Brute Major is an elevated rank for Brutes of the Covenant. These veteran Brutes are stronger and smarter than their younger counterparts, and have been given the right to wear basic armor. This armor also makes them harder to kill.
Combat
These brutes usually carry Brute Plasma Rifles, Covenant Carbines, and Brute Shots. They are usually seen commanding less experienced Brutes, and they are more aggressive and when going berserk. It is best to try and kill them using a Carbine, Energy Sword, Sniper Rifle, or their own weapon: the Brute Shot. Like all Brutes, they are vulnerable to head shots and do not regenerate shields like Elites. Also, like most enemies, Brutes can be killed by assassination. This is especially useful when using the Arbiter's Active Camouflage in Halo 2.
Halo 3
Brute Majors will at this point NOT be featured in Halo 3. They are replaced by Halo 3 Brute Minors who are led by Brute Captains. This is subject to change because we do not know the entire collection of Brutes for Halo 3 at this time.