Robert W. Gramling

Lt. Col. Gramling joined the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) in 2023 as a military fellow from the U.S. Air Force’s Air University. Prior to his arrival, Lt. Col. Gramling was commander of the 690TH Cyberspace Operations Squadron at Joint Base Pearl Harbor – Hickam. In this capacity, he led 119 military and civilian personnel in the execution of Department of Defense Information Network Operations and Defensive Cyberspace Operations, supporting 850,000 global users on unclassified and classified Air Force networks.

Lt. Col. Gramling received his U.S. Air Force commission and a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 2004 as a distinguished graduate of The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. His background includes time as a Personnel Officer, Professional Military Education Instructor, Expeditionary Communications Officer, and most recently, Cyberspace Officer. Lt. Col. Gramling has served in numerous positions at the Squadron, Numbered Air Force, Major Command, and Combatant Command Staff levels and has deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Unified Protector.

Lt Col. Gramling’s experience with regional engagement and building partnership capacity includes three years serving in the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), where he partnered with the Canadian military to address strategic threats to Canada and the U.S. He also served three years in the European Command (EUCOM) theater of operations facilitating command, control, communications, and computer exercises with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) partners and allies. To supplement his operational experience, Lt. Col. Gramling earned a master’s degree in international relations in 2012 from the University of Oklahoma and a master’s degree in leadership & Strategic Military Studies from the U.S. Air Force’s Air University in 2017.

His notable decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Air Force Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Air Force Commendation Medal (2 awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and other personal, unit, and campaign awards.