An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : News
JBSA News
NEWS | Oct. 2, 2015

Task Force 51 commander promoted to major general

U.S. Army North Public Affairs

The commander of Army North’s Task Force 51, Brian C. Harris, was promoted to major general Sept. 18 in the Quadrangle in front of more than 100 service members, friends and family.

Harris was hand-picked to command Task Force 51 by Lt. Gen. Perry L. Wiggins, U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) commanding general and senior Army commander of Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis. Wiggins said that he kept an eye on Harris throughout his career and when he became available, there was no easier decision than choosing Harris for the position.

Harris thanked his wife, Wanda, and his children, saying that this is really their promotion.

“The one thing that has not changed in our Army is leadership, friendship and family,” Harris said. “I have to thank my family, as I think what they have been through and I am very proud of my kids and the support they have to the Army. I am very grateful as a father.”

Harris was commissioned in the Army National Guard as an infantry officer in 1984. He served in multiple infantry and armor officer assignments in various company, battalion and brigade level positions.

“In order to be a great infantry officer, you have to learn to love your Soldiers,” Harris said. “It is about unconditional love of taking care of your Soldiers because it is about their ability to support you that was most important and about leading from  the front.”

Task Force 51 is a rapidly deployable command post with the responsibility to support federal agencies when conducting Defense Support of Civil Authorities.