In an intimate ceremony, the U.S. Army Special Operations Command bid farewell to Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga after four years serving as the commanding general as he relinquished command to Brig. Gen. Kirk Brinker outside the USASOC Headquarters, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sept. 24, 2025.
The relinquishing of command is a military tradition, which allows the commander and his unit the opportunity to bid farewell. Braga was nominated by President Donald Trump to be the next commander of the Joint Special Operations Command, Sept. 5 and confirmed on Sept. 19. Special Operations Command Commanding General Gen. Brian P. Fenton presided over the Ceremony.
“It’s all about winning here at USASOC,” said Fenton. “You do that because of a relentless focus on people as the number one priority, as a comparative and competitive ad vantage right at the heart of people being more important than hardware. That’s how we win.” Fenton continued to speak on USASOC and the importance the command has played across the Army and the Joint Force over the past four years.
“The leader for this era has been Lt. Gen. Jon Braga,” continued Fen ton. “Now Jon will be the first to tell you, he didn’t do it alone. He is part of a team of teams and all of them help uphold the USASOC reputation as a force without equal.”
Addressing Braga’s family, the enlisted members, the officers and the civilians in the audience Fenton added, “Thanks for wearing that jersey alongside Jon day in and day out.” Following Fenton, Braga addressed the USASOC team. “How do you sum up the impact you’ve all had?” asked Braga. “How do I say thanks for everything you did? Every section, every director, CSC (Combatant Subordinate Command), CSU (Combatant Subordinate Unit) out there.”
To illustrate his thanks and the impact of the USASOC team, Braga gave a comparative example between the current USASOC team and the Rangers who stormed Normandy with Col. James Earl Rudder.
“Just as Col. Rudder would go on to lead the invasion off the beaches, just as the OSS and special service force worked behind enemy lines, we have been pathfinders,” explained Braga. “You have been pathfinders, leading the way for the Army and the Joint Force at home and around the world.”
Braga continued, stating “You’ve all added to the lineage of our nation, and I can’t thank you enough. Your efforts have left a legacy, you have left a jersey better than you found it carrying the extra blood, sweat and stains of your efforts.”
After completing the passing of the colors, Brig. Gen. Kirk Brinker closed out the ceremony. “It is not lost on me at all the gravity, the privilege, to be the acting USASOC commander,” said Brinker. “Looking at this formation, its talented people, its commitment to excellence, its imagination, it’s an honor. And I look forward to serving with you and serving you."
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