Colonel Leonard Collis Broline

Colonel Leonard Collis Broline was born on July 29, 1951 and is a native of Augusta, GA. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering. He also held a Masters of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, awarded in 1984.

Col Broline was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Colorado in 1973. He went to Pilot Training at Webb AFB, TX and received his wings in July 1974. Following graduation he attended F-4 Initial Qualification training at Luke AFB, AZ with a follow-on assignment to the 335 Tactical Fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson AFB, NC in the F-4E. Col Broline's next assignment was to the 57th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Keflavik, Iceland in 1976. He returned to the CONUS the next year, reporting to AT-38 training and an assignment as an Instructor Pilot in the T-38B, training Fighter Lead-in students at Holloman AFB, NM. Col Broline separated from active duty in 1980, but returned to active duty in 1982 with the Fighter Lead-in program training instructor pilots, and later served as the Wing Current Operations Officer. In 1985 Col Broline joined the Faculty of the USAF Academy, Colorado Springs, CO as a Physics Instructor. Because of his abilities and experience, he also held positions as Executive Officer, Physics Course Director, Assistant Professor, Director of Plans, and pilot for the Parachute Team, flying the UV-18. In 1988 Col Broline was hand picked to join the elite F-117 team at Nellis AFB, NV as their flying safety officer. During his tour in the F-117, he also instructed pilots in both the F-117 and AT-38B, as well as holding positions as 417 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron Operations Officer and 37th Operations Group Deputy Commander for Operations in Saudi Arabia. After his tour in the F-117, Col Broline became the Director, Fundamental Technology Division, Propulsion Directorate, Phillips Laboratory at Edwards AFB, CA in 1992. While at Phillips Laboratory, he led a team conducting in-house research on advanced concepts in space and missile propulsion technologies. Colonel Broline's final Air Force assignment was to Headquarters Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC) at Kirtland AFB, NM in 1994. He was Chief, Program Requirements Division, leading a team responsible for AFOTEC program identification, advocating AFOTEC involvement to the acquisition community, and preparing programs for test planning.

Col Broline was a graduate of Squadron Officers' School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College. He was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Aerial Achievement Medal with 1 device, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 device.

Col Broline is survived by his wife, the former Claire Phillips of New London, CT, and a brother, jay Sproul, of Boulder, CO.

Page by Tom Stalzer
Last updated Feb. 13, 1996