Nebraska National Guard

Maj. Gen. Craig W. Strong has served as The Adjutant General of Nebraska, Director of the Nebraska Military Department, and Director of the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency since July 2023. Commissioned through Officer Candidate School in 1995, he has built a distinguished career in the Nebraska Army National Guard spanning operational leadership, strategic planning, and defense policy. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Nebraska, a Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. His military education includes the Army Command and General Staff College, Advanced Joint Professional Military Education, the Joint Task Force Commanders Course, and executive-level programs at institutions such as MIT and Syracuse University.

Throughout his military career, Major General Strong has commanded and served in numerous leadership positions within the Nebraska National Guard and at the Pentagon. Prior to becoming Adjutant General, he served as Special Assistant to the Director of the Army National Guard and previously as Deputy Director for Programs, Analysis, and Evaluation (J-8) at the Pentagon. He also served as Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, focusing on counternarcotics and global threats. Within Nebraska, he commanded the 67th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and the 110th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, while also serving in key operational and staff roles including Director of Operations (J3), Comptroller, and Executive Officer assignments.

Major General Strong deployed in support of operations in Iraq, serving as Commander of the 313th Medical Company in Tikrit and later as Support Operations Officer for the 110th Multifunctional Medical Battalion in Baghdad. He additionally served as Joint Task Force Commander during Hurricane Irma and Maria recovery operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands. His service has been recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, multiple Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Before entering the Active Guard Reserve program, Major General Strong practiced law with a focus on employment law and commercial transactions. He remains active in professional and civic organizations, including the Nebraska Bar Association, the National Guard Association of the United States, and Rotary International. His achievements include recognition as a Distinguished Graduate of the United States Army War College, the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award, and membership in honorary organizations such as the Order of Military Medical Merit and the Order of Barristers.