General (Ret.) C. Robert “Bob” Kehler

General (Ret.) C. Robert “Bob” Kehler

Former commander of STRATCOM
NSWG

General Robert Kehler retired from the United States Air Force in 2013 after almost 39 years of distinguished service. He offers his expertise as a consultant, non-executive corporate Director of two international aerospace companies, and as a Trustee of the Mitre Corporation. He speaks widely on matters of national security, particularly governance, institutions and organizations, and military.

General Robert Kehler retired from the United States Air Force in 2013 after almost 39 years of distinguished service. He offers his expertise as a consultant, non-executive corporate Director of two international aerospace companies, and as a Trustee of the Mitre Corporation.

In his last position as Commander, United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), 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. Prior to this, he commanded United States Air Force Space Command and two operational space wings conducting space launch, missile warning, and space control missions. He also commanded an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) squadron and group. At Air Force Space Command he designed the Air Force’s inaugural blueprint, operating concept, organizational structure, and personnel program to meet rapidly growing cyberspace challenges.

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 Senior Fellow of the National Defense University. A Distinguished Alumnus of the Pennsylvania State University.

His military awards include the Defense Distinguished and Superior Service Medals, the Distinguished Service Medal (2 awards), Legion of Merit (3 awards), and the French Legion of Honor (Officer).

He speaks widely on matters of national security and is highly sought for panels, studies and Congressional testimony addressing the most compelling issues of national security today, particularly governance, institutions and organizations, and military.

General Kehler entered the Air Force in 1975 as a Distinguished Graduate of the Pennsylvania State University R.O.T.C. program, has Master’s degrees in Public Administration and National Security and Strategic Studies, and completed Executive Development programs at Carnegie-Mellon University, Syracuse University, and Harvard University.