Warrant Officer Class One McGarry enlisted in the Australian Regular Army in February 1986 and on completion of Basic recruit Training he was assigned to the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery.

On completion of Initial Employment Training he was posted to 8th/12th Medium Regiment, during his posting he qualified as a Detachment Second- in- Charge, Detachment Commander on the M2A2 105mm Howitzer and M198 155mm Howitzer.  He then completed all associated courses for Sergeant and was promoted to Sergeant in 1993.  He was posted to 1st Field Regiment in 1994 and after completing his Management Operations Course he was posted as a Command Post Operator in the Command Post.  In 1999 he was posted to the Australian Defence Force Academy as a Divisional Sergeant.

He was promoted to Warrant Officer Class Two in 2000 and was posted to 7th Field Regiment as the Sergeant Major instructor Gunnery.  In 2002 he was then posted back to 1st Field Regiment as a Battery Guide.  In 2003 he was then posted to 8th/12th Medium Regiment, as a Battery Sergeant Major.  In 2005 he was posted to 23 Field Regiment as the Sergeant Major Instructor Gunnery, the Unit Recruit liaison Officer and was the Acting Regimental Sergeant Major.

He was promoted to Warrant Officer Class One in 2008 and he was posted to 8th Signal Regiment, as the Regimental Sergeant Major.  In 2010 he was posted back to 7th Field Regiment as the Regimental Sergeant Major.  In 2013 he was posted back to 8th/12th Regiment as the Regimental Sergeant Major.

He received a Bronze Army Commendation for his efforts as the Sergeant Major Instructor Gunnery and the Unit Recruit Liaison Officer in 7th Field Regiment.  He received a Silver Army Commendation for his efforts at 23 Field Regiment and 8th Signal Regiment.

He was the Operations Warrant Officer on VIC Fires Assist in 2009.  He served as the Regimental Sergeant Major for Operation Anode Solomon Islands in 2010.  He was appointed as a training Advisor during Operation Slipper in 2012.

He has taken up his new posting as the Regimental Master Gunner in the Royal Australian Artillery Management Cell at Headquarters Combined Arms Training Centre.  Warrant Officer McGarry is married to Lyn; he also has two children.  He enjoys all outdoor sports, motor racing, exercise and travel.