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{{short description|US Army general}}
{{short description|American four star Army general (born 1958)}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Infobox military person
|name= Vincent K. Brooks
| name = Vincent K. Brooks
|image= Brooks 2016.jpeg
| image = GEN Vincent K. Brooks.jpg
|image_size=
| image_size =
|alt=
| alt =
|caption= General Vincent K. Brooks
| caption = General Vincent K. Brooks
|nickname= "Vince"
| nickname =
|birth_date= {{Birth date and age|1958|10|24}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1958|10|24}}
|birth_place= [[Anchorage, Alaska]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Anchorage, Alaska]], U.S.
|death_date=
| death_date =
|death_place=
| death_place =
|placeofburial=
| placeofburial =
|allegiance= United States
| allegiance = United States
|branch= [[United States Army]]
| branch = [[United States Army]]
|serviceyears= 1980–2019
| serviceyears = 1980–2019
|rank= [[General (United States)|General]]
| rank = [[General (United States)|General]]
|servicenumber=
| servicenumber =
|unit=
| unit =
|commands= [[United States Forces Korea]]<br/>[[United Nations Command (Korea)|United Nations Command]]<br/>[[ROK/U.S. Combined Forces Command|ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command]]<br/>[[United States Army Pacific]]<br/>[[Third United States Army|Third Army]]<br/>[[1st Infantry Division (United States)|1st Infantry Division]]<br/>[[1st Cavalry Division (United States)|1st Cavalry Division]]<br/>1st Brigade Combat Team, [[3rd Infantry Division (United States)|3rd Infantry Division]]<br/>2nd Battalion, [[9th Infantry Regiment (United States)|9th Infantry Regiment]]
| commands = [[United States Forces Korea]]<br/>[[United Nations Command (Korea)|United Nations Command]]<br/>[[ROK/U.S. Combined Forces Command|ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command]]<br/>[[United States Army Pacific]]<br/>[[Third United States Army|Third Army]]<br/>[[1st Infantry Division (United States)|1st Infantry Division]]<br/>[[1st Cavalry Division (United States)|1st Cavalry Division]]<br/>1st Brigade Combat Team, [[3rd Infantry Division (United States)|3rd Infantry Division]]<br/>2nd Battalion, [[9th Infantry Regiment (United States)|9th Infantry Regiment]]
|battles= [[Kosovo War]]<br/>[[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|War in Afghanistan]]<br/>[[Iraq War]]
| battles = [[Kosovo War]]<br/>[[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]]<br/>[[Iraq War]]
|awards= [[Defense Distinguished Service Medal]]<br/>[[Army Distinguished Service Medal]] (4)<br/>[[Defense Superior Service Medal]]<br/>[[Legion of Merit]] (4)<br/>[[Bronze Star Medal]] (2)
| awards = [[Defense Distinguished Service Medal]]<br/>[[Army Distinguished Service Medal]] (4)<br/>[[Defense Superior Service Medal]]<br/>[[Legion of Merit]] (4)<br/>[[Bronze Star Medal]] (2)
|relations= Major General [[Leo A. Brooks Sr.]] (father)<br/>Brigadier General [[Leo A. Brooks Jr.]] (brother)<br/>[[Francis K. Brooks]] (uncle)
| relations = Major General [[Leo A. Brooks Sr.]] (father)<br/>[[Naomi Brooks]] (mother)<br>Brigadier General [[Leo A. Brooks Jr.]] (brother)<br/>[[Francis K. Brooks]] (uncle)<br />Brigadier General [[Mark Quander|Mark C. Quander]] (cousin)
|laterwork=
| laterwork =
}}
}}
'''Vincent Keith Brooks''' (born October 24, 1958) is a retired [[United States Army]] [[General (United States)|general]] who last commanded [[United States Forces Korea]], [[United Nations Command]], and ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command. He previously served as the commanding general of [[United States Army Pacific]] and prior to that as the commanding general of [[Third Army (United States)|Third Army]].<ref name=DVIDS20110603>{{cite web|title=Lt. Gen. Brooks assumed command of Third Army|url=http://www.dvidshub.net/news/71564/lt-gen-brooks-assumes-command-third-army|publisher=DVIDS|accessdate=5 June 2011}}</ref> Brooks was the [[United States Central Command]] Deputy Director of Operations during the [[War in Iraq]], and frequently briefed the media, which raised his public profile. He also served as the Chief of Army Public Affairs [[The Pentagon]]. He was the deputy commander of [[1st Cavalry Division (United States)|1st Cavalry Division]] in Baghdad during the 2006–2008 "surge" and upon returning to the United States became the commanding general of the same division. He later was commanding general of the [[1st Infantry Division (United States)|1st Infantry Division]]. Brooks assumed command in Korea on April 30, 2016 and was succeeded by [[Robert B. Abrams]] in November 2018, and he retired on January 1, 2019.
'''Vincent Keith Brooks''' (born October 24, 1958) is a retired [[United States Army]] [[General (United States)|general]] who last commanded [[United States Forces Korea]], [[United Nations Command]], and ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command. He previously served as the commanding general of [[United States Army Pacific]] and prior to that as the commanding general of [[Third Army (United States)|Third Army]].<ref name=DVIDS20110603>{{cite web|title=Lt. Gen. Brooks assumed command of Third Army|url=http://www.dvidshub.net/news/71564/lt-gen-brooks-assumes-command-third-army|publisher=DVIDS|access-date=5 June 2011}}</ref> Brooks was the [[United States Central Command]] Deputy Director of Operations during the [[War in Iraq]], and frequently briefed the media, which raised his public profile. He also served as the Chief of Army Public Affairs [[The Pentagon]]. He was the deputy commander of [[1st Cavalry Division (United States)|1st Cavalry Division]] in Baghdad during the 2006–2008 "surge" and upon returning to the United States became the commanding general of the same division. He later was commanding general of the [[1st Infantry Division (United States)|1st Infantry Division]]. Brooks assumed command in Korea on April 30, 2016 and was succeeded by [[Robert B. Abrams]] in November 2018, then retired on January 1, 2019.


