LTC George K. Gamble, ’79
Dr. George K. Gamble’s career as an officer & civilian spans 40 years in the Army & Air Force of which the last 33 years have been with Special Operations. Today he is the top civilian for the J3 Combat Mission Rehearsal Complex Program, US Special Operations Command. He is a pioneer in the Special Operations Community responsible for a number of significant contributions & innovations from putting advanced technology into the hands of SOFs elite combat units to his contribution to incorporate advanced stealth technology into rotary wing aircraft. Other accomplishments include being the architect of SOF’s Care Coalition, authoring the 1st suicide study ever conducted for SOF.
He was a Distinguished Military Graduate of The Ohio State University in 1979 with a BS in Business, and attained advanced degrees from Central Michigan & Michigan State. His military education includes Armor Basic & Aviation Adv. Courses, Combined Arms Service School, and Command & Gen. Staff College.
A member of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). the “Night Stalkers,” his assignments include both 1st & 3rd/160th SOAR (Airborne). Dr. Gamble participated in military conflicts to include Operation JUST CAUSE the invasion of Panama–where he flew the first night combat mission in urban areas under NVG’s and EARNEST WILL/PRIME CHANCE the first tactical operation involving Navy SEALs, Special Boat Units, & the 160th.
His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, three Meritorious Service Medals, Air Medal, Joint Service & Army Commendation Medals, Joint Service & Army Achievement Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and being named Central Florida’s “Aviator of the Year” both 1997 & 1998. He earned the Senior Army Aviator, Parachutist & Air Assault Badges, and Ranger Tab. He holds a perfect safety record spanning two decades, including flying 53 combat missions in tough environments.
Dr. Gamble has been recognized with Army Aviation’s Order of St. Michael Silver & Bronze Awards, a “Distinguished Alumni” of Central Michigan, and Gahanna Lincoln HS’s Athletic & Alumni Halls of Fame.