Experience

General Tom Lawson attended the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) to attain a degree in Electrical Engineering, later teaching engineering there as a Professor. Following pilot training, he was posted to various bases in Canada and Europe, where he flew CF-104 Starfighters, CF-18 Hornets, Challengers and Airbus aircraft. Lawson has commanded at several levels during his career, including as Commanding Officer of 412 Squadron, as Wing Commander of 8 Wing in Trenton, and as Commandant of RMC. As a General officer, Lawson was appointed Deputy Commander of the RCAF, Deputy Commander of NORAD, and ultimately Canada’s 18th Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS). As CDS, Lawson oversaw the completion of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan, the deployment of Canadian troops to Eastern Europe as part of NATO’s response following Russian aggression in Crimea, and Canada’s contribution to the coalition effort against the Islamic State (ISIS). Among numerous Canadian and international honours, General Lawson was appointed a Commander of the Order of Military Merit, one of Canada’s highest military distinctions.

General Lawson now provides strategic advice to Canadian and American defence and security firms. General Lawson holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from RMC. He also attended the United States Air Force (USAF) Staff College in Montgomery, Alabama, earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Auburn University, and completed the USAF Air War College Program.