John W. Brennan Jr. (born ) is a United States Army lieutenant general who has served as the deputy commander of United States Africa Command since April 2024. He has previously served as director of operations of the United States Special Operations Command from October 2022 to July 2023, commander of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve from September 2021 to September 2022, Commanding General of the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) from November 2019 to August 2021, and as the Deputy Commander of Joint Special Operations Command.
He was the commander of the 5th Special Forces Group from August 2013 to July 2015. In March 2023, Brennan was nominated for promotion to lieutenant general with assignment as the deputy commander of United States Africa Command.
A career Special Forces officer, Brennan was commissioned in 1990 via the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. His assignments included as commander, SFOD-A; commander, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group; S-3 officer, troop commander, squadron operations officer, and squadron commander, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta (Delta Force); deputy J33, Joint Special Operations Command; executive officer to the Commander of Army Special Operations Command; deputy commander of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force–Afghanistan; and chief of staff and deputy commander of Special Operations Command. Brennan commanded the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force–Syria; and the Train, Advise, Assist Command East.
Awards and decorations
BadgeCombat Infantryman BadgeBadgeMaster Parachutist Badge1st rowDefense Superior Service Medal 2nd rowLegion of Merit Bronze Star Defense Meritorious Service Medal 3rd rowMeritorious Service Medal Joint Service Commendation MedalArmy Commendation Medal4th rowArmy Achievement MedalNational Defense Service Medal Afghanistan Campaign Medal 5th rowIraq Campaign Medal Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal6th rowGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalArmy Service RibbonArmy Overseas Service RibbonTabsSpecial Forces TabRanger TabBadgesMilitary Freefall Parachutist BadgeAir Assault BadgeSpecial Operations Diver Badge
References