==Family==
==Family==
Brooks was born in [[Anchorage, Alaska]], on October 24, 1958. He grew up as an [[Army brat]] in a prominent military family in [[California]]. His father, Major General [[Leo A. Brooks Sr.]], and brother, Brigadier General [[Leo A. Brooks Jr.]], both retired after careers in the [[United States Army]].<ref>Boeing Corporation, [http://www.boeing.com/boeing/aboutus/govt_ops/leadership/brooks_leo.page Biography, Leo A. Brooks, Jr.], 2011</ref><ref>Virginia State University Alumni Association, [http://www.vsuaaonline.com/alumni_military/print/ Alumni in the military], Leo A. Brooks, Sr., accessed May 7, 2013</ref> His uncle, [[Francis K. Brooks]], was the majority leader of the [[Vermont House of Representatives]] and a member of the [[Vermont Senate]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Hawkins |first=Walter L. |date= 2009-02-13|title=Black American Military Leaders: A Biographical Dictionary |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y40-CgAAQBAJ&pg=PA59 |location=Jefferson, NC |publisher=McFarland & Company |pages=59–60 |isbn=978-0-7864-4462-5 |ref={{sfnRef|''Black American Military Leaders: A Biographical Dictionary''}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://legislature.vermont.gov/people/single/2018/27153 |title=Biography, Senator Francis K. Brooks |author=Secretary of the Vermont Senate |work=Vermont General Assembly |publisher=Vermont Senate |location=Montpelier, VT |accessdate=February 21, 2017 |ref={{sfnRef|"Biography, Senator Francis K. Brooks"}}}}</ref> Brooks attended [[Thomas Jefferson High School (Alexandria, Virginia)|Thomas Jefferson High School]] in [[Alexandria, Virginia]] for two years, and then [[Jesuit High School (Sacramento)|Jesuit High School]] in [[Carmichael, California]], where he graduated in 1976. He was a varsity [[basketball]] player, and decided to follow his brother to [[United States Military Academy]] at [[West Point]] to earn a commission as an officer.{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}}
Brooks was born in [[Anchorage, Alaska]], on October 24, 1958. He grew up as an [[Army brat]] in a prominent military family in [[California]]. His father, Major General [[Leo A. Brooks Sr.]], and brother, Brigadier General [[Leo A. Brooks Jr.]], both retired after careers in the [[United States Army]].<ref>Boeing Corporation, [http://www.boeing.com/boeing/aboutus/govt_ops/leadership/brooks_leo.page Biography, Leo A. Brooks, Jr.], 2011</ref><ref>Virginia State University Alumni Association, [http://www.vsuaaonline.com/alumni_military/print/ Alumni in the military], Leo A. Brooks, Sr., accessed May 7, 2013</ref> His uncle, [[Francis K. Brooks]], was the majority leader of the [[Vermont House of Representatives]] and a member of the [[Vermont Senate]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Hawkins |first=Walter L. |date= 2009-02-13|title=Black American Military Leaders: A Biographical Dictionary |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y40-CgAAQBAJ&pg=PA59 |location=Jefferson, NC |publisher=McFarland & Company |pages=59–60 |isbn=978-0-7864-4462-5 |ref={{sfnRef|''Black American Military Leaders: A Biographical Dictionary''}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://legislature.vermont.gov/people/single/2018/27153 |title=Biography, Senator Francis K. Brooks |author=Secretary of the Vermont Senate |work=Vermont General Assembly |publisher=Vermont Senate |location=Montpelier, VT |access-date=February 21, 2017 |ref={{sfnRef|"Biography, Senator Francis K. Brooks"}}}}</ref> Brooks attended [[Thomas Jefferson High School (1964–1987)|Thomas Jefferson High School]] in [[Alexandria, Virginia]] for two years, and then [[Jesuit High School (Sacramento)|Jesuit High School]] in [[Carmichael, California]], where he graduated in 1976. He was a varsity [[basketball]] player, and decided to follow his brother to [[United States Military Academy]] at [[West Point]] to earn a commission as an officer.{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}}


