William D. McGarrity, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the Deputy to the Commanding General for the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington (USAMDW), Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C. He assists the commanding general in conducting the full spectrum of military operations in the National Capital Region; coordinates with key interagency partners to ensure proper alignment of strategic initiatives; and oversees support functions such as fiscal, manpower, personnel, logistics, operations, intelligence, and readiness.
A native of Winter Haven, Florida, Mr. McGarrity was commissioned as a second lieutenant of infantry in 1987 as a distinguished military graduate of Georgia Southern University. Later, after attending flight school and branch transfer to the aviation branch, he held a variety of leadership, staff, and executive-level positions in the United States and overseas, retiring from active duty in the rank of colonel in October 2017. Prior to assuming his present position, Mr. McGarrity served as the civilian Deputy Director for Operations, JTF-NCR and USAMDW, serving as the principal advisor to the Director of Operations. Mr. McGarrity was directly involved in the military planning and interagency coordination of 23 high-profile National Special Security Events including one state funeral and three presidential inaugurations.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and English from Georgia Southern University; Master of Arts in International Relations from Saint Mary’s University; Master of Arts in Military Operational Arts and Sciences from Air University; and Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College. Additionally, Mr. McGarrity completed the Senior Executive Fellows program at Harvard University and the Senior Manager’s Course in National Security Leadership at George Washington University.
Mr. McGarrity’s awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Superior Civilian Service Medal, and the Joint Civilian Service Commendation Award. He is authorized to wear the Combat Action Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Ranger Tab, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.