A Record That Speaks For Itself: Excellence Across All Pillars Of The Academy Experience

In this interview, BG(R) Leo A. Brooks, Jr., focuses on his years as a Cadet at West Point. He describes his path to the Academy from Sacramento, California, having grown up in a military family, firm in the knowledge that he wanted to follow his father as an Army Officer. He performed very well as a cadet, and especially enjoyed the military training aspects of the experience. He graduated from Ranger School in the summer prior to his Cow (Junior) year, which further distinguished him among his peers. As a Firstie (Senior), Academy officials selected Brooks to serve as one of the four cadet regimental commanders. He displayed similar prowess in the world of athletics, participating on both the track and rugby teams during his time as a cadet. The interview concludes with some reflections from General Brooks on the great pride he felt upon learning that his brother, Vincent Brooks ’80, was selected as the First Captain in August of 1979.