Luis René Nieto Rojas
Bogotá
Summary
Major General (Ret.) of the Colombian Aerospace Force with 36 years of distinguished service in strategic leadership, operational planning, and personnel management. Aeronautical Administrator and skilled Helicopter and Airplane Pilot with expertise in aerial operations, training, maintenance, and operational safety. Recognized for exceptional coordination of international missions, fostering interoperability with global air forces, and implementing cutting-edge security and defense strategies. Adept at managing international relations with U.S. and global agencies, developing joint programs in training, security, and defense. Known for leading multidisciplinary teams in high-pressure environments and directing large-scale aerial operations with precision and efficiency.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Inspector General
Colombian Aerospace Force
01.2024 - Current
- Conducted internal audits, ensuring compliance with operational and safety standards across all units
- Developed and implemented operational safety programs focusing on prevention and human factors, enhancing overall safety metrics
Commander, Air and Space Operations Command
Colombian Aerospace Force
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Directed complex aerial and space operations, achieving seamless interoperability with U.S
- Armed Forces through joint exercises (Red Flag, Relámpago, and Zeus)
- Supervised and coordinated over 50,000 flight hours across training and combat missions
Head, Air Intelligence Directorate
Colombian Aerospace Force
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Managed air intelligence teams to analyze threats and provide critical insights for strategic decisions
- Led intelligence operations for international and national missions, safeguarding high-value assets
Commander, Combat Air Command No. 4 (CACOM-4)
Colombian Aerospace Force
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Supervised 500+ personnel across operational, logistical, and administrative functions
- Achieved over 15,000 flight hours with exemplary operational safety and efficiency standards
Director, Helicopter School for the Armed Forces, CACOM-4
Colombian Aerospace Force
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Directed basic helicopter pilot training for Colombian Armed Forces and international students from Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, and Panama under U.S
- Assistance programs
- Maintained international aviation safety certifications
Commander, Technical Group CACOM No. 4
Colombian Aerospace Force
01.2012 - 12.2013
- Oversaw maintenance of 50+ aircraft, completing 16,000+ flight hours in operational and training missions
- Spearheaded the nationalization of helicopters under Plan Colombia
Education
Master's in National Security and Defense -
Escuela Superior De Guerra
Bogota, Colombia01.2019
Executive Management Program (PADE) -
INALDE Business School, Universidad De La Sabana
Bogota, Colombia01.2019
Master's in Inter-American Defense and Security -
Inter-American Defense College
Washington DC01.2017
Specialist in Command and General Staff -
Escuela Superior De Guerra
Bogota, Colombia01.2008
Specialist in National Security and Defense -
Escuela Superior De Guerra
Bogota, Colombia01.2008
Diploma in Economic Intelligence in Defense -
Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins
Santiago, Chile01.2007
Aeronautical Administrator -
Escuela Militar De Aviación "Marco Fidel Suárez"
01.2003
Skills
- Strategic leadership
- Crisis management
- Planning and execution of international aerial and space operations
- Specialized aeronautical personnel training
- Operational safety management
- Resource protection management
- Aerospace logistics
- Maintenance expertise
- Building and managing international security collaborations
- Building and managing international defense collaborations
Certification
- Over 20 decorations and 25 badges awarded by national and international entities for excellence in operations and administration.
- Recognitions from U.S. agencies, including HSI and CIA, for significant contributions to international security and defense programs.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Professional Working
Timeline
Inspector General
Colombian Aerospace Force
01.2024 - Current
Commander, Air and Space Operations Command
Colombian Aerospace Force
01.2022 - 01.2023
Head, Air Intelligence Directorate
Colombian Aerospace Force
01.2019 - 01.2022
Commander, Combat Air Command No. 4 (CACOM-4)
Colombian Aerospace Force
01.2017 - 12.2017
Director, Helicopter School for the Armed Forces, CACOM-4
Colombian Aerospace Force
01.2014 - 12.2014
Commander, Technical Group CACOM No. 4
Colombian Aerospace Force
01.2012 - 12.2013
Master's in National Security and Defense -
Escuela Superior De Guerra
Executive Management Program (PADE) -
INALDE Business School, Universidad De La Sabana
Master's in Inter-American Defense and Security -
Inter-American Defense College
Specialist in Command and General Staff -
Escuela Superior De Guerra
Specialist in National Security and Defense -
Escuela Superior De Guerra
Diploma in Economic Intelligence in Defense -
Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins
Aeronautical Administrator -
Escuela Militar De Aviación "Marco Fidel Suárez"
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