Lieutenant General Brian Scott Eifler (born c. 1970) is a highly decorated officer in the United States Army. He currently serves as the Director for Operations (J3) on the Joint Staff, a critical role responsible for advising the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on global military operations. Throughout his career, Eifler has held numerous command and staff positions, with extensive service in airborne and light infantry units, and multiple deployments to combat zones.
Early Life and Education
Eifler graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1991, commissioning as an Infantry officer. He continued his education at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the National War College, earning advanced degrees.Military Career
Eifler's early career involved various leadership roles within the infantry. He commanded at company, battalion, and brigade levels. Notably, he commanded the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division, and later the 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans" of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).His deployments include multiple tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. During these deployments, he distinguished himself through valorous actions, earning a Silver Star.
Senior Leadership Roles
Eifler has held several critical senior leadership positions:- Deputy Commanding General (Support), U.S. Army Alaska (USARAK)
- Deputy Commanding General (Operations), I Corps
- Commanding General, U.S. Army Alaska – In this role, he was responsible for preparing and deploying forces in the Arctic and Pacific regions.
- Commanding General, 11th Airborne Division – Following the reactivation of the 11th Airborne Division in 2022, Eifler became its inaugural commander, leading the transformation of U.S. Army Alaska into an arctic-focused airborne division designed for expeditionary operations.
- Director for Operations (J3), Joint Staff – Appointed to this role as a Lieutenant General, he oversees the planning and execution of global military operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Awards and Decorations
Lieutenant General Eifler's military decorations reflect his extensive service and valor, including:- Defense Distinguished Service Medal
- Silver Star
- Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster)
- Bronze Star Medal (with "V" Device and Oak Leaf Clusters)
- Purple Heart
- Meritorious Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Clusters)
- Air Medal
- Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Clusters)
- Army Achievement Medal (with Oak Leaf Clusters)
- Combat Infantryman Badge
- Expert Infantryman Badge
- Master Parachutist Badge
- Ranger Tab
- Pathfinder Badge
- Air Assault Badge
His Silver Star was awarded for gallantry in action during Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan in March 2002, where he served as a company commander.