Garmisch Garrison Manager

Mr. Phillip C. Merchant became the deputy garrison manager for U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria in Garmisch, Germany in January 2025. Merchant serves as the garrison commander’s principal representative and advisor providing direction and general administration to meet the needs of the community and mission partners and provide quality of life and readiness support services.

Prior to his assignment as DGM, he served as the first deputy garrison manager (interim) of the Powidz Military Community with U.S. Army Garrison Poland while assigned as the safety director for U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria.

Originally from Alabama, Merchant began his career with the Army on active duty from 1996-2000 as an infantry officer. He began his civilian career in 2009 as a contractor at the Fort Novosel Aviation and Gunnery Range Complex in Alabama and then became a Department of Army civilian in 2011 at the U.S. Army Combat Readiness and Safety Center at Fort Novosel.

In 2012, Mr. Merchant was selected as an U.S. Army intern, FC12 safety professional and assigned to Camp Zama, Japan. His other installation management and Army assignments include leadership positions at Torii Station, Japan; 16th Sustainment Brigade, Baumholder, Germany; Fort Eisenhower; and 19th Expeditionary Sustainment, Daegu, Korea (ROK). 

Mr. Merchant received an Army ROTC scholarship to Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont in 1996. He has attended Army Management Staff College completing both the intermediate and advanced courses. He is a certified safety and health manager (CSHM), certified safety and occupational health professional, and U.S. Army Explosive Safety Level 2 certified. He was selected for the HQDA Enterprise Talent Management Project TDY program in 2021 and completed an assignment with HQ Eighth Army, in Camp Humhreys, Korea (ROK).  He also completed the inaugural Installation Management Command – Europe Executive Leader Development Program (ELDP) in 2023. 

Mr. Merchant has received numerous achievements and awards over his career including: 
two Achievement Medals for Civilian Service, Civilian Service Commendation Medal, Civilian of the Quarter, Superior Civilian Service Award, and Meritorious Civilian Service Medal. His military achievements were Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School / Parachutist Badge, Army Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and NATO Medal.