The White House announced that President Joe Biden has chosen U.S. Air Force General Charles Q. Brown to become the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, marking a promotion for a former fighter pilot with extensive experience in the Pacific region amid rising tensions with China. Brown's appointment is subject to Senate approval. If confirmed, he will become the second Black officer to lead the Joint Chiefs of Staff after Colin Powell, who served 20 years ago.
A senior administration official stated that "the president accepted a recommendation from Austin to select Brown for this position, and he believes Brown understands the strategic challenges facing the United States around the world." The official added, "Brown helped plan and lead the air campaign against ISIS. He is well aware of the challenges posed by the People's Republic of China and has a strong understanding of our NATO allies' perspectives and capabilities."
Brown describes himself as an introvert, contrasting sharply with his outgoing predecessor, General Mark Milley, whose tenure spanned both the Trump and Biden administrations. This move follows Biden's appointment of Lloyd Austin as the first Black U.S. Secretary of Defense.
