He returned to the United States in September 1955 and was assigned to Headquarters Military Airlift Command, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, as chief, Manpower and Organization, and in June 1957, he assumed duties as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. In August 1960, Brooks was reassigned as commander, 62nd Troop Carrier Wing, McChord Air Force Base, Washington. In January 1964 he went to Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, as deputy commander, 2nd Air Division. During his tour of duty in Southeast Asia, he flew 31 missions in combat support operations.