In our alumni spotlight series, learn about CISA graduates’ most meaningful experiences from their time at NDU, how CISA impacted their careers, and the work they are doing to advance the CISA mission in their country, service, or agency.
Brigadier General Craig M. Hunter (Class of 2020)
Special Assistant for Strategic Initiatives
Maryland National Guard
Recently, Brigadier General Craig Hunter (Class of 2020) contacted the alumni office to update the College regarding his upcoming promotion. Little did he know that he was the one of the first U.S. graduates to be promoted to O-7 in the College’s 20-year history. BG Hunter comes from a military family background--his grandfather was in the Navy and his father was in the Air Force. He sees both men as his role models- by being good men, taking care of their families, and working hard to achieve success in life. From age five, Craig knew he was meant to be an aircraft pilot. The military gave him camaraderie, friendships, and partnerships. As such, he fully embraced the opportunities throughout his career to come together with his fellow service members to accomplish the mission set before them.
As he recounts his time at CISA, BG Hunter reflects on his interactions in the classroom, “I love the fact that over 50% of my classmates were from militaries around the globe—so many different perspectives. My time at CISA prepared me to promote the partnerships and coalitions in national security needed to accomplish the mission at the international level.”
His career in the U.S. National Guard has led to dozens of awards and decorations over the years, including the Legion of Merit, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and National Defense Service Medal to name a few. However, when asked about his most meaningful achievement, BG Hunter humbly responds that it was being honored with the U.S. Capitol Police Medal of Merit for his leadership of U.S. National Guard members from all 50 states and the District of Columbia during the peaceful transfer of power in 2021. His career success reflects his favorite quote, “Have a vision, formulate a plan, and execute with audacity.”
Connect with Brigadier General Craig Hunter on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-m-hunter-49311838/.