COL Bruce D. Brandes was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School, Class 66-67 97th Company, 16 Nov 1967. His first duty assignment was as a platoon leader to a Basic Training Infantry Company at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

His notable duty assignments include: 3rd Platoon Leader, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 7th Calvary, Vietnam; Executive Officer, 48th Medical Battalion, Fort Cavasos, Texas; Commander, 48th Combat Support Hospital, Fort Meade, Maryland; Executive Officer, Gorgas Army Hospital, Panama (Operation Just Cause); Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Health Services Command.

His military education includes: Officer Candidate School (1967), United States Army Medical Department Officer Advanced Course (1975), United States Army Command and General Staff College (1980).

COL Brandes's highest military awards include: Legion of Merit (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), National Defense Service Medal with Service Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unity Citation with Palm, Combat Infantryman Badge.