==Military service==
==Military service==
[[File:CDT Vincent Brooks.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Brooks as a cadet in 1980]]
[[File:CDT Vincent Brooks.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Brooks as a cadet in 1980]]
[[File:Secretary Pompeo is Greeted by Commander General Brooks in Osan (42775227481) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Brooks with Secretary of State [[Mike Pompeo]] in 2018]]
[[File:Secretary Pompeo is Greeted by Commander General Brooks in Osan (42775227481) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Brooks with Secretary of State [[Mike Pompeo]] in 2018]]
At West Point, Brooks was the academy's first African-American Cadet First Captain, the highest position (Cadet Brigade Commander) a cadet can hold, an appointment that brought much public visibility at an early age in life. He graduated from West Point in 1980. After graduating, Brooks served in [[South Korea]] and [[Kosovo]] among other places. In Kosovo, he concurrently served as the deputy commander of the U.S. force in Kosovo (Task Force Falcon) and as commander of the 1st Brigade, [[U.S. 3rd Infantry Division|3rd Infantry Division]] based at [[Fort Stewart]] in [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]. From that position he moved to the [[Joint Chiefs of Staff]] at [[the Pentagon]]. While serving there he was temporarily assigned to be Deputy Director of Operations at [[United States Central Command]] (CENTCOM). Returning to the Pentagon and the Joint Staff in April 2003, he became the Lead Strategic Planner for the Global War on Terrorism working closely with the CIA, the Departments of State, Treasury and Justice, the FBI and the military's [[United States Special Operations Command]] (SOCOM).{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}}
At West Point, Brooks was the academy's first African-American [[List of United States Military Academy First Captains|First Captain]], the highest position (Cadet Brigade Commander) a cadet can hold, an appointment which brought much public visibility at an early age in life. He graduated from West Point in 1980.


After graduating, Brooks served in [[South Korea]] and [[Kosovo]] among other places. In Kosovo, he concurrently served as the deputy commander of the U.S. force in Kosovo ([[Task Force Falcon (United States)|Task Force Falcon]]) and as commander of the 1st Brigade, [[U.S. 3rd Infantry Division|3rd Infantry Division]] based at [[Fort Stewart]] in [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]. From that position he moved to the [[Joint Chiefs of Staff]] at [[the Pentagon]]. While serving there he was temporarily assigned to be Deputy Director of Operations at [[United States Central Command]] (CENTCOM). Returning to the Pentagon and the Joint Staff in April 2003, he became the Lead Strategic Planner for the [[War on terror|Global War on Terrorism]] working closely with the CIA, the Departments of State, Treasury and Justice, the FBI and the military's [[United States Special Operations Command]] (SOCOM).{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}}
⚫
In his role as Deputy Director of Operations, Brooks also became the spokesperson of CENTCOM, the main force in the [[Middle East]]. At that time he was the youngest general officer in the army. From 2006 to 2008 Brooks served as the Deputy Commanding General of 1st Cavalry Division, serving for fifteen months in Baghdad as second-in-command of the main effort (Multinational Division – Baghdad) stabilizing the Iraqi capital city and province during what is now called "The Surge." Upon return from Iraq, he took command of the 1st Cavalry Division until April 2008. Following an assignment as the Deputy Commanding General of the Army's III (Third) Corps at Fort Hood, Texas, he again took command of a combat unit, serving as the Commanding General of the historic [[1st Infantry Division (United States)|1st Infantry Division]] at [[Fort Riley]] in [[Kansas]] from April 2009 to May 2011. He deployed the unit to Iraq for a year, serving as U.S. Division – South, responsible for securing the heavily Shi'ite areas of the southern half of the country. The headquarters was in Basra, Iraq. Following two years in a second division-level command, Brooks took command of U.S. Army Central and Third Army responsible for all U.S. Army operations throughout the Middle East and Central Asia (from Egypt to Kazakhstan). During this time, Brooks oversaw the reduction of forces in Iraq as well as the build up of forces in Afghanistan.{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}}


