Col. Allan J. “AJ” Darden Sr. recently was named commander of the United States Army Garrison at Fort Detrick, Md.
Darden began his career with the U.S. Army in 1976 as an enlisted personnel-management specialist. In 1984, he decided to pursue his long-term goal of becoming an Army officer.
Darden left the service after eight years and enrolled in Savannah State College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology with a minor in military science.
He earned his commission in 1987 through the Reserve Officers Training Corps and was named a distinguished military graduate.
He entered active duty as a medical service corps officer in the spring of 1988.
Darden also has a Master of Science degree in human resources development from Webster University and a master’s degree in national resource strategy from the National Defense University’s Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
He is the recipient of numerous awards, decorations and honors including the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster.
He is married to the former Alfreda Underwood. They have three children, Michelle R. Jefferson, 32, Allan J. Darden Jr., 25, and Michael Darden, 23. They have two grandchildren, Kyndall and Kortney Jefferson.
He is the son of Linnie Darden Jr. and brother of Linnie Darden III.