Robert Gibbins Gard Jr.

Robert Gibbins Gard Jr. (January 28, 1928 – April 6, 2026) was a United States Army lieutenant general and former chairman of the board of the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation where his work focused on nuclear nonproliferation, missile defense, Iraq, Iran, military policy, nuclear terrorism, and other national security issues.

Early life and education Gard was born in West Point, New York, and educated at TMI Episcopal school in San Antonio, Texas, before receiving a place at the United States Military Academy (West Point).

Gard graduated from West Point with a B.S. in 1950.

Army career Gard (left) speaking with Colonel Patrick Henry Brady, U.S. Army, in 1981 After graduating from West Point, Gard was an Army officer for the next 31 years, retiring in 1981. and was an advocate for nuclear arms control measures, such as the New START treaty.

Gard was a staunch critic of the Iraq War, speaking out against the war in 2007 and writing in 2013 that the war "has come to symbolize an era of American overreach and, to some, even hubris." In 2008, Gard endorsed Barack Obama for president and criticized John McCain, writing that "McCain has adopted, promoted, and sustained the position of the so-called neo-conservatives and ultra-nationalists who believe that the United States should capitalize on American military superiority to spread democracy abroad."

In 2006, Gard was one of 22 retired generals and admirals to sign an open letter urging President George W. Bush to fully implement the "McCain Amendment" banning the use of torture. In 2014, Gard was also one of 31 retired generals and admirals to sign an open letter to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence urging them to vote to declassify and make public the committee's report on post-September 11 torture tactics used by the CIA.

In 2012, Gard co-authored a CNN op-ed with fellow retired general John H. Johns, arguing for a cut in wasteful Pentagon spending. Gard and Johns wrote: "Our leaders must have a serious debate about priorities: America needs political resolve to kill unnecessary and expensive projects."

Gard Jr. died on April 6, 2026, at the age of 98.