Colonel Russell E. Gillaspie was commissioned a Transportation Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School Class 2-68, 20 August 1968. His first duty assignment was as Platoon Leader, 216th Transportation Company (Medium Truck Cargo), Fairbanks, Alaska. | His subsequent duty assignments with the Alaska Army National Guard include: Executive Officer, Platoon Leader, Reconnaissance Mortars, Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 279th Infantry; Commander, Headquarters Troop, 5th Squadron, 279th Calvary; Personnel Officer, 5th Squadron, 279th Calvary; Commander, Comptroller, Headquarters Detachment; Assistant Operations Training Officer, Logistics Officer, 207th Infantry Group (Scout); Executive Officer, Commander, 5th Battalion 297th Infantry (Scout); Executive Officer, Commander, 207th Infantry Group (Scout); Chief of Staff, Deputy United States Property and Fiscal Officer, United States Property and Fiscal Officer, Alaska State Area Command.