Richard Keir

As a young boy in Wellington and Dubbo Richard Keir had a keen ambition to join the Air Force and, when he was 13, jumped at the chance to join the Air Force Cadets. 

Unsure of what to do in the Air Force he investigated a number of options but settled on intelligence after receiving some advice from a career adviser whose last role was in Air Force Intelligence.

“Her advice was invaluable and I still have the book she recommended that I buy and read” he said.

“As it worked out I started my career as a reserve steward achieving my desire to join the Air Force and to help pay for my university accommodation.

“After work one day I saw a recruiting office and asked if there were any vacancies for intelligence officers.

“To my surprise there was a single undergraduate scholarship available.  I immediately applied and was ultimately successful,” he said.

Over his 30 years of service, Air Commodore Keir has served across Australia at various bases and has travelled widely. 

Air Commodore Keir was instrumental in the re-formation of 87 Squadron as Air Force’s Intelligence Squadron in 2006 and commanded it until 2008. 

“This was the absolute highlight of my career and an amazing privilege,” Air Commodore Keir said.

“When I was the Joint Operations Command Director-General of Intelligence, I led a fantastic joint team and witnessed the transition in focus from the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific, which was both fascinating and challenging,” he said.

Air Commodore Keir is proud of his role as part of the leadership of Air Force’s Intelligence capability as it transitioned into the 21^st century. 

Now a reservist, Air Commodore Keir has taken up fly fishing for trout – a long held ambition. 

“Fly fishing is more like hunting than normal fishing – you have to constantly observe and understand the target and the way to get to the target is of paramount importance,” he said. 

Some habits die hard it seems.  Between reserve assignments Air Commodore Keir now has more time to fish, enjoy his newly finished home and yard, and spend valuable time with his wife and four daughters.