[[File:Gen. Brooks promotion ceremony 130702-A-AO884-085.jpg|thumb|left|198px|Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno and Dr. Carol Brooks promote Lt. Gen. Vincent Brooks to the rank of general during a ceremony at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, July 2, 2013.]]
⚫
As the Commanding General of [[United States Army Pacific]] and as a part of the "Asia Pivot" of the [[East Asian foreign policy of the Barack Obama administration|Obama administration foreign policy]], Brooks envisioned and executed the "[[Pacific Pathways]]" program. The program consists of a single United States Army unit that would move to different countries of the Asia and Pacific regions for up to three months at a time to develop first-hand understanding of the region. While initially criticized in some circles,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/armys-pacific-pathways-initiative-sets-up-turf-battle-with-marines/2013/12/29/11c948c8-69b1-11e3-a0b9-249bbb34602c_story.html |title=Army's 'Pacific Pathways' initiative sets up turf battle with Marines |last1=Chandrasekaran |first1=Rajiv |date=29 December 2013 |website=www.washingtonpost.com |publisher=The Washington Post |accessdate=3 April 2014}}</ref> the innovative approach has met high acclaim from the countries of the region and the units involved in the missions.{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}}
In his role as Deputy Director of Operations, Brooks also became the spokesperson of CENTCOM, the main force in the [[Middle East]]. At that time he was the youngest general officer in the army.


⚫
From 2006 to 2008 Brooks served as the Deputy Commanding General of the [[1st Cavalry Division (United States)|1st Cavalry Division]], serving for fifteen months in Baghdad as second-in-command of the main effort (Multinational Division – Baghdad) stabilizing the Iraqi capital city and province during what is now called "The Surge." Upon return from Iraq, he took command of the 1st Cavalry Division until April 2008. Following an assignment as the Deputy Commanding General of the Army's III (Third) Corps at Fort Hood, Texas, he again took command of a combat unit, serving as the Commanding General of the historic [[1st Infantry Division (United States)|1st Infantry Division]] at [[Fort Riley]] in [[Kansas]] from April 2009 to May 2011. He deployed the unit to Iraq for a year, serving as U.S. Division – South, responsible for securing the heavily Shi'ite areas of the southern half of the country. The headquarters was in Basra, Iraq. Following two years in a second division-level command, Brooks took command of [[United States Army Central|U.S. Army Central]] and Third Army responsible for all U.S. Army operations throughout the Middle East and Central Asia (from Egypt to Kazakhstan). During this time, Brooks oversaw the reduction of forces in Iraq as well as the build up of forces in Afghanistan.{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}}
⚫
In March 2016, Brooks was nominated to command [[United States Forces Korea]], the U.S.-South Korea Combined Forces Command, and [[United Nations Command]], succeeding General [[Curtis Scaparrotti]].<ref>{{cite press release |date=March 21, 2016 |title=Release No: NR-101-16: Statement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on Gen. Vincent K. Brooks |url=http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/699142/statement-by-secretary-of-defense-ash-carter-on-gen-vincent-k-brooks |location=Washington, DC |publisher=Press Operations |agency=U.S. Department of Defense}}</ref> He served until October 2018, and was succeeded by [[Robert B. Abrams]]. Brooks retired on January 1, 2019, following the completion of his command assignment in Korea.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schifrin |first=Nick |date=January 18, 2019 |title=What a 2nd Trump-Kim summit could mean for the push to denuclearize North Korea |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/what-a-2nd-trump-kim-summit-could-mean-for-the-push-to-denuclearize-north-korea |work=PBS |location=Washington, DC}}</ref>

⚫
As the Commanding General of [[United States Army Pacific]] and as a part of the "[[East Asian foreign policy of the Barack Obama administration|Asia Pivot]]" of the Obama administration foreign policy, Brooks envisioned and executed the "[[Pacific Pathways]]" program. The program consists of a single United States Army unit that would move to different countries of the Asia and Pacific regions for up to three months at a time to develop first-hand understanding of the region. While initially criticized in some circles,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/armys-pacific-pathways-initiative-sets-up-turf-battle-with-marines/2013/12/29/11c948c8-69b1-11e3-a0b9-249bbb34602c_story.html |title=Army's 'Pacific Pathways' initiative sets up turf battle with Marines |last1=Chandrasekaran |first1=Rajiv |date=29 December 2013 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=3 April 2014}}</ref> the innovative approach has met high acclaim from the countries of the region and the units involved in the missions.{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}}

