Rear Adm. Brian Bennett is a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia. He graduated the United States Naval Academy in 1996 and holds a Masters in National Security Strategy from the National War College. He began his career as a SEAL after completing Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training Class 210 in 1997.

His operational assignments include duty as a Platoon Commander with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE and SEAL Team EIGHT. At the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, he served in Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadrons ONE and THREE as a Troop Commander, Operations Officer, and Executive Officer before serving as the Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron ONE Commanding Officer. Following command, he continued to serve in Naval Special Warfare Development Group as the Director of Operations and Deputy Commander. He completed his major command tour as Commodore of Naval Special Warfare Group THREE.

His staff duty includes service at the Joint Special Operations Command’s Joint Interagency Task Force – National Capitol Region where he deployed twice as the Director of a Joint Interagency Task Force – Counter Terrorism supporting Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. He served as the Executive Officer to the Commander of USSOCOM and most recently he served as the Assistant Commander – Navy at the Joint Special Operations Command.  In his current assignment, he serves as the Joint Staff J-37 – Deputy Director for Special Operations – within the Joint Staff at the Pentagon.

Last Updated: 23 July 2024