Gerald Eddie Brown, Jr., a former U.S. Air Force pilot, was arrested in Indiana for allegedly training Chinese military pilots without permission. This action violates the Arms Export Control Act (AECA). He is set to appear in court on February 26, 2026.
Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg expressed strong concern over the case. “When U.S. citizens train foreign militaries, it’s illegal without a State Department license,” he stated. The government is committed to safeguarding military secrets.
The FBI’s Roman Rozhavsky called Brown’s alleged actions a betrayal. “This arrest shows we will not tolerate anyone putting our service members at risk,” he warned.
Brown served over two decades in the Air Force before becoming a simulator instructor for U.S. defense contractors. He allegedly began arranging to train Chinese pilots around August 2023 and even traveled to China for the job.
In a similar case, former Marine pilot Daniel Edmund Duggan faced charges for training Chinese military pilots. This highlights a worrying trend: there’s an increasing number of U.S. military personnel being targeted by foreign nations for expertise.
According to a June 2024 bulletin from the U.S. and its allies, China’s military is actively recruiting former military personnel from NATO countries, aiming to improve its capabilities. This recruitment poses a significant threat to national security.
Experts emphasize the danger of such actions. “Providing military knowledge to adversaries can undermine years of defense work,” notes Lee M. Russ from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
Public reaction has been intense, especially on social media, where people express outrage over betrayal from former military members. The case reflects growing concerns about national security and the protection of military knowledge.
As this situation unfolds, it reminds us of the vital responsibility that service members carry, even after they hang up their uniforms. The commitment to protecting national interests never truly ends.
For further details, you can read the full report from the FBI here.
