After two years at the University of Arizona, he entered the Naval Aviation Cadet Program in Pensacola, Florida, and became a carrier-qualified jet pilot at age twenty. As a naval aviator, Brian flew 3,669 hours in thirteen different types of aircraft, made 652 carrier landings (163 of them at night), and flew 183 combat missions in A-6 Intruders during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and thirteen Air Medals. He went on to command Attack Squadron Thirty-Five (VA-35) aboard USS Nimitz.

While in the Navy, Brian earned a B.A. in Mathematics and an M.S. in Operations Research & Systems Analysis. Besides his flying tours, Brian served as aide to the Senior Member of the United Nations Armistice Commission in Korea, aide to the Commander of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, and Chief of Special Studies for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He retired from the U.S. Navy as a Captain.

Brian then worked as a consultant and software developer before serving as a manager with the Arizona state government. He is now retired again ... and writing.