Ohio's 83rd Adjutant General

Major General John C. Harris, Jr.

The adjutant general is a member of the governor’s cabinet and is responsible for the command of the Ohio Army National Guard, Ohio Air National Guard, and State Defense Force. The adjutant general supervises the heads of these components in the day-to-day operation and management of the readiness, fiscal, personnel, equipment, and real property resources of the agency.

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PHOTO GALLERY

Brig. General John C. Harris, Jr. stands with family and Governor DeWine.

2023-01-09
Adjutant general reappointed as Gov. DeWine begins second term

Brig. General John C. Harris, Jr. takes oath from Governor DeWine.

2019-01-01
Maj. Gen. John C. Harris, Jr. becomes Ohio's 83rd Adjutant General

Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr. (center), Ohio assistant adjutant general for Army, receives his new shoulder rank epaulettes from Maj. Gen. Deborah A. Ashenhurst (left), Ohio adjutant general, and his wife, Angela.

2014-12-14
Asst. adjutant general for Army receives second star

Brig. General John C. Harris, Jr. is pinned by his son and daughter.

2012-03-02
Col. John C. Harris, Jr. promoted to brigadier general

VIDEO GALLERY

Honoring those who’ve sacrificed:
A Memorial Day message from the adjutant general

05/26/2023: On Memorial Day, Americans remember the men and women who have served, fought and died for the nation. The holiday is a solemn reminder of the tremendous price that has been paid to ensure Americans’ liberties and safeguard their way of life. In his 2023 Memorial Day message, Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general, offers his thanks to Ohioans and all Americans who’ve made that sacrifice throughout the country’s history.

A Memorial Day message from the adjutant general

05/26/2022: In a video message to the force, Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general, reflects on how current world events should serve as a reminder to us all this Memorial Day to honor the men and women who've paid the ultimate price in service to our great nation.

Adjutant general’s extremist stand-down training video

03/07/2020: Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general, provides a video introduction for all Ohio National Guard units that conducted Department of Defense-mandated stand-down to address extremism in the ranks.

Maj. Gen. Harris addresses Ohio National Guard members about coronavirus and COVID-19

03/07/2020: It's been nearly one year since Gov. Mike DeWine called on the Ohio National Guard members to support their fellow Ohioans by providing assistance at food banks across the state. Since the mission began, ONG Soldiers and Airmen have helped distribute about 90 million pounds of food. Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general, and others talked to "60 Minutes" about how the pandemic has impacted Ohio communities.

Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general, speaks out against racism

06/06/2020: A message to the force from our Maj. Gen. John Harris, Jr., Ohio adjutant general, about racism in the organization and respect while on mission. “Racism is a very real thing in our culture. Racism divides us, and it destroys trust. It's reprehensible.”

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Ohio adjutant general's 2020 Memorial Day message

05/21/2020: Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general, provides his Memorial Day message and also talks about the historic efforts of the Ohio National Guard in fulfilling many vital needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Maj. Gen. Harris addresses Ohio National Guard members about coronavirus and COVID-19

03/17/2020: Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general, has an important message for Ohio National Guard Soldiers, Airmen and civilians regarding coronavirus and COVID-19. In times of emergency or disaster, hurricane or pandemic, the National Guard has helped our fellow citizens in need for centuries. We are your family members, friends and neighbors.
We are Ohioans serving Ohioans
Always Ready, Always There!

Fostering, rewarding innovation within the Ohio National Guard

02/20/2020: Maj. Gen. John Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general, discusses innovation within the Ohio National Guard. The Ohio National Guard SPARC (Systematic Problem Analysis and Resolution Challenge) program was created to foster and reward a culture of innovation within the organization. “We have to have a culture that allows every single member to feel that they can make a contribution,” Harris said.

Meet the Ohio Adjutant General

02/11/2020: Maj. Gen. John C. Harris, Jr. became the 83rd Adjutant General of Ohio when he was sworn in Jan. 14, 2019, by Gov. Mike DeWine. In this interview, he discusses his organizational priorities, leadership and the reason he has been a member of the Ohio National Guard for more than 30 years.

Focus on what's important to the team

02/27/2018: Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio assistant adjutant general for Army, expresses his concerns regarding perceived divisiveness among Ohio National Guard members, and how it has no place in the ranks. He encourages Guard members to express themselves and their beliefs with family and friends about heavily debated topics within American society, but to do so in the proper environment. When in uniform, save those debates for another time and focus on what allows us to stay mission ready and combat effective. When we show up to do our duty, the most important thing is the team.