A veteran of the Vietnam War, he attained the rank of lieutenant general and was a recipient of the Army Distinguished Service Medal (2), Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, and multiple awards of the Bronze Star Medal.

[9] During his studies, Brown performed temporary duty as a member of the U.S. delegation to the Laos Conference (1961), and an observer/assistant operations officer (S-3) during maneuvers of the 12th German Armor Brigade (1962) and 5th Swiss Mountain Ski Regiment (1963).

[9] Brown served as an assistant professor of Political Science and International Relations at West Point from June 1963 to August 1966.

[9] From August to December 1966, he performed Vietnam War duty as plans officer (G-3) on the staff of the 1st Infantry Division.

[9] He returned to the United States in August 1967 and was assigned as a student at the Armed Forces Staff College (AFSC), from which he graduated in June 1968.

[9] From June to December 1969, Brown served again in Vietnam, this time as operations and training officer (G-3) of the 1st Infantry Division.

[9] When Haig was appointed White House Chief of Staff in May 1973, Brown served temporarily as his military assistant.

[11] Brown commanded Fourth United States Army at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, from 1986 to until his retirement in 1989.

[11][13] From 2003 to 2006, Brown was senior mentor for the army team that fielded the Battle Command Knowledge System.

[9] He received the Gallantry Cross with palm and Civil Actions Medal as unit awards from South Vietnam.