Wing Commander

COLONEL JAMES T. BROGAN, III

Col James T. Brogan, III, is the Commander of the South Carolina Wing, Civil Air Patrol. He leads the wing’s more than 1,100 members in 23 units across the state in fulfilling the nonprofit organization’s three primary programs of emergency services, cadet programs, and aerospace education. In its role as the Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol is also a member of the Total Force, filling a critical role in Defense Support of Civil Authorities that includes preserving life, relieving suffering, and providing training support.

Col Brogan joined the Civil Air Patrol in 1995 as a cadet in Coastal Charleston Composite Squadron, SC.  With a break in service, as a senior member he has served in National Capital (NATCAP), Hawaii (HIWG), and Nebraska (NEWG) wings as well as on the Mid-Atlantic Region staff twice as a director. He has served in several roles including as a Wing Chief of Staff (NEWG), Director of Cadet Programs (HIWG) and as a Squadron Commander (NATCAP Wing). He has an aircrew rating, a Master Ground Team rating and is mission qualified as a Planning Section Chief.  He has served on wing encampment staff as the transportation officer (2022), encampment commandant (2023), and encampment commander (2025). He previously served as the SCWG Vice Commander of Units, SCWG Inspector General, and a Deputy Chief of Staff. Col Brogan also serves as an instructor for CAP’s Volunteer University.

Col Brogan is a 2014 graduate of the National IG College and a 2019 graduate of the National Staff College. Select Civil Air Patrol awards include the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award (awarded to CAP), Unit Citation Award with bronze clasp, Bronze Medal of Valor, Exceptional Service Award, Meritorious Service Award with bronze clasp, Region Commander’s Commendation, Wing Commander’s Commendation with two bronze clasps, Achievement Award with bronze clasp, Disaster Relief award with silver V, “FIND” ribbon and the Gill Robb Wilson Award (#3661). He was named the National Capital Wing Senior Member of the Year in 2013, the SCWG IG of the Year in 2023, and is a recipient of the Fairfax, VA, Citizen’s Award. Col Brogan holds master ratings in Professional Development, Cadet Programs, Personnel, and Administration as well as other senior and technician ratings.

Col Brogan holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security & Emergency Management (Magna Cum Laude), an Associate of Science Degree in Health Services, and an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice.

Raised in North Charleston, South Carolina, and a graduate of Fort Dorchester High School, Col Brogan returned home after two decades of service in government and military roles. He currently serves as an adjunct instructor of business/finance for the Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, Nebraska.  He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9509. Col Brogan resides in the greater Charleston, SC, area with his wife, Deirdre, a graduate of the University of Georgia, and daughter, Madeline, an AP and dual-enrollment college student.

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION

Senior Member – 21 Aug 2000
Second Lieutenant – 20 Jun 2001
First Lieutenant – 22 Jun 2006
Captain – 23 Mar 2009
Major – 17 Mar 2012
Lieutenant Colonel – 19 Mar 2016
Colonel – 16 Mar 2024

(CURRENT AS OF JANUARY 2026)