Colonel Jennifer Harris CSC
Australian Army
Colonel Jennifer Harris joined the Australian Army in 1996 and has enjoyed a diverse career, incorporating operational military service with regimental, staff, engineering, and representational appointments. She has worked across Australia and abroad including the United Kingdom, Papua New Guinea, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
She has enjoyed regimental postings at all levels and was privileged to Command the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment, 3rd Brigade, where she led Army’s response to Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017. Complementing these appointments are diverse staff roles working with great teams across the enterprise, whole of government, and internationally. As Brigade Major 6th Combat Support Brigade, she was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross for leading their transformation post operations in the Middle East area of Operations.
She has a strong STEM foundation as a Civil Engineer with a Master of Science in Weapons Effects on Structures. A graduate of Joint Services Command and Staff College, United Kingdom, she has completed a Master of Defence Studies from Kings College, London. As a Chartered Fellow of Engineers Australia and Questacon Mind in residence, she continues to invest in developing future generations of creative leaders.
Colonel Harris’ operational service includes OP SLIPPER (Middle East) in 2006 and 2010, and OP PALADIN (Lebanon and Syria) in 2008. In 2007 she deployed to Iraq supporting the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade re-design of the Australian Embassy.
Recently, as Chief of Staff of the Land Capability Division, she has relished the opportunity to support the Army and the enterprise and transform to meet Government direction post the Defence Strategic Review. It has confirmed her passion for collaboratively driving positive transformation.
She is currently undertaking the Defence Strategic Studies Course at the Australian War College, enjoying the opportunity to explore further the challenges modern organisations face navigating transformation in a digital world.
