D. Craig Aitchison

Major-General David Craig Aitchison (born June 4, 1968) is a former Canadian military officer, who most recently served as the commander of the Canadian Defence Academy. He is the former Director of Army Staff and Director of Infantry for the Canadian Forces, the former Commandant of the Infantry School, the former Commander of the Combat Training Centre, and former Deputy Commanding General for Operations with US Army Alaska. MGen Aitchison holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick. a master's degree in Defence Studies from the Joint Command and Staff Program at the Canadian Forces College, as well as a master's degree in Military Art and Science from the United States Army School of Advanced Military Studies. He was promoted major-general in June 2020 and took command of the Canadian Defense Academy in August 2020.

Life D. Craig Aitchison was born on June 4, 1968, to William Joseph Aitchison and Elva Aitchison. Aitchison is the second of three sons to Joe and Elva. His father, W.J. Aitchison, is a retired Colonel, and the former Colonel of The Regiment for The Royal Canadian Regiment. His brother Alan is a retired Master Warrant Officer.

Aitchison joined the Canadian Forces Reserves in January 1985 with the Royal New Brunswick Regiment. He transferred into the Regular Force in 1987 through the Regular Officer Training Plan, while attending University of New Brunswick.

Military career

Training and Early Postings Aitchison joined the Canadian Forces (Reserve) in January 1985 and transferred to the Regular Force (ROTP) in 1987. He attended the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton and graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. On completion of Infantry Phase IV training, he was posted to 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (2 RCR). He served as a Rifle Platoon Commander, Battalion Intelligence Officer and Assistant Adjutant. He deployed to the Former Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) as Intelligence Officer on Operation CAVALIER Roto 0.

Promotion to General

On January 31, 2017, it was announced that BGen Aitchison would be promoted acting while so employed to the rank of Brigadier-General and will be appointed Chief of Staff for the Coalition Forces Land Component Command (CFLCC-I).

Aitchison was promoted to Brigadier-General on April 3, 2017.

In August 2020, following his promotion to Major-General, Aitchison assumed command of the Canadian Defence Academy. He is the former chair of the senate of the Royal Canadian Regiment. Aitchison retired from the Canadian Armed Forces in 2023.

Aitchison was appointed a Commander of the Order of Military Merit on September 23, 2022.