Having graduated in 2001 from the United States Army Command and General Staff College with both a Diploma and Master's in Military Arts and Science, Chief of Defence Staff Brig Edmund Dillon had every reason to be smile.

Now, seven years later he is again smiling, this time, after being inducted into the college's International Officer Hall of Fame.

The induction took place on October 2, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and among the attendees were the Brigadier's three children-Cleavon, Adeisha, Toni and his wife Ava.

Brigadier Dillon's induction now makes him the fourth national to receive such an honour.

The other holders are former Defence Force Chiefs of Staff, Brig's Carl Alfonso, John Sandy and Ancil Antoine.

Also being honoured alongside Brig Dillon were General Jeremiah Mutinda Kianga, Chief of the General Staff of the Kenya Armed Forces; Lt General Robert AC Bertholee, Commander of the Royal Netherlands Army and Lt General Teodor Frunzeti, Chief of Staff of Land Forces Romania.

Speaking with the Express on Friday about his latest honour, Brig Dillon said upon receiving the news, he was elated and very happy.

"I was very elated to be one of the four," Dillon said.

Stating that over 7,000 international officers have graduated from the college, Brig Dillon said he was the 230th graduating student, "and I am in fact very, very happy and pleased."

Describing the time spent at the college as "an exciting, educating, experience where I was able to interact with more than 80 officers from different countries," Dillon said the experience allowed him to get a better understanding of the different cultures and societies worldwide.

Adding the educational journey was a comfortable one, Dillon said this was possible due to the support he received from his wife and children.

Established in 1973, the International Hall of Fame honours graduates who went on to attain the highest positions by rank or responsibility in their nation's Military Forces or a Multi-National Military Organisation.

Induction into the International Hall of Fame is one of Fort Leavenworth's highest honours for International Students who once attended the College.

Inductees are presented with the college's honour certificate by the Military Order of the World Wars representative, a Life Constituent Certificate and an eagle statuette from the colleges' Foundation.

Their framed portrait is displayed, alongside previous members in the International Hall of Fame located on the 3rd floor of Lewis & Clark Centre, Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.