 McGarrah testified that, to take into account the concerns of United States Supreme Court rulings the CSRT were modelled after Army Regulations 190-8 "(Enemy Prisoners of War, Retained Personnel, Civilian Internees and Other Detainees)", subchapter 1-6, "Tribunals".While he was in the military, he was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.Since September 2009, McGarrah has been the Georgia Chair of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.