Martin Harris

Major Martin Harris enlisted in the Marine Corps and upon completion of Basic Training and follow-on military occupational specialty training, served as a Combat Correspondent. After his enlisted service, Major Harris was selected for the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education program. Following Officer Candidate School and upon commissioning and completion of The Basic School, Harris was designated a Public Affairs Officer, and following the occupational field merger in 2017, a COMMSTRAT Officer.

Major Harris served in various operational and deployable roles, providing essential communication support to operating forces. He later served as the Public Affairs Officer and spokesperson for Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, where he effectively navigated crisis communications and public safety messaging during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the continuation of West Coast recruit training. As the Director of COMMSTRAT for MCRD San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region, Major Harris served as the primary spokesperson and communication director during the first-ever gender integration of recruit training in the depot's 100-year history. He strategically managed national and local media relations to successfully communicate the implementation of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) mandate. His final assignment before retiring was as the Deputy COMMSTRAT Director or Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa.

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.