Ian Gale

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]

Ian Gale
Nickname(s)	Windy
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force
Years of service	1989–2024
Rank	Air Marshal
Service number	8304212Q
Commands	RAF Lossiemouth (2011–13) No. 31 Squadron (2008–10)
Battles / wars	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

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]