Michael X. Garrett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael X. Garrett
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Garrett in 2023
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| Born | 1961 (age 63–64) Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1984–2022 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | United States Army Forces Command United States Army Central United States Army Alaska 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) 3rd Battalion, 325th Infantry (Airborne) |
| Battles/wars | War in Afghanistan Iraq War |
| Awards | Army Distinguished Service Medal (2) Defense Superior Service Medal (3) Legion of Merit (5) Bronze Star Medal (3) |
Michael Xavier Garrett was a very important leader in the United States Army. He was a General and led a big part of the Army called United States Army Forces Command from 2019 to 2022. Before that, he also led other important Army groups, like United States Army Central and United States Army Alaska.
General Garrett was born in 1961 in Cleveland, Ohio. His dad was also a high-ranking Army leader. Michael Garrett went to high school in Germany. He joined the Army in 1984 after graduating from Xavier University. In 2019, he was chosen to become a General and lead the Army Forces Command. He retired from the Army in September 2022.
After his Army career, President Joe Biden chose General Garrett to be a commissioner for the American Battle Monuments Commission in July 2023. This group helps take care of places where American soldiers are buried or honored around the world. He became the chairman of this commission on August 1, 2023.
Contents
General Garrett's Important Roles
General Michael Garrett had many important jobs during his time in the Army. He was known for leading large groups of soldiers.
Leading Army Forces
One of his biggest jobs was being the commanding general of United States Army Forces Command. This group is located at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. It's a very important command that trains and prepares soldiers for missions all over the world.
Serving in Key Locations
Before that, he was the commanding general of United States Army Central. This command is based at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. He also served as the chief of staff for United States Central Command. This role meant he helped plan and manage military operations in a large area, including the Middle East. He also led United States Army Alaska, which is the Army's main force in Alaska.
Leading Soldiers in Battle
General Garrett also led soldiers in combat. He commanded the 3rd Battalion, 325th Infantry (Airborne) within the 82nd Airborne Division. He went to Afghanistan to help with military operations there. Later, he commanded the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division (Light). This team was sent to Iraq to help with Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Other Important Army Jobs
General Garrett also worked in other important roles. He was a deputy commander for Army recruiting, helping to find new soldiers. He also served as the chief of staff for the XVIII Airborne Corps. In this role, he went to Iraq again to help lead U.S. forces during Operation New Dawn.
General Garrett's Education
General Garrett studied a lot to prepare for his military career. He completed special courses for Infantry officers. He also went to the United States Army Command and General Staff College. This college teaches military leaders how to plan and lead large operations. He also earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Xavier University.
Awards and Special Badges
General Garrett received many awards and badges for his bravery and service in the Army. These show his dedication and achievements.
- Combat Infantryman Badge: This badge is given to soldiers who have fought in ground combat.
- Master Parachutist Badge: This shows he is an expert at parachuting from airplanes.
- Ranger tab: This tab shows he completed the tough Ranger School, which trains elite soldiers.
- Pathfinder Badge: This badge means he is skilled at guiding aircraft and troops into landing zones.
- Basic Army Recruiter Badge: This shows he helped recruit new soldiers.
- British Parachutist Badge: He also earned a parachuting badge from the United Kingdom.
- 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division Combat Service Identification Badge: This badge represents his service with a specific combat team.
- 75th Ranger Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia: This insignia represents his service with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment.
- 5 Overseas Service Bars: These bars show how long he served overseas.
He also received many medals, including:
- Army Distinguished Service Medal
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Legion of Merit
- Bronze Star Medal
- Defense Meritorious Service Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Joint Service Commendation Medal
- Army Commendation Medal
- Joint Service Achievement Medal
- Army Achievement Medal
- Joint Meritorious Unit Award
- Army Meritorious Unit Commendation
- National Defense Service Medal
- Iraq Campaign Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Korea Defense Service Medal
- Humanitarian Service Medal
- Army Service Ribbon
- Army Overseas Service Ribbon
