| Ian Gale | |
| Nickname: | Windy |
| Allegiance: | United Kingdom |
| Branch: | Royal Air Force |
| Serviceyears: | 1989–2024 |
| Rank: | Air Marshal |
| Servicenumber: | 8304212Q |
| Commands: | RAF Lossiemouth (2011–13) No. 31 Squadron (2008–10) |
| Battles: | Iraq War War in Afghanistan Operation Ellamy |
| Awards: | Companion of the Order of the Bath Member of the Order of the British Empire |
| Alma Mater: | King's College London Open University |
Air Marshal Ian David Gale, is a retired officer in the Royal Air Force, serving as Director-General of Joint Force Development, Strategic Command from 2021 to 2024.[1]
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]
Gale joined the RAF in 1989. After attending the Royal Air Force College Cranwell, he was commissioned as an acting pilot officer on 26 September 1989. He served as a fast jet pilot and weapons instructor from 1989 to 2005 and, in the 2004 Queen's Birthday Honours, was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire.
Gale became officer commanding No. 31 Squadron in 2008,[3] and station commander at RAF Lossiemouth in 2011.[4] After operational service as Deputy Air Component Commander for Operation Ellamy,[5] he became Assistant Chief of Staff for command, control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance programmes in 2015.[6]
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. Gale was appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in the 2024 New Year Honours.
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