Philip A. Garrant

Philip Alan Garrant (born 1969) is a United States Space Force lieutenant general who serves as the second commander of Space Systems Command. He previously served as the deputy chief of space operations for strategy, plans, programs, and requirements.

Garrant received his commission from the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at the Johns Hopkins University in 1991. He is a career acquisitions officer who has led the 689th Armament Systems Squadron, Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Systems Division, and Space Superiority Systems Directorate. He was deployed in support of the Iraq War and the war in Afghanistan.

In 2021, Garrant transferred to the Space Force. He was promoted to lieutenant general and appointed as the second chief strategy and resourcing officer. In 2024, he took command of Space Systems Command.

Early life and education Philip Alan Garrant is the son of Richard and Martha Garrant of Hanover, Maryland. His father is a United States Army officer and his mother is a school teacher. He has a brother who is a reservist in the United States Navy while working for the United States Department of Defense. He finished high school in 1987 at Meade Senior High School.

Military career Air Force

Garrant commissioned into the United States Air Force on 23 May 1991, through an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at the University of Maryland.

In June 2022, Garrant was nominated for promotion to lieutenant general and appointment as the deputy chief of space operations for strategy, plans, programs, and requirements. On August 2, 2022, he was promoted to lieutenant general and replaced Lieutenant General William Liquori as the Space Force's second chief strategy and resourcing officer. As the service's chief strategy and resourcing officer, he has overall responsibility for the strategies, requirements, and budget of the Space Force.

In July 2023, Garrant was nominated for appointment as commander of the Space Systems Command (SSC), the successor organization of SMC. He would replace Lieutenant General Michael Guetlein who was selected to serve as vice chief of space operations. His nomination were among the hundreds of military promotions held by Senator Tommy Tuberville in opposition of the Department of Defense's abortion policy. He was confirmed in December 2023. On 1 February 2024, he became the second commander of Space Systems Command.

Personal life His wife, Heather, is a local school nurse. He has four children, three sons and a daughter, two of whom work for the Air Force as civilians.

Awards and decorations Garrant is the recipient of the following awards:

Air Force Distinguished Service MedalDefense Superior Service MedalLegion of MeritMeritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service Medal with one silver oak leaf clusterJoint Service Commendation MedalJoint Service Achievement MedalAir Force Achievement MedalJoint Meritorious Unit Award with one bronze oak leaf clusterAir Force Outstanding Unit Award with one silver oak leaf clusterAir Force Organizational Excellence Award with one silver and one bronze oak leaf clustersNational Defense Service Medal with one bronze service starsAfghanistan Campaign Medal with one bronze service starIraq Campaign Medal with two bronze service starsGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalOutstanding Volunteer Service MedalAir Force Overseas Short Tour Service RibbonAir Force Overseas Long Tour Service RibbonAir Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold frame and one bronze oak leaf clusterAir Force Longevity Service Award with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clustersAir Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship RibbonAir Force Training RibbonNATO Medal (Yugoslavia)

Dates of promotion

+ Rank Branch Date Second Lieutenant Air Force 23 May 1991 First Lieutenant 19 October 1993 Captain 19 October 1995 Major 1 August 2002 Lieutenant Colonel 1 December 2006 Colonel 1 September 2011 Brigadier General 2 August 2017 Major General 22 May 2020 Major General Space Force ~29 April 2021 Lieutenant General 2 August 2022

Writings