⚫
In March 2016, Brooks was nominated to command [[United States Forces Korea]], the U.S.-South Korea Combined Forces Command, and [[United Nations Command]], succeeding General [[Curtis Scaparrotti]].<ref>{{cite press release |date=March 21, 2016 |title=Release No: NR-101-16: Statement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on Gen. Vincent K. Brooks |url=http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/699142/statement-by-secretary-of-defense-ash-carter-on-gen-vincent-k-brooks |location=Washington, DC |publisher=Press Operations |agency=U.S. Department of Defense}}</ref> He served until October 2018, and was succeeded by [[Robert B. Abrams]]. On November 4, 2016, Brooks was bestowed the Korean name Park Yu-jong{{family name footnote|lang=Korean|Park}} by the ROK-US Alliance Friendship Association to show appreciation for his contributions to strengthening relations between the American and Korean armed forces. He also received a scroll and a taekwondo black belt and uniform inscribed with the moniker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20161107000629|title=USFK Commander given Korean name in ceremony|date=2016-11-07|access-date=2021-06-30|website=Korea Herald}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Gamel|first=Kim|url=https://www.stripes.com/what-s-in-a-name-usfk-commander-to-be-honored-with-korean-moniker-1.437185|title=What's in a name? USFK commander to be honored with Korean moniker|date=2016-11-03|access-date=2021-06-30|website=Stars and Stripes}}</ref> Brooks retired on January 1, 2019, following the completion of his command assignment in Korea.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schifrin |first=Nick |date=January 18, 2019 |title=What a 2nd Trump-Kim summit could mean for the push to denuclearize North Korea |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/what-a-2nd-trump-kim-summit-could-mean-for-the-push-to-denuclearize-north-korea |work=PBS |location=Washington, DC}}</ref>

== Retirement ==
After retiring from the U.S. military, Brooks has served as a director on multiple corporate boards, including Diamondback Energy<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vincent Brooks {{!}} Board of Directors {{!}} Diamondback Energy, Inc.|url=https://www.diamondbackenergy.com/board-directors/vincent-brooks|access-date=2021-04-10|website=www.diamondbackenergy.com|language=en}}</ref> and the project management and engineering firm Jacobs,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-17|title=Jacobs Appoints Vincent Brooks to Board of Directors; Steve Demetriou Quoted {{!}} ExecutiveBiz|url=https://blog.executivebiz.com/2020/08/jacobs-appoints-vincent-brooks-to-board-of-directors-steve-demetriou-quoted/|access-date=2021-04-10|language=en-US}}</ref> which contracts heavily with the U.S. military. He is also a principal with WestExec Advisors,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-09|title=WestExec Welcomes General Vincent Brooks, USA (Ret.) and Ambassador Dana Shell Smith|url=https://westexec.com/westexec-welcomes-general-vincent-brooks-usa-ret-and-ambassador-dana-shell-smith/|access-date=2021-04-10|website=WestExec Advisors|language=en}}</ref> a consulting firm that helps "defense corporations market their products to the Pentagon and other agencies," according to the Project On Government Oversight.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Should Michèle Flournoy Be Secretary of Defense?|url=https://www.pogo.org/analysis/2020/11/should-michele-flournoy-be-secretary-of-defense/|access-date=2021-04-10|website=Project On Government Oversight|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The secretive consulting firm that's become Biden's Cabinet in waiting|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/11/23/westexec-advisors-biden-cabinet-440072|access-date=2021-04-10|website=POLITICO|language=en}}</ref>


