RICHMOND, Va. –
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Douglas L. Harris assumed responsibility as the Virginia Army National Guard’s Command Chief Warrant Officer from Chief Warrant Officer 5 John D. Calley Sept. 6, 2025, at the Virginia National Guard Sergeant Bob Slaughter Headquarters at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia.
Brig. Gen. Charles B. Martin, the VNG Land Component Commander, presided over the change of responsibility ceremony and the officer saber exchange, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility from Calley to Harris. Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Hawley, the VaARNG State Command Sergeant Major, served as the keeper of the saber.
Martin noted that warrant officers are often one of the least understood segments of the Army, yet they play a crucial role in the Army’s structure.
“The history of warrant officers in the U.S. Army spans more than a century,” Martin said. “They are known for their technical expertise, calm demeanor, and ability to focus on what truly matters in any situation.”
Martin expressed gratitude for the guidance and insights Calley provided over the past two years.
“You’re a remarkable example to others,” Martin said. “A unique blend of technical expertise, leadership, and integrity that defines warrant officers as the quiet professionals they are.”
He congratulated Harris on his appointment, recalling their time serving together in the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
“I remember the first time we served together in the BCT,” Martin said. “You made a lasting impression with the intellect and professionalism you bring to this role. You've consistently demonstrated excellence in your assignments and as a leader committed to the betterment of this organization.”
Calley, who previously served as the state aviation safety officer at Joint Force Headquarters – Virginia, retires with more than 40 years of military service.
“I can’t imagine having worked with better people,” Calley said, also acknowledging retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Joseph W. Puckett, who preceded him in the position.
Calley shared that he quickly learned there was much to understand in his role, joking about the diverse units within the Virginia Air Command. Though it took time, he eventually became comfortable in his responsibilities.
He expressed confidence in Harris’s ability to transition seamlessly into the role.
“CW4 Harris has been so ingrained in the state for so long, he’ll be hitting the ground running,” Calley said. “I believe the state is in very good hands with him at the helm.”
Harris thanked Calley for his mentorship and leadership.
“Your legacy is one of excellence,” Harris said. “I stand here not to replace you but to carry the baton forward, leading our cohort with the same dedication and vision you’ve exemplified.”
Harris outlined his leadership philosophy: “I will remain humble and mission-focused, always prioritizing the mission and the Soldiers we serve. I will honor the sacrifices of others, recognizing and celebrating the contributions of those around me, my fellow Soldiers, and their families. In closing, I am deeply honored to serve as your commander.”
Biographical Information:
Harris enlisted in the Virginia Army National Guard on Feb. 19, 1988. He attended Basic Training and Infantry Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. His initial assignment was with Company A, 3-116th Infantry, followed by other assignments with Company B, 2-116th, and Company B, 1-116th.
In 2003, he entered the Active Guard and Reserve workforce as a Unit Supply Sergeant (92Y), assigned to the 116th Brigade Headquarters in Staunton. He was promoted to sergeant first class in 2006 and transferred to the 1-116th in Lynchburg as the Battalion Supply Sergeant. In 2009, Harris attended Warrant Officer Candidate School at Fort Rucker and was appointed as WO1, assigned to 116 IBCT as the Brigade Property Book Officer. In 2018, CW4 Harris was assigned as the 29th Infantry Division Asset Visibility Officer at Fort Belvoir.
In 2022, he assumed command of the Warrant Officer Candidate School, 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute, Fort Pickett. Later that year, Harris transferred to Joint Force Headquarters to serve full-time as the Command Property Accounting Technician at USPFO.
Harris was selected as the eighth Virginia Army National Guard Command Chief Warrant Officer.
Harris’s deployment history includes Operation Enduring Freedom (Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 2002-2003), Operation Enduring Freedom KFOR-8 (2006-2007), Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan (2011-2012), and Operation Spartan Shield (Kuwait, 2021-2022).
Harris’s military and civilian education includes Air Assault School, Pathfinder School, Scout Sniper School, Warrant Officer ILE, and Warrant Officer Senior Staff Course. He is a 1989 graduate of Ridgeview Christian School, Stuarts Draft, Virginia. He holds an Associate in Applied Science in Administrative/Management Studies from Excelsior University.
Harris’s awards include the Combat Action Badge, Meritorious Service Medal (4), Army Commendation Medal (6), Army Achievement Medal (8), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon with numeric device “3,” NATO Medal (2), and others. He has earned special skill badges such as Air Assault, Pathfinder, and Expert Infantryman’s Badge. He is also authorized the Presidential Unit Citation, Joint Meritorious Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, and Superior Unit Award. His foreign awards include the Gold Schützenschnur.
Calley Biographical Information:
Calley enlisted in the U.S. Army on Sept. 3, 1985. He completed Basic Training, Infantry AIT, and Airborne qualification at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In 1989, he joined the Virginia Army National Guard as an infantry squad leader.
In 1991, Calley attended Warrant Officer Candidate School, followed by Initial Entry Rotary Wing Flight Training at Fort Rucker, Alabama. After completing training, he was assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation (Assault) in Sandston, Virginia, where he served as a UH-1 and UH-60 pilot, aviation safety officer, and instructor pilot. In 2013, he transferred to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 151st Security and Support Regiment, where he served as a UH-72 instructor pilot and aviation safety officer.
Prior to his selection as the Command Chief Warrant Officer, Calley served as the state aviation safety officer at Joint Force Headquarters – Virginia.
Calley’s deployment history includes support for SFOR-10 Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia-Herzegovina (2001-2002), Operation Iraqi Freedom (2005-2007), Operation New Dawn in Iraq (2011), and Operations Riverwatch and Guardian Eye on the Southwest Border (2013, 2014, and 2015).
Calley’s military and civilian education includes Airborne School, Ranger School, Air Assault School, Jungle Warfare School, Aviation Safety Officer Course, UH-60 Qualification Course, UH-60 Instructor Pilot Course, High Altitude/Power Management Course, UH-72 Pilot Qualification Course, UH-72 Instructor Qualification, and the Warrant Officer Senior Staff Course. He has accumulated more than 4,700 accident-free flying hours and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Old Dominion University.
Calley’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf clusters, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, NATO Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, Master Aviator Badge, Ranger Tab, Airborne Badge, and Air Assault Badge.