Bryan Pinckney

Capt. Bryan Pinckney, U.S. Navy, serves as Professor of Naval Science for the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program at the College of the Holy Cross, leading midshipmen training and naval science instruction.

His education includes a B.A. in Political Science from Vanderbilt University (2002) and a Master's in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College (2012). In 2023, he was a National Security Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School.

His expertise spans national security strategy and military operations, informed by 2,700+ flight hours and multiple combat deployments. Research focuses on U.S. policy in the Asia-Pacific region, strategic stability, and military doctrine, exemplified by his 2023 essay on U.S.-Taiwan relations submitted to the U.S. Naval Institute.

• Defense Meritorious Service Medal
• Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards)
• Strike Flight Air Medal (3 awards)
• Navy Commendation Medal (2 awards)
• Various campaign/unit medals

As NROTC director, he mentors future naval officers using command experience from VFA-213 squadron leadership and Carrier Strike Group 15 operations planning. His grants and operational roles include spearheading USEUCOM's Mobility Strategy and counter-piracy operations during the Arab Spring.

He leads the NROTC unit preparing students for Navy/Marine Corps commissions, integrating lessons from Pacific/Mediterranean deployments and qualifications as Forward Air Controller and Strike Mission Commander.