Army officer turned MP awarded MBE

A FORMER Army officer turned MP will become the first serving politician in more than 60 years to be awarded a military honour when he receives an MBE from the Prince of Wales tomorrow.

By The Newsroom

Published 14th Dec 2011, 06:00 BST

Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis, an ex-Parachute Regiment Major, will be recognised for services to the Armed Forces and also designing and delivering a training system that teaches troops to spot improvised explosive devices.

His citation accompanying the MBE highlighted the impact of his work stating: “It has been highly effective and has undoubtedly saved lives in Afghanistan.”

The former Special Forces major served in Iraq and Afghanistan during his 15-year military career, and recognised that before deployment troops would benefit from identifying markings like disturbed earth around devices.

The Labour MP described the MBE as a “great honour” adding: “On a day like today, my thoughts are with the family and friends of the fallen.

“Great Britain is lucky to have the best armed forces in the world and I was proud to serve alongside some outstanding people.”