This article is about the RAF officer. For the journalist and author, see
Iain Gale.
Air Marshal Ian David Gale, CB, MBE is a retired officer in the Royal Air Force, serving as Director-General of Joint Force Development, Strategic Command from 2021 to 2024.[1]
Early life and education
Gale was educated at Sir Thomas Picton School, a comprehensive school in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales. He joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) after finishing school. He studied for a Master of Arts degree in defence studies and international relations at King's College London, graduating in 2006. He studied for a Master of Business Administration with the Open University, graduating in 2012.[2]
RAF career
Gale joined the RAF in 1989.[2] After attending the Royal Air Force College Cranwell, he was commissioned as an acting pilot officer on 26 September 1989.[3] He served as a fast jet pilot and weapons instructor from 1989 to 2005 and,[2] in the 2004 Queen's Birthday Honours, was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire.[4]
Gale became officer commanding No. 31 Squadron in 2008,[5] and station commander at RAF Lossiemouth in 2011.[6] After operational service as Deputy Air Component Commander for Operation Ellamy,[7] he became Assistant Chief of Staff for command, control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance programmes in 2015.[8]
In April 2019, Gale was promoted to air vice-marshal and appointed Assistant Chief of the Air Staff.[1] In April 2021, he was promoted to air marshal and appointed Director-General of Joint Force Development, Strategic Command.[1] He retired from the Air Force on 24 April 2024.[9] Gale was appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in the 2024 New Year Honours.[10]
References
Military offices
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Preceded by
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Station Commander RAF Lossiemouth 2011–2013
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Succeeded by
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Preceded by
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Assistant Chief of the Air Staff 2019–2021
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Succeeded by
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Preceded by
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Director-General of Joint Force Development, Strategic Command 2021–2024
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Succeeded by TBA
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