Maj. Gen. Bryan Watson (USA Ret.) is a 34-year U.S. Army veteran and a 1982 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. An engineer by trade, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy with concentrations in mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering. He also holds a Master of Science degree in administration from Michigan University and a Master of Science degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Past command assignments ranged from platoon level to brigade commander in the 16th Engineer Battalion, 70th Engineer Battalion, 588th Engineer Battalion, and 1st ID Engineer Brigade. He also served as an engineer officer observer and coach at the National Training Center and chief of staff, 1st Armored Division. MG (Ret.) Watson was the 93rd commandant of the U.S. Army Engineer Regiment and School. His other flag officer assignments are: theater engineer for ISAF/IJC and USFOR-A in Afghanistan, vice director Joint Force Development (J7) the Joint Staff, and operations director (J3) U.S. Africa Command. He has combat tours in operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

His awards and decorations are the Defense Distinguished Service Award, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster); Bronze Star Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), and French National Defense Medal (Gold Award.) MG (Ret.) Watson has also earned the Ranger and Sapper Tabs. In 2022, he received the Gold DeFleury from the Corps of Engineers. He also serves as the Engineer Regiment’s honorary colonel.

We invite the entire Norwich University community to read the book before attending the lecture.

The Todd Lecture Series is named in honor of US Army retired Major General and Norwich President Emeritus W. Russell Todd ’50 and his late wife, Carol, in gratitude for their dedicated service to Norwich University and the Northfield community. The series is funded by a generous donation from Ellen and John Drew, the Todd’s daughter and son-in-law, and the Drew Foundation. The series aspires to serve not only the Norwich University campus community but also residents of Central Vermont and beyond.