He previously served as commander, United States Air Forces Central, Southwest Asia.

As the Combat Air Forces lead agent, ACC develops strategy, doctrine, concepts, tactics, and procedures for air- and space-power employment.

[2] Hostage said that some of the problems the pilots encountered were simply limits of the human body, but that unmanned aerial vehicles were not suitable for the AirSea Battle concept of the Pacific Pivot.

[3][4] Hostage has put forward the concept of a "combat cloud" for how manned and unmanned systems will work together in the USAF of the future.

[5] In 2014 Hostage said that his plans to retire the A-10 Thunderbolt II fleet would put greater demands on USAF pilots and that their readiness was crucial.