Command Sergeant Major Harlan L. Thompson was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and graduated from Judson High School in Converse, Texas in 1986. He began his service in the Texas State Guard in August of 2003, when he enlisted as an E-1 in the Texas State Guard Air Component.
After completing Initial Entry Training, CSM Thompson was assigned to the various units in the 4th Air Wing in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. In 2014, he transferred to the 5th Air Wing in San Antonio and was the Logistics NCOIC (A-4). In 2016, he transferred to the Component Headquarters, where held the positions of Operations NCOIC (A-3), Administration and Personnel NCOIC (A-1), Component Recruiter, and Security Forces Manager. His last position at the Air Component Command was as the Senior Enlisted Advisor.
When the Texas State Guard reorganized in January of 2020, CSM Thompson transferred to the 1st Brigade where he served as the NCOIC of the Reception and Training Unit, and later served as the Security Support Unit Coordinator for the 1st Brigade. CSM Thompson then transferred to the T-7, where he served as the NCOIC of the Direct Commission Officer Orientation Course. CSM Thompson is a graduate of the Airman’s Leadership Course, Basic NCO Leadership Course, Advanced NCO Leadership Course and the Texas State Guard Senior Leader Course.
His military awards include the Texas Outstanding Service Medal, Texas Medal of Merit (2), Adjutant General’s Individual Award (4), Commanding General’s Individual Award (6), Texas Faithful Service Medal, Texas State Guard Service Medal, Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Texas State Guard Enlisted Personnel Basic Training Ribbon, Texas State Guard Physical Fitness Ribbon, and the State Guard Association of the United States Commendation Medal.
CSM Thompson and his wife Lisa were married in 2012. They have 3 adult children: Gary, Asley, and Jessica, and 13 grandchildren. They reside in Dallas, TX. CSM Thompson holds an Associates in Applied Science in Criminal Justice. He is a Master Peace Officer and is employed as a police sergeant with the Collin County College District.