WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Joe Biden has nominated General Charles Q. Brown Jr., affectionately known as CQ Brown, to succeed General Mark A. Milley as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest-ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces.
General CQ Brown, a distinguished officer with a career spanning over three decades, is currently serving as the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, a role he assumed in August 2020. He has been recognized for his critical contributions to recent military operations and policy planning, and he is praised widely for his strategic insight and leadership abilities.
President Biden announced the nomination during a White House press briefing, stating, “General Brown is uniquely qualified to lead our military in this crucial role. He has shown exceptional leadership capabilities, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication to our nation’s defence.”
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff serves as the primary military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council, playing a critical role in coordinating military activities and offering advice on defence policy.
General Brown’s nomination arrives when the U.S. military faces an array of global challenges, including rising tensions with China and Russia, persistent threats of terrorism, and the need for modernization and readiness amid rapidly changing technological landscapes.
Brown has suggested that his primary focus would be maintaining readiness across all branches of the armed services, driving ongoing modernization efforts to counter 21st-century threats, and bolstering the military’s diversity and inclusivity efforts.
The nomination will now proceed to the Senate for confirmation. A majority vote is necessary for Brown to assume the position.
General Mark A. Milley’s term as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is scheduled to conclude in September. He has served in this position since September 2019, taking over from General Joseph Dunford.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff include the Chairman, the Vice Chairman, the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau. This body plays a significant role in shaping military policy and advising the President and other high-ranking officials on national security matters.
