Vincent K. Brooks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vincent K. Brooks
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General Vincent K. Brooks
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| Born | 24 October 1958 Anchorage, Alaska |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1980–2019 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | United States Forces Korea United Nations Command ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command United States Army Pacific Third Army 1st Infantry Division 1st Cavalry Division 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Kosovo War War in Afghanistan Iraq War |
| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal Army Distinguished Service Medal (4) Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (4) Bronze Star Medal (2) |
| Relations | Major General Leo A. Brooks Sr. (father) Naomi Brooks (mother) Brigadier General Leo A. Brooks Jr. (brother) Francis K. Brooks (uncle) Brigadier General Mark C. Quander (cousin) |
Vincent Keith Brooks is a retired United States Army general who was born on October 24, 1958. He was in charge of the United States Forces Korea, United Nations Command, and the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command. Before that, he led the United States Army Pacific and the Third Army. General Brooks was also a spokesperson for the military during the War in Iraq, which made him well-known to the public. He retired from the Army on January 1, 2019.
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General Brooks's Early Life and Family
Vincent Brooks was born in Anchorage, Alaska. He grew up in California in a family with a strong military background. His father, Major General Leo A. Brooks Sr., and his brother, Brigadier General Leo A. Brooks Jr., both served in the United States Army and later retired. His uncle, Francis K. Brooks, was involved in politics in Vermont.
Brooks went to Thomas Jefferson High School in Alexandria, Virginia, for two years. He then graduated from Jesuit High School in Carmichael, California, in 1976. He was a good basketball player. He decided to follow his brother and attend the United States Military Academy at West Point to become an officer.
Becoming a Leader in the Army
At West Point, Vincent Brooks made history. He became the academy's first African-American First Captain. This was the highest leadership position a cadet could hold. This role brought him a lot of public attention at a young age. He graduated from West Point in 1980.
After graduating, Brooks served in many places, including South Korea and Kosovo. In Kosovo, he was a deputy commander for the U.S. forces and also led a brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division.
Important Roles During Conflicts
General Brooks later worked at the Pentagon with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. During the War in Iraq, he was temporarily assigned as a deputy director of operations for United States Central Command (CENTCOM). He often spoke to the media, explaining military actions. At that time, he was the youngest general officer in the Army.
After returning to the Pentagon in 2003, he became a lead planner for the Global War on Terrorism. He worked closely with different government agencies like the CIA and FBI.
Leading Divisions and Commands
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From 2006 to 2008, Brooks was the Deputy Commanding General of the 1st Cavalry Division. He spent 15 months in Baghdad, Iraq, helping to stabilize the city during a period known as "The Surge." After returning, he took command of the 1st Cavalry Division.
He later commanded the 1st Infantry Division in Kansas from 2009 to 2011. He led this unit to Iraq, where they were responsible for securing the southern part of the country.
After these commands, Brooks took charge of U.S. Army Central and the Third Army. This meant he oversaw all U.S. Army operations across the Middle East and Central Asia. During this time, he managed the reduction of troops in Iraq and the increase of forces in Afghanistan.
Pacific Pathways Program
As the Commanding General of United States Army Pacific, General Brooks created the "Pacific Pathways" program. This program sends a U.S. Army unit to different countries in Asia and the Pacific for up to three months. The goal is for the soldiers to learn about the region firsthand. This new approach has been praised by the countries involved.
Command in Korea and Retirement
In March 2016, General Brooks was chosen to lead the United States Forces Korea, the U.S.-South Korea Combined Forces Command, and the United Nations Command. He served in this role until October 2018. In November 2016, he was given the Korean name Park Yu-jong by a friendship association. This was to thank him for helping to make relations stronger between the American and Korean armed forces. He retired from the military on January 1, 2019.
Life After the Military
After retiring from the U.S. military, General Brooks joined the boards of several companies. He also works as a principal with WestExec Advisors, a company that helps defense businesses.
Awards and Decorations
General Brooks received many awards and decorations during his long and distinguished career. Some of these include:
- Defense Distinguished Service Medal
- Army Distinguished Service Medal
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Legion of Merit
- Bronze Star Medal
- Expert Infantryman Badge
- Combat Action Badge
- Ranger tab
- Senior Parachutist Badge
- Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge
- Army Staff Identification Badge
- NATO Medal for Kosovo
- Order of the Rising Sun, Grand Cordon (Japan)
- Order of National Security Merit, Tong-il Medal (Republic of Korea)
