Constantin Croitoru

General locotenent Constantin Croitoru (born 5 May 1952 in Dițești, Prahova County) was the Chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff until 30 January 2009.

He was discharged by the Minister of National Defense, Mihai Stănișoară, after it has been discovered that various weapons were missing from a military depot near Ciorogârla, Ilfov County.

Military career He joined the military in 1974 after graduating from the Air Force Military School. He attended the courses of the Academy of High Military Studies from 1981 to 1983. After graduation, he was appointed Chief Instructor of the 70th Air Division. During his career, he also was assigned as air base and air division commander at the Air Operational Command, Chief of Operations Directorate, and Deputy Director of the General Staff. His most recent appointment was as Director of the General Directorate for Defense Intelligence.

Croitoru has considerable flight experience; he has lodged some 1,500 flying hours on a variety of aircraft, including MiG-15, MiG-21 LanceR, MiG-29, and IAR 316.

Personal life Constantin Croitoru is married and has a son.

Education Air Force Military School, 1974 Military Academy, Air Force and Air defense Branch, 1983 Brigade/Regiment Commander Course, 1993 Improvement Course for Strategic Operation Management, 1996 National Defense College, 2001 English language advanced course, Canada, 2002 Teaching Personnel Training Course, Bucharest, 2006

Appointments 1974-1984 – pilot, chief pilot and patrol leader, 57th Fighter Regiment 1984-1990 – Chief Instructor, 70th Air Division 1990-1994 – staff officer, Methodical Training Office, Air Force and Air Defense Staff 1994-1995 – Deputy Commander, responsible for flying operations, 70th Air Division 1995-1998 – Deputy Commander, responsible for flying operations, 1st Air Corps "Siret" 1998-2000 – Deputy Chief, Doctrine and Training, Air Force Staff 2000-2001 – Chief of Staff, 1st Air Division "Siret" 2001-2002 – Commander of the 90th Airlift Base 2002-2003 – Commander of the 1st Air Division 2003-2005 – Commander Main Air Operational Command 2005-2006 – Deputy Director General Staff 2006-2007 – Director of the General Directorate for Defense Intelligence March 2007-January 2009 – Chief of Air Force Staff

Promotions 1977 – Second Lieutenant 1978 – Lieutenant 1981 - Captain 1986 – Major 1990 – Lieutenant Colonel 1994 – Colonel 2001 – Brigadier General 2004 – Major General 2006 – Lieutenant General