Charles Alvin Gabriel (January 21, 1928 – September 4, 2003) was the 11th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.

He was a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff which, as a body, acts as the principal military adviser to the president, the National Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense.

Following graduation from high school, he attended Catawba College, Salisbury, North Carolina, for two years before entering the United States Military Academy.

In July 1959, Gabriel transferred to Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, where he served as adjutant for the 3550th Pilot Training Group and commander of the Headquarters Squadron Section.

While wing commander he accepted orders from General John D. Lavelle to falsify classified operations reports.

In April 1979, Gabriel returned to Air Force headquarters as deputy chief of staff for operations, plans and readiness.