Maryland National Guard welcomes newest general officer
By Capt. Dylan Bradford
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. – Maryland Army National Guard Col. Craig M. Hunter, the adjutant general’s special assistant for strategic initiatives, was promoted to the rank of brigadier general during a ceremony held at the Top of the Bay restaurant, June 15, 2024.
Brig. Gen. Hunter recently transitioned from the District of Columbia Army National Guard to be the direct advisor on organizational analysis, program implementation, research, and conflict resolution to Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, adjutant general for Maryland.
While serving as commander of Joint Task Force Guardian in 2021, Hunter coordinated the National Guard response to secure the U.S. Capitol and surrounding federal sites following the January 6th attacks. Birckhead, who led 14,000 National Guard troops from across the nation providing security for the Presidential Inauguration, saw firsthand Hunter’s leadership calling him an “exemplary leader of integrity.”
“We crossed paths several times during the Capitol Response mission,” said Birckhead. “His hard work and determination to ensure the safety of the District of Columbia and Capitol Hill did not go unnoticed.”
Hunter, who commissioned in 2002, held various leadership roles in the Army aviation branch throughout his military career including brigade commander for the Aviation Command, serving as the State Army Aviation Officer and as commander of the CounterDrug Task Force in the DC Army National Guard.
He has accumulated nearly 2,500 flight hours, including more than 360 of those in combat, and is qualified to fly multiple helicopters including the AH-64 Apache and the UH-60 Black Hawk.
During the ceremony, his wife pinned the single silver star on each shoulder of his uniform. In his remarks, Hunter acknowledged those who helped him along the way.
“One word comes to mind – gratitude,” said Hunter. “A coach talks to you, a mentor talks with you, and a sponsor talks for you in circles you don’t have access to. I am grateful to have had all three during my career. It is impossible to be successful without sponsorship, so please commit to opening doors for those who will follow in your footsteps.”
In December 2017, he became the deputy commander of the Joint Special Operations Aviation Component, where he was responsible for ensuring the brigade’s organization, administration, training, readiness, and daily combat operations, supporting Operations Inherent Resolve and the defeat of ISIS.
“Col. Hunter has always exercised keen judgment in times of difficult decision-making. Through his leadership, he established a professional trust among his teammates that he would make the best decisions for the organization,” said retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Frederick L. Hall, the former State Aviation Safety Officer for the District of Columbia Army National Guard. “This guy here is a performer, and he will perform. Thank you to Maj. Gen. Birckhead for fostering that relationship. You guys are winning.”
Hunter has numerous military awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Army Master Aviator Badge.
He is looking forward to passing along his knowledge and advice to the next generation of service members coming behind him to improve the National Guard.
“I commit to coach, teach, and most of all, sponsor our future leaders,” said Hunter. “I commit to promoting diversity, discipline, and dedication. We are already an outstanding organization, let’s take it to the next level.”
