Deal appoints deputy adjutant general

Gov. Nathan Deal today tapped Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joe Jarrard of Dahlonega as deputy adjutant general. Jarrard, who recently served under Gen. David Petraeus in Afghanistan, takes command Sept. 30. An official ceremony will be held at a later date.

“Lt. Col. Jarrard takes this post with a long and distinguished history of service to the country including two active tours of duty in Iraq and 25 months of civilian service in Afghanistan,” said Deal. “With his proven leadership skills and knowledge of military forces overseas, I am confident he will lead Georgia’s Army National Guard in the right direction while always keeping the security of our homeland priority No. 1.”

The deputy adjutant general - Army, Georgia National Guard is responsible for directing, coordinating, organizing and stationing the Georgia Army National Guard to ensure readiness to perform state and national missions. The Georgia Army National Guard makes up more than 75 percent of the Georgia National Guard. Jarrard will serve under the command of incoming Adjutant Gen. Jim Butterworth.

"I am pleased to welcome Lt. Col. Jarrard as the deputy adjutant general,” said Butterworth. “He brings extensive wartime experience including time most recently with the Counterinsurgency Advisory and Assistance Team. I look forward to seeing the positive impact he makes on the critical mission of preparing our Guardsmen for both wartime and domestic service."

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joe Jarrard

Jarrard has served in Afghanistan for the past 25 months, most recently with the Counterinsurgency Advisory and Assistance Team, formerly under the command of Gen. David Petraeus. This team works directly for the commander of International Assistance Forces Afghanistan advising and assisting commanders at all levels on counterinsurgency operations.

Jarrard graduated from North Georgia College and State University and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1988. He served on active duty for more than 20 years and retired a lieutenant colonel in April 2009.

While on active duty, Jarrard served at numerous duty stations including Germany, Fort Stewart, Fort Riley, Fort Bragg and was deployed to Iraq twice. In 2003, he deployed as the battalion executive officer of 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2005, he deployed to Iraq as the deputy brigade commander of the 18th Field Artillery Brigade (Airborne) in support of the 101st Air Assault Division. Jarrard’s awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal.

Jarrard currently resides in Dahlonega with his wife Susan, and their three boys, Ben, Will and Joseph.