Military Career Highlights
Designated a distinguished military graduate of the ROTC program at Florida Southern College in 1961, Bob was commissioned in the regular Army and began his military career as a Platoon Leader in the 8th United States Cavalry, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Washington. Bob graduated from the Armor Officers Basic Course, Fort Knox, Kentucky and served subsequently as a Troop Executive Officer and as Squadron Adjutant.
Transferred to Europe in 1963, Bob served in staff assignments in the headquarters of the 7th US Army in Stuttgart, Germany and while there was promoted to Captain. Returning to the United States in 1966, Bob graduated from Officer Career School and was assigned to the Joint Staff in the Headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Command and Atlantic Fleet in Norfolk, VA.
In 1968, Bob volunteered for duty in Vietnam and joined the 25th Infantry Division there in February during the “Tet Offensive.” While in Vietnam, Bob had the unique experience of producing the Bob Hope Christmas television show at the Division Headquarters in Cu Chi. Bob was promoted to Major while in Vietnam.
Bob returned to the United States in February of 1969 and was assigned to the Army Materiel Command Headquarters in Washington, D.C. In January of 1970, Bob entered Graduate School at the University of Florida at Gainesville. Upon graduation in June of 1971, Bob was appointed to the staff and faculty of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Reassigned to Europe in 1975, Bob served on the Headquarters Staff at the 8th Infantry Division and then as Commanding Officer of a V Corps unit in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. Upon selection for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, Bob was transferred to the Office of the Commanding General of the VII Corps in Stuttgart.
Returning again to the United States in 1978, Bob joined the staff and faculty of the United States Army War College in Carlisle, PA. Appointed Adjutant General of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky in 1980, where he served in that position until 1982 when he was selected to attend the War College as a member of the Class of 1983.
Upon promotion to Colonel and graduation in 1983, Bob was appointed Director (Dean) of one of the four schools at the Army’s Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Colonel Bob Broyles retired from the Army in August of 1986 after more than 25 years of service. Bob is the holder of the Legion of Merit, three Bronze Stars, four Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, the Air Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.