==Awards and decorations==
==Awards and decorations==
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|[[File:United States Army Staff Identification Badge.png|90px]] [[Army Staff Identification Badge]]
|[[File:United States Army Staff Identification Badge.png|90px]] [[Army Staff Identification Badge]]
|-
|-
|[[File:Combat service identification badge of the 1st Infantry Division.svg|60px]] [[1st Infantry Division (United States)|1st Infantry Division]] [[Combat Service Identification Badge]]
|[[File:1st Cavalry Division CSIB.png|60px]] [[1st Cavalry Division (United States)|1st Cavalry Division]] [[Combat Service Identification Badge]]
|-
|-
|[[File:United Nations Command logo.svg|90px]] [[United Nations Command]] Badge
|[[File:United Nations Command logo.svg|90px]] [[United Nations Command]] Badge
Line 110: Line 118:
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=numeral|ribbon=Army Overseas Service Ribbon.svg|width=60}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -36px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Award numeral 6.png|11px]]</span> [[Overseas Service Ribbon#Army|Army Overseas Service Ribbon]] with bronze [[award numeral]] 6
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=numeral|ribbon=Army Overseas Service Ribbon.svg|width=60}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -36px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Award numeral 6.png|11px]]</span> [[Overseas Service Ribbon#Army|Army Overseas Service Ribbon]] with bronze [[award numeral]] 6
|-
|-
|[[File:NATO Medal w Służbie Pokoju i Wolności BAR.svg|60px]] [[NATO Medal|NATO Medal for Kosovo]]
|[[File:NATO medal for Kosovo ribbon.svg|60px]] [[NATO Medal|NATO Medal for Kosovo]]
|-
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Inter-american defense board medal ribbon.svg|width=60}} [[Inter-American Defense Board Medal]]
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Inter-american defense board medal ribbon.svg|width=60}} [[Inter-American Defense Board Medal]]
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|[[File:Tong-il Security Medel Ribbon.svg|60px]] [[Order of National Security Merit (Korea)|Order of National Security Merit]], Tong-il Medal (Republic of Korea)
|[[File:Tong-il Security Medel Ribbon.svg|60px]] [[Order of National Security Merit (Korea)|Order of National Security Merit]], Tong-il Medal (Republic of Korea)
|}
|}

==Family==
* Father : [[Leo A. Brooks Sr.]] - Major General of the United States Army (retired)
** Brother : [[Leo A. Brooks Jr.]] - Brigadier General of the United States Army (retired)
* Uncle : [[Francis K. Brooks]] - the Vermont Senate (2017-2019)
* Cousin : [[Mark C. Quander]] - Brigadier General of the United States Army

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}


==References==
==References==
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{{commons}}
{{commons}}
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Wikiquote}}
*{{C-SPAN|Vincent Brooks}}
*{{C-SPAN|1005255}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160807052142/http://www.westpointcoh.org/interviews/pursue-excellence-in-everything-west-point-s-first-african-american-first-captain "Pursue Excellence in Everything": West Point's First African-American First Captain] (archived from [http://www.westpointcoh.org/interviews/pursue-excellence-in-everything-west-point-s-first-african-american-first-captain the original] on 2016-08-07)
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160807052142/http://www.westpointcoh.org/interviews/pursue-excellence-in-everything-west-point-s-first-african-american-first-captain "Pursue Excellence in Everything": West Point's First African-American First Captain] (archived from [http://www.westpointcoh.org/interviews/pursue-excellence-in-everything-west-point-s-first-african-american-first-captain the original] on 2016-08-07)
*[http://www.hwwilson.com/Currentbio/cover_bios/cover_bio_6_03.htm Vincent Brooks biography]
*[http://www.hwwilson.com/Currentbio/cover_bios/cover_bio_6_03.htm Vincent Brooks biography]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Brooks, Vincent K.}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Brooks, Vincent K.}}
[[Category:1958 births]]
[[Category:1958 births]]
[[Category:African-American military personnel]]
[[Category:African-American United States Army personnel]]
[[Category:United States Army generals]]
[[Category:United States Army generals]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit]]
[[Category:United States Army personnel of the Iraq War]]
[[Category:United States Army personnel of the Iraq War]]
[[Category:United States Army personnel of the War in Afghanistan (2001–present)]]
[[Category:United States Army personnel of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Anchorage, Alaska]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Anchorage, Alaska]]
[[Category:People from Sacramento, California]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Sacramento, California]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Alexandria, Virginia]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Alexandria, Virginia]]
[[Category:People from Carmichael, California]]
[[Category:People from Carmichael, California]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal]]
[[Category:Commanders, United States Forces Korea]]
[[Category:Jesuit High School (Carmichael) alumni]]

Latest revision as of 09:46, 20 November 2024

Vincent K. Brooks
General Vincent K. Brooks
Born (1958-10-24) October 24, 1958 (age 66)
Anchorage, Alaska, U.S.
AllegianceUnited States
Service / branchUnited States Army
Years of service1980–2019
RankGeneral
CommandsUnited States Forces Korea
United Nations Command
ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command
United States Army Pacific
Third Army
1st Infantry Division
1st Cavalry Division
1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division
2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment
Battles / warsKosovo War
War in Afghanistan
Iraq War
AwardsDefense Distinguished Service Medal
Army Distinguished Service Medal (4)
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit (4)
Bronze Star Medal (2)
RelationsMajor General Leo A. Brooks Sr. (father)
Naomi Brooks (mother)
Brigadier General Leo A. Brooks Jr. (brother)
Francis K. Brooks (uncle)
Brigadier General Mark C. Quander (cousin)

