Lieutenant Colonel Phil Desmarais serves as the Commanding Officer of the Canadian NORAD Space Detachment. With over 25 years of experience in air and space operations, command and control, and military instruction, he brings a wealth of expertise to the evolving domain of space defense. A graduate of the Royal Military College and the Canadian Forces College, LCol Desmarais holds a Master of Defence Studies and has held key positions across North America, including the Canadian Air Defence Sector, Cavalier AFS, and Vandenberg SFB and 1 Canadian Air Division Headquarters in Winnipeg, MB. He is a proponent of productive disruption, advocating for self-awareness and leadership development. He is also a musician, outdoor enthusiast and lifelong learner who strives to balance his professional life with a rich family life.