Col Harper was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps on August 18, 1983, upon completion of Officer Candidate School. He served in a variety of billets, including judge advocate, civil affairs officer, and plans and operations officer with both the 2nd Marine Division and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
After seven years on active duty, Col Harper resigned his regular commission to accept an appointment as a federal prosecutor in Atlanta but continued as a member of the Marine Corps Reserve. In 2004, Col Harper was mobilized and assigned to the 15th MEU as an operations officer during the unit’s deployment to Kuwait and Iraq. Col Harper retired from the Marine Corps in 2013.
Col Harper graduated from Vanderbilt University with a B.A. in classical studies. He has an M.B.A. from Georgia State University and a J.D. from Mercer University. Col Harper encourages military members through his writings and by teaching Bible studies and leading classes in military history, personal character, and the warrior ethos.
Col Harper and his wife Melissa have four adult children and three grandchildren and reside in Atlanta, Georgia. He is also legal counsel and board member of Strong Life LLC.
Hear from Jim about the purpose of the Warrior’s Notebook. Click the video below to play.