Lt Gen Andrew Harrison, DSO, MBE

Andrew Harrison was educated in London and completed a degree in Economics prior to joining the Parachute Regiment in 1990. His service through the 1990s included multiple tours to Northern Ireland, a year with the UN in Iraq, exchanges to the Australian and New Zealand armies and appointments at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Directorate of Military Operations.

In 2000 Andrew was posted to Sierra Leone as an unarmed UN Military Observer. On the outbreak of civil war he was captured for 12 days by rebels from the Revolutionary United Front. He subsequently escaped to a rebel-surrounded UN enclave. After three months the group were relieved in a Special Forces assault. He was appointed a member of the Order of the British Empire for his conduct in captivity.

Following a Master’s Degree in Defence Administration and Joint Staff College, Andrew assumed rifle company command and led his Company in the 2003 liberation of Iraq. Thereafter he was appointed Chief of Staff of 20 Armoured Brigade and returned to Basra with the Brigade in 2006. He was awarded a Queen’s Commendation for his service in Iraq.

Through 2007, Andrew organised the repatriation of UK deceased from Iraq and Afghanistan in 68 ceremonies. He was then posted to the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters and finished this tour seconded to 3 Commando Brigade in Helmand, Afghanistan. In 2009, Andrew assumed command of the 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, returning to Helmand the next year. He was wounded on the tour and appointed to the Distinguished Service Order for his leadership.

On promotion to Colonel, Andrew became the military lead for Afghanistan planning at the Ministry of Defence. After attending the UK’s Higher Command and Staff Course he was promoted to Brigade command in the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. In 2016, Andrew completed a Master’s Degree in Politics and Policy and attended the Australian Defence College. He was the UK’s Defence Adviser to Australia between 2017 and 2019.

On promotion to Major General, Andrew commanded UK troops in Afghanistan and was awarded the US Legion of Merit for his service in Kabul. From May 2020 he was in the United States as Senior British Military Adviser to Central Command and promoted to Lieutenant General in December 2021, assuming Deputy Command of the United Nations Command, Korea.

Andrew is married to Carolyn, an ex-Army Officer and teacher. They have three daughters. In his spare time, he enjoys cricket, skiing, cycling, running and military history. He is the Colonel Commandant of the Parachute Regiment.