Cq Brown

About Cq Brown

I most recently served as the 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—the nation’s highest-ranking military officer and principal military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council. I retired from the U.S. Air Force after nearly 40 years of dedicated service, having previously served as the 22nd Chief of Staff of the Air Force and becoming the first African American service chief in U.S. military history.I earned my commission in 1984 as a ROTC distinguished graduate at Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. While I originally planned to become an Air Force engineer, a T-37 incentive flight inspired me to pursue becoming a pilot. Over my career, I became a command pilot, logging over 3,100 flying hours—primarily in the F-16—including 130 combat hours, and I’ve flown 20 additional fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.I had the privilege of leading and deploying in support of multiple operations, commanding at every level—including a fighter squadron, the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, and two fighter wings. I also served as Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command and as a two-time Air Component Commander at U.S. Air Forces Central Command and Pacific Air Forces, gaining extensive experience in coalition airpower and global joint operations. As Chief of Staff, I focused on preparing the Air Force for future conflict through my strategic approach, “Accelerate Change or Lose.” I codified doctrine to empower Airmen through mission command and strengthened allied and partner interoperability through the concept “Integrated by Design.”As Chairman, I emphasized that honing the Joint Force’s warfighting skill must have primacy in all we do. I championed bold thinking to modernize the force and encouraged leading with new concepts and approaches to address emerging threats. Just as importantly, I consistently stressed that trust is the foundation of our military profession—within the ranks and with the American people. Under my leadership, the Joint Staff worked to balance risk, align strategic processes, and advance Joint Force design and development to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global security environment.Throughout my career, my family has been a constant source of strength. Of all my roles, being a husband, father, son, and brother remain the most meaningful to me.Inspired by the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and honored to be named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People, I remain committed to using my experience to make a difference and to inspire the next generation.

Experience

1. Member Board of Directors

   Air & Space Forces Association

   Jan 2026 — Present

Education

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

  Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Science

• Texas Tech University

  Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering