Meritorious Service Cross
- Awarded on: March 14, 2007
- Invested on: October 12, 2007
Rank: Brigadier-General
Brigadier-General O’Brien is recognized for his outstanding leadership and commitment while deployed as the deputy commanding general for political military integration in the Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan, from March to December 2006. Through his frequent interactions with the President of Afghanistan and the Minister of the Interior, he greatly facilitated the establishment of legitimate and capable Afghan policing forces. This was essential to ensuring the rule of law, extending the government of Afghanistan’s legitimacy and enhancing the transition of the nation to a viable democracy. His exceptionally high level of performance brought great honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.