Vincent Keith Brooks (born October 24, 1958) is a retired United States Army general who last commanded United States Forces Korea, United Nations Command, and ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command. He previously served as the commanding general of United States Army Pacific and prior to that as the commanding general of Third Army.[1] Brooks was the United States Central Command Deputy Director of Operations during the War in Iraq, and frequently briefed the media, which raised his public profile. He also served as the Chief of Army Public Affairs The Pentagon. He was the deputy commander of 1st Cavalry Division in Baghdad during the 2006–2008 "surge" and upon returning to the United States became the commanding general of the same division. He later was commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division. Brooks assumed command in Korea on April 30, 2016 and was succeeded by Robert B. Abrams in November 2018, then retired on January 1, 2019.

Family

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Brooks was born in Anchorage, Alaska, on October 24, 1958. He grew up as an Army brat in a prominent military family in California. His father, Major General Leo A. Brooks Sr., and brother, Brigadier General Leo A. Brooks Jr., both retired after careers in the United States Army.[2][3] His uncle, Francis K. Brooks, was the majority leader of the Vermont House of Representatives and a member of the Vermont Senate.[4][5] Brooks attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Alexandria, Virginia for two years, and then Jesuit High School in Carmichael, California, where he graduated in 1976. He was a varsity basketball player, and decided to follow his brother to United States Military Academy at West Point to earn a commission as an officer.[citation needed]

Military service

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Brooks as a cadet in 1980
Brooks with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in 2018

At West Point, Brooks was the academy's first African-American First Captain, the highest position (Cadet Brigade Commander) a cadet can hold, an appointment which brought much public visibility at an early age in life. He graduated from West Point in 1980.

After graduating, Brooks served in South Korea and Kosovo among other places. In Kosovo, he concurrently served as the deputy commander of the U.S. force in Kosovo (Task Force Falcon) and as commander of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division based at Fort Stewart in Georgia. From that position he moved to the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. While serving there he was temporarily assigned to be Deputy Director of Operations at United States Central Command (CENTCOM). Returning to the Pentagon and the Joint Staff in April 2003, he became the Lead Strategic Planner for the Global War on Terrorism working closely with the CIA, the Departments of State, Treasury and Justice, the FBI and the military's United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM).[citation needed]

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno and Dr. Carol Brooks promote Lt. Gen. Vincent Brooks to the rank of general during a ceremony at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, July 2, 2013.

In his role as Deputy Director of Operations, Brooks also became the spokesperson of CENTCOM, the main force in the Middle East. At that time he was the youngest general officer in the army.

From 2006 to 2008 Brooks served as the Deputy Commanding General of the 1st Cavalry Division, serving for fifteen months in Baghdad as second-in-command of the main effort (Multinational Division – Baghdad) stabilizing the Iraqi capital city and province during what is now called "The Surge." Upon return from Iraq, he took command of the 1st Cavalry Division until April 2008. Following an assignment as the Deputy Commanding General of the Army's III (Third) Corps at Fort Hood, Texas, he again took command of a combat unit, serving as the Commanding General of the historic 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley in Kansas from April 2009 to May 2011. He deployed the unit to Iraq for a year, serving as U.S. Division – South, responsible for securing the heavily Shi'ite areas of the southern half of the country. The headquarters was in Basra, Iraq. Following two years in a second division-level command, Brooks took command of U.S. Army Central and Third Army responsible for all U.S. Army operations throughout the Middle East and Central Asia (from Egypt to Kazakhstan). During this time, Brooks oversaw the reduction of forces in Iraq as well as the build up of forces in Afghanistan.[citation needed]

As the Commanding General of United States Army Pacific and as a part of the "Asia Pivot" of the Obama administration foreign policy, Brooks envisioned and executed the "Pacific Pathways" program. The program consists of a single United States Army unit that would move to different countries of the Asia and Pacific regions for up to three months at a time to develop first-hand understanding of the region. While initially criticized in some circles,[6] the innovative approach has met high acclaim from the countries of the region and the units involved in the missions.[citation needed]

