Colonel Ian Palmer, representing the US Army, was a National Security Affairs Fellow for the academic year 2019–20 at the Hoover Institution.

Colonel Palmer graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1997 with a BA degree in psychology. He was commissioned as an armor officer and served assignments throughout the United States and Germany as well as operational assignments in Kosovo, Turkey, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Prior to his fellowship at Hoover, Ian commanded the 8th Squadron, 1st US Cavalry in the 7th Infantry Division, from 2015 to 2017 and the 3rd Squadron, 1st Security Forces Assistance Brigade, from 2017 to 2019. 

He earned MAs in liberal arts from Louisiana State University and in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College.

Upon completion of his fellowship, Ian will assume command of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, at Fort Hood, Texas.