UNG alumnus Lt. Gen. James Jarrard recently earned his third star and took on a new role as deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific.
Article By: Clark Leonard
Lt. Gen. James "Jamie" Jarrard, '88, has earned his third star and now serves as deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific, which is based in Fort Shafter, Hawaii. He started his new role July 28.
U.S. Army Pacific provides the Joint Force with the decisive integrated land power required to consolidate gains, succeed in competition, rapidly transition and respond during a crisis, prevail in low-intensity and large-scale conflict, and lead through a new era of transformational change.
"Our asymmetric advantage is our allies and partners," Jarrard said. "I look forward to developing relationships and creating interoperability with our key allies and partners out here."
He is part of UNG's class of 1988, which has produced five generals. The other four are Lt. Gen. Paul Calvert, Maj. Gen. Joe Jarrard, retired Maj. Gen. William K. Gayler, and retired Brig. Gen. Michael Scholes.
"It's an honor and privilege to be asked to continue to serve. I'm humbled they would think I'm capable of serving at this level," Jarrard said. "With each promotion, there is a higher expectation for you. I need to show up every day and make sure I'm meeting that standard."
He leads from a selfless mentality that seeks to remove obstacles for his colleagues.
With each promotion, there is a higher expectation for you. I need to show up every day and make sure I'm meeting that standard.
Lt. Gen. James Jarrard
U.S. Army Pacific deputy commanding general
"I really enjoy using my position for good to help those who are trying to do something good," Jarrard said. "It's rewarding to be able to help others in their career."
Jarrard's most recent previous role was as chief of staff for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command at Camp Smith, Hawaii, which came after serving as commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
He has served in numerous command and staff assignments in the U.S. Special Operations Command along with assignments to the 7th Infantry Division and the Joint Staff. His eight operational assignments include leadership and command positions from Operation Desert Storm in 1991 in Kuwait to his assignment as commander of Special Operation Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve from 2017-2018. Jarrard also served as the director of operations for U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.
Jarrard served in the National Guard while at UNG, then commissioned and entered active duty in May 1988.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from UNG and a Master of Science in military operational art and science from the Air University. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College and served as a Senior Service College Fellow at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies.
