Charles Q. Brown Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Q. Brown Jr.
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Official portrait, 2023
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| Nickname(s) | CQ |
| Born | 2 March 1962 San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1984–Present |
| Rank | General |
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| Signature |  |
Charles Quinton Brown Jr. (born March 2, 1962) is a highly respected United States Air Force general. He served as the 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2023 to 2025. This is the highest military position in the United States.
Before this, General Brown was the 22nd Chief of Staff of the Air Force from 2020 to 2023. He joined the Air Force in 1984. He became a skilled fighter pilot, flying over 3,000 hours, including 130 hours in combat missions. He has led many important Air Force units.
In 2020, General Brown made history. He became the first African American to lead a branch of the United States Armed Forces. Time magazine recognized him in 2020. They included him on their list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Charles Quinton Brown Jr. was born in 1962. His family lived in San Antonio, Texas. He was given the nickname "CQ." His father, Charles Sr., served in the Army for 30 years. He reached the rank of colonel. His grandfather also served in World War II.
Brown finished high school in 1980 in Newport News, Virginia. He then went to Texas Tech University in Lubbock. He earned a degree in civil engineering. He was also a top graduate of the Air Force ROTC program. This program trains college students to become military officers.
Later, in 1994, while serving in the Air Force, Brown continued his education. He earned a master's degree in aeronautical science. This was from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Military Career Highlights
General Brown started his career as a second lieutenant in 1985. He quickly took on different roles. He worked at both the squadron and wing levels. He even became an instructor at the United States Air Force Weapons School. There, he taught others how to fly the F-16 jet.
He also held important staff jobs. These included working for the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. He also helped direct operations for the U.S. Central Command. He is known as a command pilot. This means he has many hours flying different aircraft. He has flown over 2,900 hours, including 130 hours in combat.
Leading Air Force Units
Brown has commanded several important units. He led a fighter squadron and the U.S. Air Force Weapons School. He also commanded two fighter wings. One of these was the 8th Fighter Wing, known as "Wolf Pack." This unit is based at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea.
In June 2009, he was promoted to brigadier general. He then commanded the 31st Fighter Wing in Aviano Air Base, Italy. In May 2013, he became a major general. He was appointed deputy commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command.
In June 2015, Brown earned his third star. He was appointed commander of United States Air Forces Central Command (USAFCENT). In this role, he oversaw all Air Force operations in the Middle East and Central Asia.
In July 2018, Brown became a four-star general. He was chosen to lead Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). As PACAF commander, he managed all major U.S. Air Force operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
Chief of Staff of the Air Force
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On March 2, 2020, President Donald Trump nominated General Brown. He was chosen to be the next Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. On June 9, 2020, the United States Senate approved his nomination. This was a unanimous vote (98–0).
With this, he became the first African American to lead a branch of the United States Armed Forces. As Air Force Chief of Staff, he advised the President and Secretary of Defense. He was responsible for organizing, training, and equipping all Air Force personnel.
General Brown focused on making the Air Force more flexible. He worked to ensure it could operate even under attack. He also supported the new United States Space Force. He believed the Space Force would bring much innovation. He emphasized the importance of controlling space. He promised full teamwork between the Air Force and Space Force.
He also helped bring new tanker aircraft, like the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus, into the Air Force fleet. This helped modernize the Air Force.
In 2021, General Brown was honored during Black History Month. He was recognized for being the first African-American military chief of staff. He also became an honorary Tuskegee Airman. He received a special red jacket in a ceremony.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
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General Brown was considered a top choice for the position. On May 25, 2023, President Joe Biden officially nominated him. He was chosen to succeed General Mark Milley. He would become the 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The Senate confirmed his nomination on September 20, 2023. He was sworn in on September 29. His term officially began on October 1, 2023.
After the 2023 Israel–Hamas war began, General Brown stated that the U.S. military could support both Israel and Ukraine. He also warned Iran not to get involved in the conflict. In August 2024, he visited Israel. There, he met with Israeli defense leaders. They discussed threats from Iran.
Education and Training
General Brown has a strong educational background. He also completed many specialized military training courses.
- 1984: Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock
- 1991: U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada
- 1994: Master of Aeronautical Science degree, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida
- 1997: Distinguished graduate, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Alabama
- 2004: National Defense Fellow, Institute for Defense Analyses, Alexandria, Virginia
Awards and Decorations
General Brown has received many awards and decorations for his service. These show his bravery and leadership.
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Other Recognition
- In 2022, General Brown received the Golden Plate Award. This award is from the American Academy of Achievement.
Images for kids
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General Charles Q. Brown Jr.'s signature
See also
In Spanish: Charles Q. Brown, Jr. para niños
