What Distinguished Military Career Did General Sir Mike Jackson Have?
Former British Army chief general Sir Mike Jackson died at eighty years old. Having a solid career spanning duty in the Balkans and Northern Ireland, he guided the army during the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 under a reputation for forceful leadership and steadfast values.
In a well-known episode in 1999, Jackson famously disobeyed a directive from General Wesley Clark, his US commander, to intercept Russian soldiers who had entered Kosovo without NATO’s permission. “I’m not going to start the Third World War for you,” he is said to have told Clark, underlining his loyalty to his values above directives.
How Is Sir Mike Jackson Remembered for His Leadership?
Declaring his death, the British Army said Sir Mike would be “greatly missed and long remembered.” The father of three died surrounded by his family; this event was noted in a comment posted on social media.
Besides being revered in military circles, Sir Mike was popular among the general public. He was immediately identifiable with his unique look, which included large bags under his eyes, and his rich, gravelly voice, polished by scotch and cheroots.
What Early Life and Military Training Shaped His Career?
Jackson, born on March 21, 1944, into a military family, joined the army at 19 before earning his degree from Birmingham University in 1967. He picked up Russian while serving in the Intelligence Corps during the height of the Cold War, a knowledge that would come in handy in his military career.
He joined the Parachute Regiment in 1970 and spent the Troubles serving in Northern Ireland. He was especially there during the horrific events of Bloody Sunday when regiment members opened fire on demonstrators, causing several casualties. Later, he went to the Ballymurphy inquiry and denied there was a “cover-up” over the shooting of ten Belfast people.
How Did Sir Mike Jackson Rise Through the Ranks?
Rising through the ranks, Sir Mike commandeered the regiment’s First Battalion between 1984 and 1986. Later, from 1995 to 1996, he was assigned to head the UN peacekeeping contingent in Bosnia. His strategic brilliance and dedication during the Kosovo campaign earned him the Distinguished Service Order.
Just one month before the Iraq war started, he took over from General Sir Michael Walker at a turning point in the British Army. Known by most as “Jacko,” Sir Mike also had the difficult chore of combining ageing regiments but left a legacy as a dynamic and straightforward commander.
What Family and Tributes Will Keep His Memory Alive?
Three children from two marriages and four grandchildren survive him. The Parachute Regimental Association paid a moving homage, saying he had been a “great leader of men”, someone many would be “missed by.” Generations will remember Sir Mike Jackson’s services to the British Army and his commanding leadership.
