General Xavier T. Brunson Promoted to Four-Star General, Selected to Lead U.S. Forces Korea

In a historic ceremony held at the National Museum of the U.S. Army in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Lt. General Xavier T. Brunson was promoted to the rank of four-star General in the United States Army. The event, which marked a significant milestone in General Brunson’s distinguished career, was hosted by General Charles Q. Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The ceremony saw a gathering of military leaders, family, and peers who celebrated General Brunson’s remarkable journey from a young infantry officer to one of the highest-ranking leaders in the U.S. military. In his remarks, General Brown recounted Brunson’s evolution from lieutenant to general, highlighting the early signs of leadership potential that would eventually lead to his historic promotion. Using humor and anecdotes, Brown noted how Brunson's exceptional capabilities had been evident from the beginning of his career, with comments from past leaders that predicted his rise to the four-star level.

This promotion makes General Brunson a trailblazer, placing him among a select group of African American military leaders who have reached the pinnacle of military command. His ascent is particularly significant in a military landscape where the path to the top ranks has historically been more challenging for minority service members.

Commanding U.S. Forces Korea

As part of his promotion, General Brunson has been selected to lead U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), a crucial command overseeing the approximately 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea. In this role, he will command forces across several critical organizations, including the United Nations Command (UNC) and the Combined Forces Command (CFC). His mission will be pivotal in maintaining regional stability, particularly in deterring aggression from North Korea and safeguarding the armistice that ended the Korean War in 1953.

The UNC is an 18-nation force dedicated to maintaining peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, where tensions between North and South Korea continue to simmer despite the armistice. As commander, General Brunson will be at the helm of an enduring peacekeeping mission, ensuring the safety of U.S. forces and allies in one of the most geopolitically sensitive regions in the world.

A Soldier’s Journey

General Brunson’s rise to four-star general is a testament to his leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to service. The eldest of three sons, Brunson grew up in a military family, with his father, Albert Brunson, serving as a sergeant major in the

Vietnam War. His own military journey began at Hampton University in Virginia, where he graduated in 1990 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). A standout football player and member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Brunson was inspired by the camaraderie of his fraternity brothers and the example set by his father.

“All I’ve ever wanted was to be a Soldier,” General Brunson said in an Army profile. “I’ve never aspired to be a doctor, a lawyer, or an educator. I just wanted to be a Soldier, because that’s what I saw in my dad.”

After his commission, Brunson embarked on a decorated military career, serving in a range of command positions across both Conventional and Special Operations Forces. He has played key roles in major military operations, including Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. Along the way, he earned advanced degrees, including a Master of Arts in Human Resource

Development from Webster University and a Master of Science in National Security Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. His contributions have earned him numerous awards and honors, including recognition from the U.S. Army Regimental Associations and civic awards such as Omega Psi Phi’s leadership award.

A Legacy of Leadership

In his remarks at the ceremony, General Brunson expressed deep gratitude for the support and mentorship he has received throughout his career. “Your return on investment is simply me going out and doing the right thing,” he told the gathered crowd. “I just want to do good.” He also spoke about the importance of seeking out new perspectives, challenging oneself to grow, and learning from those with different experiences.

General Brunson’s commitment to leadership extends beyond his military service. He is married to Kirsten Brunson, a retired colonel and the Army’s first Black female judge, and the couple shares three children: daughters Raechel and Rebekah, and son Joshua. Together, they have built a legacy of excellence and dedication to public service.

General Xavier T. Brunson’s promotion to four-star general and his appointment to lead U.S. Forces Korea marks a historic moment in U.S. military history. His exemplary leadership, dedication to service, and groundbreaking achievements serve as an inspiration to all who serve in the armed forces.

Bro. Brunson embodies the ideals of leadership, resilience, and commitment that continue to shape the U.S. Army’s future.