UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — U.S. Army Gen. Gary Brito, a graduate of Penn State and Army ROTC, was recently promoted to commanding general of United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).
Brito is a native of Hyannis, Massachusetts, and graduated from Penn State in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in community studies. He was commissioned as an infantry officer in 1987.
Brito’s career has included leadership roles at every echelon, from platoon to corps and combined joint task force, spanning a wide variety of command and staff assignments.
Though he is now one of just 16 four-star U.S. Army generals currently serving, Brito said he knew very little about ROTC when he arrived at Penn State. After completing two years at Penn State Altoona, Brito picked up an Army ROTC brochure and decided to try it as an extra-curricular activity. He said he enjoyed the outdoor activities and leadership challenges.
“I was not a scholarship cadet but decided to stick it out,” Brito said. “Upon commissioning, I planned to do four years and get out!”
Brito said he especially enjoyed being a part of the Pershing Rifle Team and Ranger Clubs, as well as the summer camp experience.
“I learned the value of mastering the basics, a lesson that still holds merit today and can be applied to almost everything you do in the Army,” Brito said. “[I] also learned the importance of taking a little time to get to know your people. This is paramount to leading at all echelons.”
Brito also met his wife of more than 35 years at Penn State and purchased their engagement ring at Kranich’s Jewelers’ former College Avenue storefront. He recently returned to the University Park campus to spend time with Army ROTC and said he would like to do so again.
“As a senior leader, it’s important to give back — not only to the cadets, but cadre as well,” he said. “It’s a way to inspire and develop the next bench of leaders that will lead our Army in the years ahead.”
Brito to oversee training and doctrine for U.S. Army
At a Sept. 8 ceremony at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia, U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. James C. McConville said Brito carries the qualities of confidence, commitment, great character, and the utmost care for people, according to a U.S. Army press release.
“I have complete confidence that TRADOC is in good hands with Brito,” McConville said. “He is the right person at the right time to lead this organization. I know that he will continue to take care of our people.”
TRADOC’s mission is to recruit and train soldiers, support unit training, develop adaptive leaders, guide the Army through doctrine and shape the Army by building and integrating formations, capabilities and materiel. It oversees five major subordinate commands (U.S. Army Cadet Command, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, the Center for Initial Military Training, the Center for Military History and the Combined Arms Center). TRADOC oversees 37 Army schools organized under 10 Centers of Excellence and trains more than 750,000 soldiers and service members each year.
Among his awards and decorations, Brito has earned the Distinguished Service Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; Legion of Merit, with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster; Bronze Star Medal, with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal for Valor; Army Commendation Medal, with four Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; and Combat and Infantryman badges.
Army ROTC is supported by Penn State Undergraduate Education.