Brett Allen

Gear Reviewer

Brett Allen is an author and former U.S. Army cavalry officer who served from 2006 to 2010, largely with the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division. Brett began contributing to Task & Purposes’s Gear Locker in August of 2021. Brett has also authored several short stories and a novel based loosely on his 2009 deployment to Afghanistan.

Highlights

Former Army officer, outdoorsman, hunter, and angler.
Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University
Author of the novel “Kilroy Was Here” and other short stories.

Experience

Brett’s professional experience derives mainly from his time in the U.S. Army. As a combat arms officer, Brett gained knowledge and experience in areas such as tactical/combat gear, fitness gear, camping equipment, and, having been stationed at Fort Drum, New York, extreme cold-weather gear. After leaving the Army, Brett parlayed these skills and interests into a passion for rustic camping and a moderately obnoxious fitness obsession (leading to the completion of four full-length marathons, with one Boston qualifying time). In his youth, Brett was a national champion archer and has since transferred those skills into a passion for bow hunting and a burgeoning interest in minimalist backwoods hunting. Following his father's footsteps, Brett also dabbles in the world of fishing and can often be found testing the waters of Michigan’s many lakes and streams.

Education

In 2006, Brett graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management. He had also been a member of the MSU ROTC program and commissioned into the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant of the Armor Branch. Brett left the Army in 2010 at the rank of Captain.

Fun Fact/Tip/Anecdote/Favorite Product:

One of Brett’s favorite products is his Oklahoma Joe Highland Offset Smoker, which he uses every chance he gets. The need to counteract the calories is probably what drive’s Brett’s fitness obsession.