Major Brown was born in West Lafayette, Indiana and enlisted in the Selected Marine Corps Reserve in 1987, where he served in Co K, 3/24, deployed in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM, and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He graduated from Purdue University in May 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts in Law & Society. After spending time as spending time as a police officer, teacher, and counselor for juvenile delinquents, Major Brown applied to the OCC program and attended Officer Candidate School in January 1998. Upon receiving his commission in April, and completing the Basic Officer Course and the Infantry Officer Course, he reported to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. From January 1998 – May 2002, he served as the company executive officer and company commander, Company A, deploying with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) and participating in Operations EAGER MACE, RED REEF, INFINITE MOONLIGHT, and USGET East Timor.
In May 2002, Captain Brown reported to the Light Armored Vehicle Training Company, School of Infantry West to serve as the officer-in-charge of the LAV Crewmen Course until July 2004. From July 2004 – May 2005, he was a student at the Expeditionary Warfare School, Quantico, VA. In June 2005, Captain Brown reported to 3d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Twentynine Palms, CA, where he commanded Company C until July 2008. During his time with 3d LAR Bn, he deployed to Okinawa, Japan in support of the Marine Corps’ Unit Deployment Program and also deployed to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
From July 2008 – November 2010, Major Brown served as the assistant operations officer (CY-3A) for the Tactical Training & Exercise Control Group, Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Center, Twentynine Palms, CA. In November 2010, Major Brown reported to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. From December 2010 – April 2011, he was assigned temporary duty to I Marine Expeditionary Force Forward, Afghanistan, as a current operations planner in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Returning to 1st LAR Bn in April 2011, he participated in pre-deployment training as the operations officer. From October 2011 – May 2012, Major Brown deployed with the battalion in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In July 2012, he assumed the duties as battalion executive officer.
Major Brown’s personal awards include the Bronze Star (second award), Meritorious Service Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal.