Command Sergeant Major Donald R. Harris is a native of Charlottesville, Virginia. He enlisted through the Richmond Military Entrance Processing Station, Richmond, Virginia in the U.S. Army on 17 November 1999 as an Infantryman.
He completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Moore, GA. CSM Harris has served in all leadership positions from rifleman to Command Sergeant Major. He served as a First Sergeant at 4th Ranger Training Battalion, 1-89 Cavalry, Headquarters and Headquarters Company 10th Mountain Division (LI).
His assignments include Fort Moore, Georgia; Fort Drum, New York; Camp Greave, Korea; Fort Bliss, Texas; JBER, Alaska; Fort Polk, Louisiana; and Fort Steward, Georgia. He served three combat deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan and one in Djibouti.
His first duty assignment was to Fort Drum, New York, where he served with 4th Battalion 31st Infantry, 10th Mountain Division (LI). He then served with 4th Ranger Battalion (Airborne) in Fort Benning, GA. He was then selected to serve as the Headquarters First Sergeant at Division at 10th Mountain Division (LI). He then served with 4/25 IBCT (Airborne) as the BDE OPS Sergeant Major. Following that assignment, he was selected to serve with 3rd BDE 10th Mountain Division (LI) as the 2-30 IN (Wild Boars) Command Sergeant Major. He then served as the Chief of Operations (G-3 OPS SGM) for the 10th Mountain Division (LI). His last assignment before taking responsibility as the CSM for Joint Task Force-Bravo was as the CSM for 3-395 IN with 188th Infantry Brigade.
CSM Harris' military education includes the Basic, Advanced, and Senior Leader Courses, Airborne School, Air Assault School, Mountain Warfare School (summer and winter), Total Army Instructor Course, NBC Course, Combative course, Master Driver Trainer, Ranger School (Honor Graduate), Tactical Cert Course, EO course, Battle Staff course, MRT, First Sergeant Course, French Commando School, and the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (Class 66). He has a degree in Business Administration from Excelsior University.
His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal w/2 OLC, Meritorious Service Medals w/3 OLC, Army Commendation Medals w/4 OLC, Army Achievement Medal w/4 OLC, Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3 Campaign Stars), Iraq Campaign Medal (3 Campaign Stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. He also earned the Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, French Commando Badge, and his Ranger Tab.
His is happily married to his wife of 36 years. He has three children, one of which is currently stationed at Fort Drum, NY with 2nd BDE, 10th Mountain Division (LI).