🪖 CQ Brown: From Fighter Pilot to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
As a young Air Force pilot, Charles Q. CQ Brown Jr. never imagined he would one day lead the entire U.S. military. Yet in 2023, Brown became the first African-American appointed as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation’s highest military position. His journey is marked by quiet strength, skill in the cockpit, and a deep sense of duty — all shaped by breaking barriers without ever seeking the spotlight.
🟣 From Military Family to Fighter Pilot
Born in 1962 in San Antonio, Texas, Brown grew up in a family deeply connected to the military. His father, Charles Q. Brown Sr., served in Vietnam and retired as a colonel. Brown was inspired early on, but his decision to pursue aviation was fueled by seeing Tuskegee Airmen images in his school library.
Graduating from Texas Tech University with an ROTC commission, Brown embarked on a career as a fighter pilot, mastering the F-16 Fighting Falcon. His talent and calm demeanor earned him respect among peers, despite the Air Force still being dominated by white officers.
“I didn’t get to where I am by myself,” Brown often says, reflecting on mentors who helped him navigate a system not built for him.
🟣 Combat, Command, and Quiet Breakthroughs
Brown flew combat missions in the Middle East, including Operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. He logged more than 3,000 flight hours, including 130 in combat.
As he rose through the ranks, Brown became known for leading with precision, fairness, and an unshakable calm. In 2018, he was appointed commander of Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), overseeing U.S. air operations across half the globe.
In 2020, amidst the turbulence following the murder of George Floyd, Brown recorded a deeply personal video,
In it, he openly shared the burden of being Black in America and in uniform, stating:
“I’m thinking about how full I am with emotion, not just for George Floyd but for the many African-Americans who have suffered the same fate.”
His vulnerability marked a rare moment of candor from military leadership — and resonated widely, especially among younger service members.
🟣 Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
Brown became the Chief of Staff of the Air Force in 2020 — the first African-American to hold the position.
In 2023, President Joe Biden appointed him Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, making him the senior-most military officer in the United States and the first African-American to hold this position in its history.
Brown now leads the military at a time of geopolitical tension, while continuing to quietly advocate for inclusivity and dignity within the ranks.
“I hope I’m an example for young folks who don’t believe they can do things,” Brown said.
“I’m living proof you can.”
#CQBrown #AfricanAmericanValorSeries #USAirForce #ChairmanJointChiefs #ModernMilitary #BlackExcellence #RoutesMagazine
WATCH: What Am I Thinking | General CQ Brown
WATCH: “Hopefully I gave a voice to others” – Gen CQ Brown Jr on his video about being a Black airman
- A Night of Jazz, Legacy, and the Unexpected at Unterfahrt - June 18, 2025
- Cultural Wrap-Up May 27, 2025 | Gladys Knight … - May 27, 2025
- Cultural Wrap-Up May 23, 2025 | Patti LaBelle … - May 23, 2025