Promoted to brigade general in December 1891, he commanded the 48th Infantry Brigade between 1891 and 1897, then the 19th Artillery Brigade. In 1898, Chanoine, his former senior officer in the Japan mission, by then Minister of War, made Brunet his chef de cabinet and promoted him to general of division.
Brunet's career advancement led to his promotion to brigade general in December 1891 and his command of the 48th Infantry Brigade from 1891 to 1897, followed by the 19th Artillery Brigade. In 1898, Chanoine, who had been his superior in the Japan mission, now as Minister of War, appointed him as chief of staff and promoted him to general of division.