Mike Jackson, English general

General Sir Michael David Jackson, born on March 21, 1944, stands as one of the most prominent and high-profile British Army generals since the Second World War. His long and distinguished career, spanning almost 45 years, was marked by significant command roles, challenging deployments, and moments of profound moral and strategic decision-making that garnered both widespread recognition and occasional controversy.

Early Life and Formative Years in Northern Ireland

Jackson embarked on his military journey in 1963, initially commissioned into the Intelligence Corps, a crucial branch focused on gathering and analyzing information for military operations. However, a pivotal shift in his career came in 1970 when he transferred to the Parachute Regiment, an elite airborne infantry unit renowned for its rigorous training and frontline deployments. It was with the "Paras" that he would experience the raw realities of "The Troubles" in Northern Ireland, serving two of his three tours of duty in the volatile region.

His first tour in Northern Ireland placed him directly at the heart of some of the most tragic events of the conflict. As an adjutant, he was present during the horrifying Ballymurphy massacre in 1971, where eleven unarmed innocent civilians lost their lives to British troops. Just months later, in 1972, he witnessed the infamous Bloody Sunday, another deeply divisive incident where British soldiers opened fire on unarmed peaceful protesters, resulting in fourteen fatalities. These early experiences undoubtedly shaped his perspective on military engagement and its human cost.

During his second tour, Jackson served as a company commander, dealing with the aftermath of the devastating Warrenpoint ambush in 1979. This attack, carried out by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA), resulted in the British Army's heaviest single loss of life during The Troubles, underscoring the relentless and brutal nature of the conflict. After these intense frontline experiences, Jackson moved to a staff post at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 1982, contributing to broader strategic planning before returning to command the 1st Battalion, Parachute Regiment, in 1984. He would return to Northern Ireland for a third time in the early 1990s, this time as a brigade commander, a testament to his expertise and experience in the region.

A Defining Stand in the Balkans: The Kosovo War

The mid-1990s saw Jackson's career take him to the Balkans, a region grappling with ethnic conflict and geopolitical tension. From 1995 to 1996, he commanded a multi-national division as part of the Implementation Force (IFOR), a NATO-led peacekeeping force tasked with ensuring the Dayton Agreement's provisions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Following a period in a staff role back in the UK, his leadership qualities were recognized with his appointment as commander of NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) in 1997.

It was with the ARRC that Jackson returned to the Balkans during the Kosovo War, a conflict that would forever etch his name into military history. In June 1999, at the height of the crisis, he famously defied a direct order from his immediate superior in the NATO chain of command, American General Wesley Clark. Clark had ordered Jackson to block the runways of Pristina Airport and isolate a contingent of Russian paratroopers who had unexpectedly seized control of the airfield, a move that threatened to ignite a wider international confrontation between NATO and Russia.

Jackson's reported response to Clark – "I'm not going to start the Third World War for you" – became legendary. His refusal to escalate the situation, choosing instead a more diplomatic and de-escalatory approach, was driven by a clear understanding of the potentially catastrophic geopolitical consequences. This incident attracted significant controversy, particularly in the United States, and earned Jackson the memorable nickname "Macho Jacko" in the British tabloid press. Demonstrating his pragmatic approach, Jackson subsequently established a crucial working relationship with the Russian general commanding the detachment at Pristina, even famously offering him a bottle of whisky – a drink Jackson is known to enjoy – and providing the Russian contingent with the protection of a squad of British soldiers, commanded by none other than his own son, Mark. This deft handling of a volatile situation averted a major international crisis and highlighted Jackson's strategic acumen and independent judgment.

Leading the British Army and Retirement

Upon his return to the UK from the Balkans, Jackson received a well-deserved promotion to full general, one of the highest ranks in the British Army. He was then appointed Commander-in-Chief, Land Command, a pivotal role second only to the professional head of the Army. After three years in this demanding position, showcasing his strategic vision and leadership capabilities, Jackson was appointed Chief of the General Staff (CGS) in 2003, making him the professional head of the entire British Army.

He took up the challenging post just a month before the start of the Iraq War. His tenure as CGS was immediately confronted with the complexities surrounding the legality of the invasion and claims that the Army was under-equipped. Despite these significant pressures, he steadfastly dismissed suggestions that the Army was at "breaking point," maintaining morale and advocating for his troops. Perhaps the most controversial aspect of his time as CGS was the significant restructuring of the regimental system, which saw many historic regiments amalgamated into larger entities, leading to the unfortunate loss of numerous traditional regimental names – a deeply emotive issue for many in the military community.

Jackson served diligently as CGS until 2006, when he was succeeded by General Sir Richard Dannatt. After nearly 45 years of dedicated service to his country, General Sir Michael David Jackson retired from the Army, leaving behind a legacy of strong leadership, courage under fire, and a willingness to make difficult decisions for the greater good.

Life Beyond Uniform

In retirement, General Jackson has remained an active and respected voice on military matters. He frequently speaks as a consultant and guest lecturer, sharing his vast experience and insights on defence and international relations. He has also penned an autobiography, offering his personal account of a remarkable career. On a personal note, he has three children from two marriages and is a proud grandfather to four grandchildren, enjoying a well-deserved post-military life while continuing to contribute to public discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions About General Sir Michael David Jackson

Who is General Sir Michael David Jackson?
General Sir Michael David Jackson is a highly distinguished retired British Army officer, known for his leadership, particularly during The Troubles in Northern Ireland and the Kosovo War. He rose to become the Chief of the General Staff (CGS), the professional head of the British Army.
When was General Sir Michael David Jackson born?
He was born on March 21, 1944.
What were his early military roles?
He was initially commissioned into the Intelligence Corps in 1963 before transferring to the elite Parachute Regiment in 1970.
What is his connection to The Troubles in Northern Ireland?
Jackson served three tours in Northern Ireland with the Parachute Regiment. He was present as an adjutant at the Ballymurphy massacre (1971) and Bloody Sunday (1972), and later as a company commander in the aftermath of the Warrenpoint ambush (1979), all significant and tragic events during the conflict.
What is he most famous for?
He is most famous for his role during the Kosovo War in 1999, specifically for defying a direct order from his superior, General Wesley Clark, to block the runways of Pristina Airport, stating he wouldn't "start the Third World War."
What senior leadership positions did he hold?
After commanding NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), he was promoted to full general and became Commander-in-Chief, Land Command. His final role was Chief of the General Staff (CGS), the professional head of the British Army, from 2003 to 2006.
What controversies was he involved in during his CGS tenure?
His time as CGS coincided with the start of the Iraq War, prompting debates over legality and equipment. He also oversaw a controversial restructuring of the regimental system, which led to the amalgamation of many historic regiments.
What does he do in retirement?
In retirement, General Jackson continues to speak on military matters, works as a consultant and guest lecturer, and has published an autobiography. He also enjoys his personal life with his three children and four grandchildren.