Wing Commander
Colonel James A. Harris, Alabama Wing Commander, left his last post as the Alabama Wing Vice Commander in April 2019. Prior to that assignment, he was Commander of the Maxwell Composite Squadron, responsible for successful execution of CAP’s Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education, and Search And Rescue missions within the Alabama Wing. As Commander, he exercised direct responsibility for the Squadron staff, over 40 cadets and 40 CAP Senior Members located at Maxwell AFB, Alabama.
Prior to his appointment to the position of Squadron Commander, July 2012, he served as USAF Reserve Liaison with the Alabama Wing where he was responsible for advising the Wing Commander on issues revolving around the three critical CAP Mission areas ensuring compliance and Wing success. Additionally, he served as the USAF leader for evaluating the Wing’s Search and Rescue capabilities every two years. He holds a Master Rating in Command and Personnel, and a Senior Rating in the Administration specialty tracks.
Colonel Harris is a retired U.S.Air Force, Gulf War On Terrorism veteran. He is a graduate of the Reserve Officer Training School at Alabama State University, Montgomery Alabama along with the Air Force’s Squadron Officer School, Air Command & Staff College, and Air War College. Additionally, he is a graduate of Civil Air Patrol’s Squadron Leadership School and Corporate Learning Course.
He graduated from Auburn University at Montgomery, in Montgomery, Alabama with a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Computer Information Systems. Moreover, he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree from Grantham University in Project Management.
His military decorations include a Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 OLC, Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with one device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Award with 4 OLCs, and the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with 2 OLCs.
His CAP awards and decorations include an Exceptional Service Medal, Meritorious Service Award, Commander’s Commendation, and the Gill Robb Wilson Award.
Colonel Harris is a Computer System Analyst with the United States Air Force at MAFB-Gunter Annex, Alabama.
