Retired Lt. Gen. William B. Garrett III spent his 35-year military career stationed in posts around the world, but the education and training that he received at the University of North Georgia (UNG) remains foundational to his success.
Garrett retired in January 2017 after his final assignment as the Deputy Commander of U.S. European Command, where he provided strategic leadership to address complex security challenges across 51 nations in Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle East.
He previously served as Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Forces Command, responsible for approximately 800,000 Active Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and Army National Guard soldiers – the majority of the Army’s combat power. He also served as Chief of Staff for U.S. Forces-Iraq and as an infantry brigade commander in Afghanistan. He is the first commander of U. S. Army Africa / U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, the Army's sole organization dedicated to advancing U.S. security interests across 56 nations in Africa.
During his military service, Garrett earned the Combat Infantryman's Badge with Star, the Ranger tab, Master Parachutist wings, the Pathfinder badge, and numerous other U.S. and foreign awards and decorations. In addition to his bachelor's degree in history from UNG, Garrett holds three master's degrees — in management, military art and science, and national security and strategic studies.
Garrett says UNG develops well-rounded leaders of character.
"The Corps of Cadets develops leaders of character who embody the Army’s values and are prepared for the global leadership challenges of the future," he said. "Cadets live by a code of honor and learn leadership in an environment that complements their academic education and prepares them for a lifetime of success."
Since its founding in 1873, UNG has produced more than 50 general officers, including Garrett. He attributes this success to what has been called "the North Georgia effect" by many alumni of the university.
"UNG continues to produce many of our nation’s finest military leaders, including top officers. I attribute this remarkable success to the unique UNG experience, which provides a world-class undergraduate education in a military environment," he said.
"With a strong heritage of developing leaders, the Corps of Cadets is the centerpiece of the military experience for cadets. By graduation, cadets have inculcated lessons and habits that will serve them well for a lifetime. Many generations of cadets have walked the same path, and their legacy inspires others as they strive to reach their full potential. I am optimistic that UNG’s Corps of Cadets will continue to mold future generations of leaders who thrive in a complex world."
"Times may change, but you can bet that UNG will continue to graduate leaders with exemplary character, the highest levels of discipline, and an unwavering commitment to service," Garrett said.
Garrett continues to serve today on UNG's Institute for Leadership and Strategic Studies Advisory Board. He also returns to UNG frequently for university events, and was asked to serve as the reviewing officer and guest speaker for the Corps of Cadets Military Awards Review during the 2017 Alumni Weekend. In his speech, Garrett shared his three-point philosophy for being an effective leader, which he summed up as: "Know your stuff. Take care of your people. Lead with courage."
In concluding his speech, his final words to the cadets, many of whom were to graduate in less than a month, were thanks for their choice to follow in the footsteps of himself and other military alumni.
"All of us here today wish you the very best as you prepare to take up the mantle of leadership and I hope that in some small way, these lessons can illuminate the path ahead," he told cadets. "Thank you all for the courage you have to be the leaders we need in this world today."
