A cavalryman, Major General Rutherford-Jones was commissioned into the 15th/19th Hussars in 1977. Between commissioning and taking command of The Light Dragoons in 1997 he served in Cyprus, Canada, Germany, UK and Belgium.

During this time he was an operations officer in Headquarters 1st British Corps, Chief of Staff 1st Mechanized Brigade, and a plans officer in Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. Command of The Light Dragoons included a period of operations in the Balkans as well as a prolonged period of training in the Middle East.

Since regimental command, Major General Rutherford-Jones has been Chief of Staff 3rd (UK) Division, and commanded 20th Armoured Brigade, including operational command of the Brigade in Kosovo (2001/02) and Iraq (2003/04).

He also served at the UK Defence Academy where he set up the Army's new Intermediate Command and Staff Course, and most recently held the appointment of Director of the Armoured Corps. In this latter role his primary responsibilities were for manning, commitments, and force development. This included being a member of the Defence one star Steering Committee for the Army's primary equipment programme (FRES). In addition he has attended the Higher Command and Staff Course.

Major General Rutherford-Jones was appointed the Commandant of the Royal Military Academy in August 2007. He is married to Sarah and father to George (19) and Alice (16). The family live within the grounds of the Academy. R-J enjoys sailing, fishing, 'long lunch' skiing, ornithology and reading. He is also a keen and very patient supporter of Newcastle United Football Club!

Major General David Rutherford-Jones