General Sir Mike Jackson, Influential British Army Leader, Dies at 80

Renowned for his leadership in Kosovo and Iraq, Jackson's career was marked by pivotal decisions and a strong moral compass.

Overview

General Sir Mike Jackson served as Chief of the General Staff from 2003 to 2006, overseeing the British Army during the Iraq War.
Jackson was known for his decisive leadership during the Kosovo conflict, notably refusing to escalate tensions with Russian forces at Pristina Airport in 1999.
His military career spanned nearly 45 years, including significant roles in Northern Ireland and Bosnia, and he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his service.
Jackson's leadership style was characterized by a blend of toughness and fairness, earning him respect and the nickname 'The Prince of Darkness' among troops.
He was a vocal critic of military bureaucracy and advocated for better support for the armed forces post-retirement.