A native of Alexandria, Virginia, Major Harley holds an undergraduate degree in International Studies from the Virginia Military Institute and graduate degrees in Business Administration and Military Studies. 

Major Harley was commissioned in May of 2007 and reported to The Basic School, followed by Field Artillery Officer Basic Course. In June of 2008, he reported to 1st Battalion, 12th Marines where he served as battery liaison officer then deployed with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines serving as forward observer and company executive officer. Upon returning from deployment, Major Harley served as a platoon commander, operations officer, and assistant operations officer for Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan and deployed to Operation Tomodachi, a disaster relief operation.

In May 2011, Major Harley reported to 2d ANGLICO.  He served as a Fire Power Control Team Leader completing two combat deployments to Operation Enduring Freedom. The first with 1st Royal Welsh, UK Army and the second with the 33rd Georgian Light Infantry Battalion. In 2014 Major Harley reported to and completed Field Artillery Captains Career Course in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

In December of 2014, Major Harley reported to 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, and was deployed to Operation Inherent Resolve with Task Force Al Asad on Advise and Assist Team. He served as fires and effects coordinator, battalion operations officer, battery commander and battalion fire support officer.

In July of 2017, Major Harley reported to Manpower and Reserve Affairs in Quantico, Virginia.  He served as the Section Head and Policy Compliance and Corrections for the Performance Evaluation System.

In July 2020, Major Harley reported to Marine Corps University's Command and Staff College.  After graduation, he reported to Camp Pendleton, California where he served as the Headquarters Battery Commander before serving in his now current role.

Major Harley is a 2014 graduate of the Field Artillery Captain's Career Course, a 2020 graduate of Command and Staff College Distance Education Program, and a 2021 graduate of Marine Corps Command and Staff (Resident Course).

Major Harley is married to the former Lindsay McKay of Springfield, Virginia.  They have a daughter and son: Amelia (8) and Holden (5); they reside in San Clemente, California.