Brown was a witness before the committee in the process of confirmation for an incoming chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In the event of confirmation, Brown would be the 21st individual to be elected chairman, and would be the first airman since Richard B. Myers stepped off the job in 2005. Brown will also be the first African American in the position. Army General. Colin L. Powell was chairman from 1989 until 1993.

If the nomination is approved, Brown would succeed Army Gen. Mark A. Milley in the role.

“I come before you today, having served the last three years as a service and joint chief,” Brown declared in his welcome remarks to the committee. “But for the 11 years prior, I served in seven assignments across four combatant commands.” The general was a part of the European Command, Africa Command, Central Command and Indo-Pacific Command.

“I’ve held leadership positions focused on our five national security challenges: China, Russia, North Korea, Iran and violent extremists,” the president said.

Brown’s background includes troops in the field and alongside allies as well as partners. “Having led to warfighters abroad [has] shaped my thinking,” Brown said. “As a result, I’m mindful of the security challenges at this consequential time and a need to accelerate to stay ahead of the growing threat.”

The U.S. military is the most powerful one in the world at present but the leadership need to make adjustments so that DOD is able to “implement the National Defense Strategy and prepare a joint force that can win the next war if called upon.”

A properly prepared and able combined force is the best guarantee for deterrence and the most important factor for peace. informed the committee.

Considers Nominee for Joint Chiefs Chairman, Part 2Brown is well aware of the importance of Congress and has pledged that he will work with lawmakers who are on the Hill to fund the defense of our nation and to strengthen the security of our nation.

He also pledged to strive to maintain “faith and confidence with our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, guardians and DOD civilians and their families.”

Taking Care of Our People

In addition the general also pledged to maintain and increase the trust and faith of the American citizens in their military. “Above all, I will dedicate myself to this proposition: That the American people should understand and know their military and its service members solely as unwavering defenders of the Constitution and our nation,” he stated.

Brown spoke about — broadly generalizedly lessons that were learned in his experience during the Russian attack on Ukraine. “Strategically, the thing I do think about is how the value of information early before the. Conflict started, and how that was able to bring not only a NATO closer together, but also to bring together allies or partners around the world,” Brown explained.

NATO

Then he emphasized the importance of establishing connections long before they are required.

This Russian invasion also highlighted the significance of logistical planning. “I think the Russians learned, if you don’t pay attention to the logistics, it’s hard to win, and hard move forward,” the official said. In addition the spokesman said that the duration of operations is longer than originally planned.

“I think the other piece that I would highlight is just that the will to fight,” Brown stated. Brown said that the determination and resolve that the Ukrainian people and their leaders was hard to quantify prior to the war. “But it pays a huge dividend,” he added.

Support for Ukraine

His final point is the importance in airpower. “Having watched what either side has been able to do, or not do, [emphasized] the value of air defense and integrated air defense, and how that’s been helpful to the Ukrainians in defense of the nation,” He said.

There’s a challenge when it comes to recruiting for the military and Brown has also addressed this issue declaring that he wants to make sure “that young people and their influencers understand the great opportunities provided by serving in the military.”

Americans should be aware that the military can provide excellent experiences. “There are many that have served in the military [and] have gone on to be successful, whether they stay for a full career, or stay for one tour,” he stated.

Prospective recruits should learn about the stories of people who been military personnel the spokesman stated. They should hear firsthand experiences to be aware of what to be expecting as a member of the military and why it is important. “It’s hard for them to be part of an organization if they don’t fully understand or appreciate it,” Brown stated. “We have a responsibility to reconnect with the nation, to talk about the opportunities and for all of us that are interested in national defense and national security. And we need to share the stories of what inspired us to join.”