Brett is Regents Professor of History at Montana State University, Bozeman. His current research and teaching interests include military history, specifically World War II in the Pacific. His other interests include East Asian history, environmental history, world history, and the history of medicine.
Brett is also a licensed boat captain, with Master 25 GRT, OUPV Operator Near Coastal, and Sailing & Assistance Towing credentials from the United States Coast Guard.