s civilian service includes logistics sustainment of the Space Launch and Test Range, program management in support to the Space Innovation and Development Center (SIDC), and director of mission support for the Air Force Warfare Center, Detachment 1.