General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., the 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, served as the highest-ranking military officer in the United States and senior military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council. General Brown’s contributions have earned him widespread recognition, including being named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People. His extensive experience advising at the highest levels of government and engaging with international leaders offers unmatched insights into national security, emerging geopolitical threats, and navigating global complexity.

As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Brown led with a clear focus on strengthening the Joint Force’s warfighting readiness for the future—championing bold thinking, modernizing the force, and introducing new concepts to counter evolving threats. He emphasized that trust is the foundation of the military profession, both within the ranks and with the American people. Under his leadership, the Joint Staff focused on balancing risk, aligning strategic processes, and advancing Joint Force design and development to meet the demands of an evolving global security environment.

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Over the course of his military career, General Brown served in a wide range of leadership roles—from fighter squadron commander to Chief of Staff of the Air Force, becoming the first African American service chief in U.S. military history. He is a command pilot who has flown 20 different aircraft, accumulating more than 3,100 flight hours primarily in the F-16, including 130 combat hours. His leadership extended across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Middle East that included command of the air components for U.S. Central Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. As Chief of Staff, he drove innovation through his “Accelerate Change or Lose” strategic approach and championed interoperability among allies and partners through his “Integrated by Design” concept.

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A distinguished graduate of Texas Tech University’s Air Force ROTC program, he holds numerous decorations and honors reflecting his impact on national defense and global security. Beyond the uniform, he remains deeply grounded in family and driven by a commitment to inspire the next generation of leaders.

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In October, MPSF opens its 37th season with General Charles Q. Brown, Jr. for what promises to be a powerful and perspective-shaping evening. As the season’s opening speaker, his appearance sets the tone for a year defined by timely dialogue, global insight, and bold leadership. Subscribers will gain a rare, firsthand look into decision-making at the highest levels of national security, while experiencing the signature MPSF format—live, in-theater conversations that challenge assumptions, spark meaningful discussion, and bring our community together. It’s a compelling start to a season built to inform, engage, and inspire.

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