[3] Dalton was commissioned as a University Cadet on 16 September 1973,[4] before being regraded as a pilot officer following graduation on 15 July 1976.

41 Squadron at RAF Coltishall flying the SEPECAT Jaguar on three tours, operating from the UK and Germany in both ground attack and tactical reconnaissance roles.

[3] Dalton was promoted to squadron leader on 1 July 1984,[8] and awarded a Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air in the 1987 New Year Honours.

[3] On promotion to air commodore on 1 January 2000,[12] he was appointed Head of the Eurofighter Typhoon Programme Assurance Group at the Ministry of Defence.

[3] Following the Higher Command and Staff Course in 2002, Dalton was appointed Head of Air Operations, also at the Ministry of Defence.

[3] On promotion to air vice marshal on 14 May 2003,[13] Dalton was appointed Director Information Superiority.

[20] In light of the Libyan conflict, Dalton warned that there "was a heck of a lot to be doing" and that the military was nearing the point of "exhaustion".

On 24 June 2011 The Daily Telegraph confirmed that Dalton, in common with the First Sea Lord and the Chief of the General Staff, would lose his position on the Defence Board, the highest non-ministerial Ministry of Defence committee, which makes decisions on all aspect of military policy.