--- title: "Air Force relieves medical squadron commander after barely a year on the job" description: "The head of a New Mexico-based Air Force special operations medical unit was relieved on Monday after a year and two days in the position." date: "2022-07-14" modified: "2022-07-14" authors: - name: "David Roza" job_title: "YouTube Writer/Editor" link: "https://taskandpurpose.com/authors/david-roza.md" url: "https://taskandpurpose.com/news/air-force-special-operations-medical/" categories: - "Air Force" - "Around the World" - "Military Branches" - "News" - "United States" --- # Air Force relieves medical squadron commander after barely a year on the job ![]() *Then-Maj. Kenneth Beadle, a physicians assistant from the 455th Expeditionary Medical Group, after being awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal for his part in the recovery of wreckage from an F-16 crash, which took place March 29, 2016 outside Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. (Capt. Bryan Bouchard/U.S. Air Force)* The commander of a New Mexico-based Air Force special operations medical unit was relieved of command on Monday after a year and two days in the position. Lt. Col. Kenneth Beadle, who took the helm of the 27th Special Operations Medical Readiness Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base on July 9 2021, was relieved on July 11 “due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to lead,” a spokesperson for the Cannon-based 27th Special Operations Wing told Task & Purpose. “The decision was reached after leadership carefully considered inputs and observations made throughout his one-year as commander,” said Misty Mercado, a member of Cannon’s public affairs team. “The 27 SOW is committed to maintaining good order and discipline by holding leaders accountable to Air Force standards and expectations,” Mercado added. “It is important that all leaders foster a unit culture built on our service core values.” > [**Subscribe to Task & Purpose Today**]()**. Get the latest in military news, entertainment, and gear in your inbox daily.** When asked if an investigation was being conducted into the matter, Mercado said that the wing “is currently determining the best way forward to address the situation. As a matter of privacy for the individual, no further details will be provided at this time.” ![keneth beadle]() *Then-Maj. Kenneth Beadle, who holds a Doctorate of Science in Physician Assistant studies in Emergency Medicine, deployed from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., leads a simulated patient into the emergency room during an exercise at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan Jan. 23, 2016. (Capt. Bryan Bouchard / U.S. Air Force)* Being relieved after a year in command of a squadron is an unusual event for Air Force officers. Most tours of command last [two years]() before the officer is transferred to another assignment. The squadron which Beadle commanded is part of the 27th Special Operations Medical Group, also called the ‘Air Commando Medics’ who collectively provide “the highest quality medical care to nearly 13,000 eligible military beneficiaries in eastern New Mexico and western Texas,”[ according]() to the Military Health System website. When Beadle [took command]() of the squadron last July, Col. Robert Woolley, commander of the overall group, pointed out Beadle’s nearly 30 years of experience in Air Force medicine. The lieutenant colonel first rose through the enlisted ranks as a medical technician and was selected for the “highly competitive inter-service physician assistant program,” Woolley said. “Never leaving well enough alone, Ken has vigorously and voraciously pursued educational and professional opportunities, always returning to the field to ensure that our Air Force and sister services reap the benefits of his considerable skills and knowledge,” the colonel continued. “We are indeed fortunate to have secured such an accomplished officer.” *Update: An earlier version of this story described Lt. Col. Beadle as a doctor and an emergency room physician in a photo caption provided by the Air Force. The caption has been corrected to reflect that he has a Doctorate of Science in Physician Assistant studies in Emergency Medicine.* ## The latest on Task & Purpose - **Navy Blue Angels had to change their show after** [**jet caused $180,000 in building damage**]() - **The Army is getting leaders ready for a** [**war unlike any the US has ever seen**]() - **We salute this Marine for having a** [**promotion ceremony**]() **in the muck** - [**Navy fires nuclear submarine captain**]() **after only 8 months on the job** - **A Navy warship burned while** [**commanders argued over who was in charge**]() **Want to write for Task & Purpose?**[ **Click here**]()**. Or check out the latest stories on**[ **our homepage.**]() ## Author David Roza writes scripts about military news for the Task & Purpose YouTube channel, and he also writes articles about military pay, benefits, health care, child care, culture, and other personnel topics on a freelance basis. Roza previously covered the Air Force and Space Force for Task & Purpose from 2019 to 2023 and for Air & Space Forces Magazine from 2023 to 2025. In the course of that reporting, he has set off a ‘Hollywood explosion’ with Air Force bomb techs, turned the (unarmed) keys of a nuclear missile bunker, hovered over the Nevada desert on an Air Force rescue helicopter, and got the best sleep of his life on the floor of a C-17 over the central Pacific. Share tips and story ideas with David at [david.roza@teamrecurrent.io]()