In March 2016, Brooks was nominated to command United States Forces Korea, the U.S.-South Korea Combined Forces Command, and United Nations Command, succeeding General Curtis Scaparrotti.[7] He served until October 2018, and was succeeded by Robert B. Abrams. On November 4, 2016, Brooks was bestowed the Korean name Park Yu-jong[a] by the ROK-US Alliance Friendship Association to show appreciation for his contributions to strengthening relations between the American and Korean armed forces. He also received a scroll and a taekwondo black belt and uniform inscribed with the moniker.[8][9] Brooks retired on January 1, 2019, following the completion of his command assignment in Korea.[10]

Retirement

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After retiring from the U.S. military, Brooks has served as a director on multiple corporate boards, including Diamondback Energy[11] and the project management and engineering firm Jacobs,[12] which contracts heavily with the U.S. military. He is also a principal with WestExec Advisors,[13] a consulting firm that helps "defense corporations market their products to the Pentagon and other agencies," according to the Project On Government Oversight.[14][15]

Awards and decorations

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Expert Infantryman Badge
Combat Action Badge
Ranger tab
Senior Parachutist Badge
Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge
Army Staff Identification Badge
1st Cavalry Division Combat Service Identification Badge
United Nations Command Badge
9th Infantry Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia
Silver German Parachutist Badge
7 Overseas Service Bars
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Army Distinguished Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit with three bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Width-44 scarlet ribbon with width-4 ultramarine blue stripe at center, surrounded by width-1 white stripes. Width-1 white stripes are at the edges.
Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters
Air Medal
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Army Commendation Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster
Army Achievement Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters
Silver oak leaf cluster
Joint Meritorious Unit Award with silver oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Meritorious Unit Commendation with one bronze oak leaf cluster
Superior Unit Award
Bronze star
National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star
Bronze star
Kosovo Campaign Medal with one bronze service star
Iraq Campaign Medal with four service stars
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with two service stars
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Korea Defense Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon with bronze award numeral 6
NATO Medal for Kosovo
Inter-American Defense Board Medal
Order of the Rising Sun, Grand Cordon (Japan)
Order of National Security Merit, Tong-il Medal (Republic of Korea)

Family

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Notes

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  1. ^ In this Korean name, the family name is Park.

References

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  1. ^ "Lt. Gen. Brooks assumed command of Third Army". DVIDS. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
  2. ^ Boeing Corporation, Biography, Leo A. Brooks, Jr., 2011
  3. ^ Virginia State University Alumni Association, Alumni in the military, Leo A. Brooks, Sr., accessed May 7, 2013
  4. ^ Hawkins, Walter L. (2009-02-13). Black American Military Leaders: A Biographical Dictionary. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company. pp. 59–60. ISBN 978-0-7864-4462-5.
  5. ^ Secretary of the Vermont Senate. "Biography, Senator Francis K. Brooks". Vermont General Assembly. Montpelier, VT: Vermont Senate. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
  6. ^ Chandrasekaran, Rajiv (29 December 2013). "Army's 'Pacific Pathways' initiative sets up turf battle with Marines". The Washington Post. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
  7. ^ "Release No: NR-101-16: Statement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on Gen. Vincent K. Brooks" (Press release). Washington, DC: Press Operations. U.S. Department of Defense. March 21, 2016.
  8. ^ "USFK Commander given Korean name in ceremony". Korea Herald. 2016-11-07. Retrieved 2021-06-30.
  9. ^ Gamel, Kim (2016-11-03). "What's in a name? USFK commander to be honored with Korean moniker". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 2021-06-30.
  10. ^ Schifrin, Nick (January 18, 2019). "What a 2nd Trump-Kim summit could mean for the push to denuclearize North Korea". PBS. Washington, DC.
  11. ^ "Vincent Brooks | Board of Directors | Diamondback Energy, Inc". www.diamondbackenergy.com. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  12. ^ "Jacobs Appoints Vincent Brooks to Board of Directors; Steve Demetriou Quoted | ExecutiveBiz". 2020-08-17. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  13. ^ "WestExec Welcomes General Vincent Brooks, USA (Ret.) and Ambassador Dana Shell Smith". WestExec Advisors. 2020-09-09. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  14. ^ "Should Michèle Flournoy Be Secretary of Defense?". Project On Government Oversight. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  15. ^ "The secretive consulting firm that's become Biden's Cabinet in waiting". POLITICO. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
[edit]
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Military offices
Preceded by
Perry L. Wiggins
 Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division
2009–2011 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Commanding General of the Third United States Army
2011–2013 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Commander of the United States Army Pacific
2013–2016 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Commander of the United Nations Command
Commander of the United States Forces Korea
Commander of the ROK/US Combined Forces Command
2016–2018 		Succeeded by
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