Gen. Bob Kehler is a member of the AI-NC3 Executive Committee.

Gen. Bob Kehler retired from the United States Air Force in December 2013 after almost 39 years of distinguished service in progressively important operational, command, staff, and joint assignments. From January 2011 until November 2013, he commanded United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), where he was directly responsible to the Secretary of Defense and President for the plans and operations of all U. S. forces conducting strategic deterrence, nuclear alert, global strike, space, cyberspace, and associated operations. While in command, he crafted and implemented policies and plans to deter strategic attacks against the U.S. and its key allies and led a joint team of military and civilian members conducting global deterrence operations while supporting combat actions in the Middle East and North Africa. Prior to commanding USSTRATCOM, the general commanded Air Force Space Command (predecessor to the United States Space Force) and two operational space wings conducting space launch, missile warning, and space control missions. He also commanded a nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missile squadron and group.

General Kehler entered the Air Force in 1975 as a Distinguished Graduate of the Pennsylvania State University ROTC program, is a graduate (with Distinction) of the Naval War College and has master’s degrees in public administration and National Security and Strategic Studies. He also completed executive development programs at Carnegie-Mellon University, Syracuse University, and Harvard University. The general’s military awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal (2 awards), Legion of Merit (3 awards), and the French Legion of Honor (Officer). General Kehler continues to offer his expertise as a consultant, trustee, and corporate director of several well-known international companies. He speaks and writes on matters of national security and is highly sought for panels, studies, Congressional testimony, and workshops addressing the most compelling national security issues of the 21st Century. 

General Kehler was the S.T. Lee Distinguished Lecturer at Stanford University’s Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies for academic year 2014-2015 and remains an Affiliate of Stanford’s Center for International Security and Cooperation. He is a Distinguished Alumnus of the Pennsylvania State University. General Kehler and his late wife have two married sons and three grandsons. In his spare time Bob enjoys playing the guitar, swinging enthusiastically at a golf ball, and family activities.