Major General Tracy L. Garrett built a 36-year career in the Marine Corps Reserve and became one of the most accomplished reservists of her generation. She deployed to Iraq, commanded Marine forces across Europe and Africa, became the first woman to serve as Inspector General of the Marine Corps, and stood up a brand-new command for Marine Forces Reserve. Her career is a strong example of how reserve Marines balance civilian life with demanding military service, and how far a reserve officer can rise.
Quick Facts
- Final rank: Major General
- Commissioned: 1978, through NROTC at the University of Washington
- Component: United States Marine Corps Reserve
- Years of service: 36 years (1978 to 2014)
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in English, University of Washington; master’s degree in national security and strategic studies, Naval War College (1998)
- Key commands and posts: 4th Marine Logistics Group (deputy and acting commander); Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa; Inspector General of the Marine Corps; Force Headquarters Group
- Notable first: First female Inspector General of the Marine Corps
Early Life and Commissioning
Garrett was born in Seattle, Washington. She attended the University of Washington, where she took part in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps and studied English. She graduated in 1978 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps that same year.
From the start, Garrett chose the reserve path. Reserve Marines train part-time, typically on drill weekends and annual training, while holding civilian careers. They can also be activated for full-time duty when the nation needs them. Garrett later described reserve service as a way to balance a military career with the rest of her life, and she made the most of both.
Mobilization and Service in Iraq
In July 2004, Garrett was activated from the Marine Corps Reserve and assigned as chief of staff of the 1st Force Service Support Group (Forward). She served in Iraq from September 2004 to March 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Force Service Support Group, now known as a Marine Logistics Group, keeps Marines supplied with fuel, ammunition, food, maintenance, and medical support. As chief of staff, she helped run the headquarters that coordinated that work during a demanding period of the war.
Reserve Leadership
After she was released from active duty in May 2005, Garrett became deputy commander of the 4th Marine Logistics Group, the reserve logistics command within Marine Forces Reserve. She was reactivated in January 2007 and served as the group’s acting commander. That same year she was promoted to brigadier general.
General Officer Service
Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa
In the fall of 2008, Garrett took command of Marine Corps Forces, Europe, at Panzer Kaserne near Stuttgart, Germany, and also led Marine Corps Forces, Africa. These headquarters coordinate Marine exercises, operations, and humanitarian projects in support of U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command. She handed over command in September 2009.
Inspector General of the Marine Corps
Garrett made history as the first woman to serve as Inspector General of the Marine Corps. The Inspector General helps the Commandant make sure units are ready, follow regulations, and treat Marines fairly. The office also looks into complaints and concerns raised by Marines and their families. She was promoted to major general in 2010.
Force Headquarters Group
In 2012, Garrett became the first commanding general of Force Headquarters Group, a new major subordinate command of Marine Forces Reserve based in New Orleans. The command brought together several specialized reserve units, including civil affairs, communications, intelligence support, and air-ground liaison units, and prepared them to augment and reinforce the active-duty Marine Corps.
Final Assignment
Her last post was as special adviser to the commander of U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany. She retired on May 8, 2014, after 36 years of service.
Education
Garrett holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Washington. In 1998 she earned a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, which prepares senior officers for strategic leadership.
After the Marine Corps
Garrett has served on the board of directors of USAA, the financial services company that serves military members and their families. She has also volunteered with the Girl Scouts in western Washington. Her awards include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Why Tracy L. Garrett’s Career Matters to Marine Families
Many families do not realize how much the Marine Corps Reserve contributes. Garrett’s career shows that reservists deploy to combat, lead major commands, and reach the highest levels of responsibility. If your Marine is joining the reserve, her story shows that part-time service can still be a full and meaningful career. If your daughter is joining the Corps, Garrett is one of the women who opened doors by becoming the first to hold an important post. Her path shows what is possible with steady commitment over many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Tracy L. Garrett an active-duty or reserve Marine?
She served in the Marine Corps Reserve from 1978 to 2014. She was activated for full-time duty several times, including for her deployment to Iraq and her general officer assignments.
What historic first did she achieve?
She was the first woman to serve as Inspector General of the Marine Corps.
When did she serve in Iraq?
She served in Iraq from September 2004 to March 2005 as chief of staff of the 1st Force Service Support Group (Forward) during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
What was her final rank?
She retired as a major general. She was promoted to brigadier general in 2007 and to major general in 2010.