Charles Q. Brown Jr.

Charles Q. Brown Jr. is a general in the United States Air Force who serves as the 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is the second African American officer, after Colin Powell, to hold the nation's highest military position. A command pilot with over 3,000 flight hours, including 130 combat hours, his career has included key leadership roles across Indo-Pacific, Central, and European theaters.

Early life and education

Born on August 4, 1962, in San Antonio, Texas, he is the son of a United States Army officer and grew up in various locations, including Virginia and Hawaii. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and was commissioned through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program. His military education includes the Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base, the Air Command and Staff College, and the Air War College. He also earned a Master of Science in aeronautical science from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University.

Military career

Commissioned in 1984, he completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. An experienced F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, his early operational assignments included posts with the 35th Fighter Squadron in Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, and the 79th Fighter Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. He later commanded the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan Air Base and the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base in Italy. His staff and joint assignments have been extensive, including service as the Director of Operations for United States Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base and as a legislative fellow in the United States House of Representatives. He served as the Deputy Commander of United States Central Command before ascending to senior Air Force commands, leading United States Air Forces Central Command during operations against the Islamic State, and later commanding Pacific Air Forces at Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Nominated by President Joe Biden in May 2023, he was confirmed by the United States Senate in September 2023 and succeeded General Mark A. Milley. As Chairman, he serves as the principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council. His tenure is focused on strategic competition, notably with China and Russia, modernizing the joint force, and integrating new domains like cyber and space. He works closely with the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, currently Admiral Christopher W. Grady, and the service chiefs, including Air Force Chief of Staff General David W. Allvin.

Personal life

He is married to Sharene Brown, and they have two sons. An advocate for mentorship and diversity within the military, his confirmation hearing included a powerful video message on race and service that garnered national attention. His personal motto, "Accelerate Change or Lose," which he promoted as Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, emphasizes the need for rapid adaptation within the United States Department of the Air Force.

Awards and decorations

His personal military decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Air Medal. He has also received the Order of National Security Merit from South Korea and the Order of the Rising Sun from Japan. He is a rated command pilot and wears the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge.

Category:1962 births Category:Living people Category:United States Air Force generals Category:Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Category:Texas Tech University alumni Category:People from San Antonio