Biography
Jennifer Harris CSC
Brigadier
Drawing on almost 30 years in the Australian Army, building and leading great teams, in 2025 Brigadier Jen Harris has lead Defence’s flagship regional engagement program Indo-Pacific Endeavour, and she will assume command of the 7th Brigade in December. Her Army service has included combat and peacekeeping experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Syria and through a wide range of command, leadership and operational roles around Australia.
She was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for her efforts in leading major organisational change in the 6th Combat Support Brigade. It is leading teams through change, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement that continues to drive her passion for work and people centric approach. As a combat engineer and proud STEM professional, she brings a unique blend of technical knowledge and military experience to every role. Her technical grounding includes a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from UNSW, and a Master’s in Science of Weapons Effects on Structures from Cranfield University, UK.
She is a graduate of the Joint Services Command and Staff College, UK, where she completed a Master’s in Defence Studies from Kings College, and most recently has relished the opportunity to study military organisational change through a Master’s in National Security and Strategy from Deakin University. A Chartered Professional Engineer and Fellow of Engineers Australia, she continues to invest in developing the future generation of leaders in Defence, Engineers Australia, STEM Women and most recently as a mind in residence at Questacon.
