Kelly McKinley DrillMaster012
Designation: DrillMaster012
Certifications:
- Certified DrillMaster
Endorsements:
- Regulation Drill and Protocol (Feb 2024)
- Ceremonial Drill (USAF HG)
- Exhibition Drill (April 2024)
Biography:
Chief Kelly S. McKinley currently serves as the Honor Guard Career Field Manager. He is the Air Force’s principal advisor for all protocol, honors, and drill matters that effect more than 55,000 ceremonies per year. As the Career Field Manager, he provides oversight for more than 3,000 permanent and augmentee Ceremonial Guardsmen at 179 Air Force and Space Force Bases, across all MAJCOMs, DRUs, and FOAs.
Kelly’s interest and passion for drill & ceremonies began when he enlisted in the Air Force. Since 1998, he has performed in and led several thousand ceremonies and trained countless military members, CAP and JROTC cadets. Additionally, he has judged numerous drill competitions around the world to include the National Highschool Drill Team Championships and World Drill Competition.
As a Ceremonial Guardsman, he has served on 13 different honor guard teams across the Air Force, to include 4 full-time assignments, 3 of which were at the USAF Honor Guard in Washington, DC. Over this period, Kelly led some of the world’s largest and most visible events, such as multiple Presidential Inaugurations and Funerals for Heads of State. Moreover, he is a 9-time Honor Guard of the Year in a variety of categories and levels. His extensive experience, leadership, and growth-mindset has transformed the profession.
(Current as of 15 June 2025)