Major General Jon Swift

Director Programmes British Army

After Commissioning into the Fusiliers in 1995, he deployed as a Platoon Commander to Bosnia and Northern Ireland.  Further regimental duty was followed by two memorable years as an instructor at the RMA Sandhurst.

On returning to 1RRF he completed tours as the Operations Officer and officer commanding the Recce Group in 2002, deploying in that role for Op TELIC 1.  This was followed by a year as the British exchange officer at the US Army National Training Centre in California. He was awarded the US Meritorious Service Medal in 2004.

In 2006 he was posted to Afghanistan to command A Company 2RRF, part of 3 PARA BG on Op HERRICK 4; he was Mentioned in Despatches in 2007. Company command was followed by two appointments in capability development in the MOD, including as Military Assistant to the Master General of the Ordnance and Director Battlespace Manoeuvre.

On promotion in 2010, he deployed to Afghanistan as Commander of the BASTION Training Centre. Subsequent command of 1RRF included Op OLYMPICS and Op HERRICK 18 in 2013, for which he was awarded the OBE. In 2014 he returned to capability development, first in the DE&S and then as the Assistant Head for Capability Plans in Army HQ. He commanded 38 (Irish) Brigade from 2017-2019 before being appointed Head of Ground Manoeuvre capability and Senior Responsible Owner for the Army’s Joint Effects programmes in Army HQ in October 2019.

On promotion to 2* in July 2022, he took post as General Officer Commanding Regional Command and Deputy Commander Standing Joint Command (UK). In August 2023, he returned to Army HQ and took post as Director Programmes.

General Jon is also: the Army’s Head of Delegation for India; Colonel of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers; a Trustee of Fusilier charities; a VP of Army Rugby and Football; and a youth rugby coach and referee.