MG Brad Owens

Major General Brad Owens is a native of North Augusta, South Carolina. He received a Regular Army commission in the United States Army Corps of Engineers
in December 1985 following his graduation from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.

He gained company-level experience in various assignments throughout the Engineer Corps beginning in Fort Kobbe, Panama as a Diving and Salvage Officer with the 7th Engineer Detachment (DIVE), as well as multiple assignments with the 122nd Engineer Battalion in the South Carolina Army National Guard (SCARNG).

In 1991, MG Owens commanded the 122nd Engineer Company (Combat Service Engineers) in Saluda, SC, and in 1998 commanded A Company, 122nd Engineer Battalion. In 2002, he commanded the 122nd Engineer Battalion, deploying in 2003 in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. Under his command, over 900 engineers provided full-spectrum combat engineering throughout the Al Anbar province of Iraq. Their distinct actions in combat earned the 122nd Engineer Battalion the Valorous Unit Award.

He returned to South Carolina in 2004 and has since served in various positions with the Joint Forces Headquarters, including Chief Facilities Management Officer, and until April 2015, Director of Plans, Operations, and Training of the SCARNG.

MG Owens presently serves as the Director of the Joint Staff, overseeing and directing the administration of all South Carolina National Guard (SCNG) Joint Staff programs supporting South Carolina domestic response and homeland defense contingency operations. This program includes the SCNG rapid reaction force, counterdrug operations, civil support teams, expeditionary medical support, and explosive ordinance disposal. He is the principal full-time representative and spokesman for all SCNG Joint Staff matters.

MG Owens holds a Masters in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. He is a graduate of the Defense Strategy Course at the US Army War College; the Joint Task Force Commander course at US Northern Command; Command and General Staff Officer’s Course at Fort Leavenworth; as well as Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses and the Combined Arms and Services Staff School.

His decorations and badges include the Combat Action Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Salvage Diver Badge, the Sapper identification tab, the Bronze Star Medal, six Meritorious Service Medals, seven Army Commendation Medals, and the Engineer Regiment’s Silver de Fleury.