Brian Flanigan is a decorated Air Force veteran with over 4,100 flight hours, including 2,200 combat hours across 450 sorties, providing close air support to special operations forces in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa. As an AC-130U Gunship Navigator, Aircraft Commander, and MQ-9 Reaper pilot, he played a pivotal role in mission execution under extreme conditions.

His leadership experience spans across key roles, including Director of Operations for the 2nd Special Operations Squadron, Inspector General for the 1st Special Operations Wing, and J3—Director of Operations for the Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component-Afghanistan, where he oversaw operational control, planning, and the integration of all special operations aviation.

As an Air University Fellow, Brian mentored future Air Force leaders at Squadron Officer School, instructing them in leadership, communication, warfighting, and critical thinking. A three-time Air Force Distinguished Graduate, he holds a degree in Communication Studies from UNC Wilmington and Master’s degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Air University.

Through a career navigating missions with direct implications for U.S. foreign policy, Brian has honed the ability to thrive in dynamic environments—building purpose-driven teams to execute complex objectives with clarity, resilience, and precision.