A dedicated and highly decorated member of the United States Army, Tanner Garrett demonstrated his leadership abilities early as he was instrumental in getting wrestling started during his junior year at Cascia Hall Preparatory School.

He only wrestled one full season, but made the most of it, going 31-1 and earning a state runner-up medal.

Garrett then went on to excel in the classroom and on the mat at the United States Naval Academy. A three-time NCAA tournament qualifier, he finished his career with a 114-33 record, including leading the nation in wins as a senior with 43. Garrett won the Naval Academy’s prestigious Calvert Award, which is awarded to the top varsity letter winner from any sport selected as the most outstanding in leadership, loyalty, and consistent effort in every field. He is also the only two-time Weems Award recipient, an award presented to the wrestler displaying aggressiveness, determination, good sportsmanship, and team spirit.

Following graduation in 2006, Garrett was deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, as an Airborne Ranger-qualified rifle Platoon Leader with the 101st Airborne Division. In 2009, Garrett passed the Special Forces Assessment and in 2012, he earned his Special Forces tab and Green Beret.

He served in multiple command and staff positions with the 4th Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) from 2012 to 2016 and 2018 to 2020. From 2020 to 2024, Garrett served as Special Operations Command Europe in the Operations Directorate, responding to crisis and conflicts in both the Middle East region known as Levant and Eastern Europe.

From 2024 to 2026, Garrett served as the Program Director for Special Operations Campaign Artistry Program and was selected for Special Operations Battalion Command in 2026.