U.S. Army & National Guard Officer · Author
About Robert Brandt
Robert Brandt is a U.S. Army and National Guard officer, combat veteran, and leadership practitioner with more than 15 years of experience in military leadership, law enforcement, homeland security, and organizational decision-making.
In His Own Words
Why I Wrote This Book
At twenty-four, I found myself leading Soldiers in Afghanistan. What I experienced there shaped my understanding of leadership in ways no classroom could.
But this book isn't just about combat. It's about the mentors who challenged me, the Soldiers who trusted me, the sacrifices made by those who never came home, and the realization that leadership doesn't end when you leave the battlefield.
Over time, I learned that the same principles that matter under pressure also matter at home, in the workplace, and in our everyday lives: earning trust, making difficult decisions, taking care of others, and leading by example.
Writing this book wasn't about telling war stories. It was about sharing the lessons I learned through sports, military service, combat, command, and loss.
I'm grateful to have served alongside so many incredible leaders and Soldiers, and this book is, in many ways, a tribute to them.
Robert Brandt
About the Author
Robert Brandt is a U.S. Army and National Guard officer, combat veteran, and leadership practitioner with more than 15 years of experience in military leadership, law enforcement, homeland security, and organizational decision-making.
He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, serving in multiple leadership roles and experiencing firsthand the weight of command, the realities of combat, and the consequences of decisions made under pressure. His career has included leadership positions ranging from platoon and company command to serving as Director of the Homeland Security Institute at the National Guard Bureau in conjunction with the Harvard Kennedy School.
Brandt holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Endicott College, a Master’s Degree in Business and Organizational Security Management from Webster University, a Certificate in Foundations in Homeland Security from Northeastern University, and is a graduate of the National Security Course at National Defense University.
Throughout his career, Brandt has focused on leadership, public service, homeland security, and the responsibility that comes with leading others. His experiences in combat, command, loss, and family life have shaped his belief that leadership is ultimately measured not by position, but by how we respond when the stakes are highest.
He lives in New Hampshire with his wife and six children.
When It Matters Most is his reflection on leadership under pressure, loss, responsibility, and the lessons that continue long after the battlefield.
Afghanistan
Robert deployed to Afghanistan from Germany in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He first served as a platoon leader responsible for forty-two Soldiers operating separately from company headquarters. He finished the deployment serving simultaneously as company commander and executive officer, leading an integrated force of American and coalition troops.
168
U.S. Soldiers
107
Jordanian Soldiers
130
Soldiers of the Afghan National Army
70
Officers of the Afghan National Police
All under his command simultaneously, when he was twenty-four.
Since Then
Robert served as executive officer for a military police training program, overseeing eighteen noncommissioned officers and a nineteen-week course that trained nearly a thousand recruits. He also commanded a ninety-Soldier company, managed security operations for an entire military installation, and served as the anti-terrorism and force protection officer for a command of more than two thousand Soldiers.
His later assignments have included serving as officer in charge of the Joint Operations Center, aide-de-camp to the adjutant general, and training and operations officer. He currently serves as executive officer to the adjutant general.
Beyond the Uniform
Robert has worked in private-sector management at WestRock Company in Devens, Massachusetts.
Since 2024 he has served as president of the National Guard Association of Massachusetts, advocating on Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill so that the Soldiers and Airmen of the Massachusetts National Guard have the resources and benefits they need to serve their communities and defend the nation.
Education
Endicott College
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Varsity football; captain of the 2008 season.
Webster University
Master’s Degree in Business and Organizational Security Management
Northeastern University
Certificate in Foundations in Homeland Security
National Defense University
Graduate of the National Security Course