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ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — Col. Reginald M. “Garrette” Harris brings 30 years of experience into his new position as the director of plans and operations assistant chief of staff G3/G5 for the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command.
Harris supports and provides guidance on daily/future operations within CECOM headquarters, whether through an Operation Order, OPORD, Fragmentary Order, FRAGO, or on behalf of the commanding general. This guidance could include protection elements, newfound acquisitions, or administrative functions.
Harris, who came to CECOM headquarters in August, explained that G3 involves current operations, which is everything that will impact the organization between one and six months. G5 is future operations/plans, which will impact the organization six months and beyond. The G3/5 aims to ensure that CECOM headquarters runs smoothly, with limited distractions.
“Future ops in the G5 world deals with everything outside of an immediate, quick, urgent, rapid response that needs to be applied right now,” Harris added.
More than 40 people report to Harris, including contractors, civilians, and Soldiers. Harris, who describes himself as gregarious and an extrovert, says what he enjoys most about the job is the people.
Harris said his goal at CECOM is to improve the organization and increase productivity. He wants to challenge the people who work for him to think differently and hopes to inspire them to think about self-improvement through taking on new assignments, education, training, and more.
Supporting CECOM and Soldiers
According to Harris, CECOM's work to benefit the Soldier is critical.
“At CECOM, our focus, our mission, is to identify capabilities for the warfighter that will allow and enable Soldiers to have the best quality and the best pieces of equipment that they need and require in order to conduct full spectrum operations,” he said. “In order for the Soldier to benefit, we have to ensure that we do our job well.”
‘Be All You Can Be’
Harris is a native of Weldon, North Carolina. He enlisted in the Army in 1992 as a 94B, an Army Food Specialist.
Harris said the Army’s “Be All You Can Be” television advertisement influenced his decision to join the Army, as he was looking for a way to pay for college.
“I was hooked right then,” he said. “Before I went off to Basic Training, I completed three college applications.”
In addition to the draw of receiving an education, several influential people in Harris’ life had served in the military. His father served in the U.S. Navy, several of his relatives served in the U.S. Army, and he had neighbors who served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
“Knowing about the Army and raising that right hand to defend our nation at all costs was something that was pretty profound to me,” he said.
After graduating from Elizabeth City State University as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and management and a minor in marketing, he was commissioned into the U.S. Army Field Artillery Corps.
Additionally, Harris has earned a Master of Arts in information technology management from Webster University and a Master of Science in national resource strategy from Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security.
“I kind of went a unique route,” said Harris about his educational and career path. “But nevertheless, 30 years later, it has served me well.”
Harris has moved 14 times in his career. His most recent assignment was serving as the chief of staff for the U.S. Army Cyber Command at Fort Eisenhower, Georgia. Other assignments include Fort Moore, Georgia; Baumholder, Germany; Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Fort Liberty, North Carolina; and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
Support system
Harris thanks his wife, Lashanda Harris, and their two children for their steadfast support.
“My biggest role model is my wife; I would not be here if it weren’t for her and her support,” Harris said about the resiliency his wife demonstrated through the “ups and downs” of military life.
‘Life is good; living is better’
Harris said his faith influences him to focus on the positive aspects of life, even when he is going through a difficult time. He is an ordained minister and plans to work full-time in the ministry after he retires.
Harris advises young Soldiers starting their careers to “keep your head straight,” which means learning to remain calm while under pressure. His life experience has taught him the motto, “Life is good; living is better.” He explained that this means finding joy in life even when times are tough and believing life will improve.
“In the military, you are going to experience obstacles, and you are going to encounter challenges,” he said. “Even during difficult times that you may potentially deem just too much, know that it’s not; it’s just a part of life - but you can make it through it.”
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