Michael Harwood CB CBE MA

Michael Harwood retired from the Royal Air Force in July 2012 after thirty-four years' service.  As a fast-jet pilot, he enjoyed the challenges of flying instruction, Cold War Germany, Arctic and jungle operations, No-Fly-Zone enforcement as well as the development of tactics and equipment at the Strike Attack Operational Evaluation Unit, Boscombe Down.  His deployed command experiences (simultaneously covering Iraq, Afghanistan and the Gulf of Oman) were complemented by tours at the Permanent Joint Headquarters, Northwood, and the RAF’s HQ, High Wycombe.

At the Joint Services Command and Staff College Shrivenham, he was responsible for three aspects of education: Director, Higher Command and Staff Course, Air Power teaching, and an invigorating Defence module for Warrant Officers from all three Services.

In his final tour, building on that essential understanding of single-Service, Joint, Multinational and Multi-Agency contributions to deterrence and combat, he headed the British Defence Staff in the United States.  Based in Washington DC, but with responsibilities across the whole country, he also represented the UK in the United Nations' Military Staff Committee, New York.

Mostly out of uniform now, he has the freedom with which to write, teach and engage with individuals, educational establishments, and organisations across the world.