Lt. Col. Jim Brassell is the Chief of Operations for USAFE-AFRICA WPC at the United States Air Force, the branch which executes global the Air Force, USEUCOM and USAFRICOM missions as a fully engaged and joint and combined partner. With more than 20 years of experience in military operations, defense and the U.S. Air Force, Jim is a highly decorated and experienced air force officer. Having entered his current role in 2014, he is primarily responsible for organizing and overseeing the live, virtual, and constructive training for USAFE, USAREUR and NATO participants, and serves as the HAF lead for the integration of NATO modeling and simulations capabilities with their US equivalents.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in History and Middle East Area Studies from the United States Air Force Academy, Jim quickly established himself as a rising talent in the Air Force and has been a crucial part of the aviation team fighting terrorism in the Middle East. In 2001, he joined the first launches against terrorism in Afghanistan, and later in Iraq. Jim completed Squadron Officer School, the Air Command and Staff College Distance Program, and the Air War College Distance Program from Air University, as well as Joint Forces Staff College (JPME II). In 2009, he earned his master’s degree cum laude in Diplomacy from Norwich University.

Jim has been highly decorated over the course of his career. In 2001, he was awarded the Jerome O'Malley award for the first post-9/11 mission, where he served as Commander. He was also awarded the Intel Contributor of the Year by the 55th Wing in 2002, and has received the following distinctions: Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal.

Jim’s career has taken him all over the world, including the United Kingdom, Singapore, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan and Germany. Passionate about service and aviation, while in Singapore he became the first international teacher on staff, that and educated over 400 students from 16 countries.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Jim enjoys traveling and is an avid scuba diver. He is a affiliated with Wounded Warriors, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Association Of Old Crows and Air Force Academy Association of Graduates. He is a Senior navigator and has accrued 2143 flight hours.

Worldwide Association of Notable Alumni Member Lt. Col. Jim Brassell can be found on the Association Directory, where he is looking forward to networking with you.