Robert A. Harding is a major general who retired from the Army in 2001 after serving for 33 years. He was recently tapped by President Barack Obama to head the TSA. He subsequently withdrew his nomination.
Previously, Harding was CEO and president of Harding Security Associates, a security consultant firm specializing in homeland security assignments. He previously served as executive vice president of operations at Innovative Logistics Techniques, where he had corporate responsibility for managing and expanding operational aspects of INNLOG’s business.
In his last military assignment in 2001, Harding was the U.S. Army Deputy G2 (intelligence). His responsibilities included planning and executing the Army’s intelligence programs. Prior to that role, he was director for operations at the Defense Intelligence Agency. Some of his positions there include DoD’s senior human intelligence officer and functional manager for intelligence collection management for DoD.
Harding’s military awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Medal, the Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters.
Harding has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bowie State University, a master’s degree in business from Salve Regina University, and a master’s degree in national security and strategy from the U.S. Naval War College.