Episode 32 - Boyd Brown – Information Operations, Government Contracting, and Innovation on the Battlefield
COL Boyd Brown, USA (ret) – Information Operations, Government Contracting, and Innovation on the Battlefield
In this episode of Tipping Spears with Hannah Becker, I sit down with Boyd Brown - Army veteran, defense executive, entrepreneur, and one of the U.S. Army’s first Information Operations (IO) officers. Over nearly four decades in national security, Boyd has shaped how the U.S. military approaches influence, information, and emerging technologies - from early IO missions in the Balkans and Iraq to leadership roles in the defense industry.
We discuss his transition from military service into government contracting, the evolution of IO over the past few decades, and how technology continues to transform the modern battlefield. Boyd shares lessons from his career journey, the enduring importance of IO in national defense, and insights on the impact of drones, AI, and space technologies in future warfare.
He also reflects on the value of continuing education, community engagement, and rural economic development. Whether you’re a transitioning service member, government contracting executive, or aspiring defense professional, this episode offers practical wisdom and perspective from one of our nation’s trailblazers in modern Information Operations.
Guest Bio:
Boyd Brown was born in Florida, attended high school in Georgia, college in South Carolina, and spent a significant portion of his Army career in North Carolina—gradually making his way toward Virginia. After a distinguished career as a U.S. Army Infantry officer, which included multiple combat deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans, he and his family settled in Rockbridge County in 2005. With over 39 years of experience in the national security sector, Brown founded and led a 40-person government contracting company for seven years and has since worked with several other firms following his military retirement. Locally, he has served on the Rockbridge Economic Development Authority (EDA) for eight years and is currently a candidate for the Kerrs Creek seat on the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors.
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