Nick Parker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
General
Sir Nick Parker
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General Sir Nick Parker in 2013
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| Born | 13 October 1954 |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1973–2013 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | Land Forces International Security Assistance Force UK Contingent, Afghanistan Regional Forces HQ Northern Ireland 2nd Division 20th Armoured Brigade 2nd Battalion Royal Green Jackets |
| Battles/wars | Sierra Leone Civil War Iraq War Operation Banner War in Afghanistan |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Commander of the Order of the British Empire Mentioned in Despatches Officer of the Legion of Merit (United States) NATO Meritorious Service Medal |
Sir Nicholas Ralph Parker, born on October 13, 1954, is a retired British Army officer. He held important leadership roles, including Commander Land Forces, until 2012.
As a high-ranking general, Parker served in many places. These included Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He also held staff jobs like governor of Edinburgh Castle. He was also the commandant of the Joint Services Command and Staff College.
From 2005 to 2006, Parker was a deputy commander in Iraq. After that, he became the General Officer Commanding in Northern Ireland. In this role, he helped oversee the withdrawal of troops from Northern Ireland's streets. This was the first time in over 30 years that troops were removed.
In 2009, while on holiday, Parker learned that his son, Harry, was badly hurt in Afghanistan. Harry, a captain, lost both legs from a roadside bomb. Parker later spoke about his family's difficult experience. Later that year, Parker himself went to Afghanistan for a year. He became the commander of British forces there. He was also the deputy commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). In June 2010, he briefly became the acting commander of ISAF.
Contents
Early Life and Interests
Nicholas Parker was born to Captain Herbert Blake Parker and Diana Katherine Barnwell. He went to Sherborne School and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Parker enjoys watching the TV show Coronation Street and fishing.
Military Career Highlights
Early Army Service
Parker joined the Royal Green Jackets as a second lieutenant in January 1974. He quickly moved up the ranks. He was recognized for his service in Northern Ireland in 1980. He became a captain in May 1980. After attending the Army Staff Course, he was promoted to major in October 1986.
In 1991, he became a lieutenant colonel. From 1994 to 1995, he led the Second Battalion the Royal Green Jackets. He became a colonel in 1996. In December 1997, he was promoted to brigadier. He then commanded the 20th Armoured Brigade, which went to Bosnia in 1999.
Leading Important Missions
In 2001, Parker led the British task force in Sierra Leone. He also advised the country's president. In November 2002, he became the General Officer Commanding of the 2nd Division. At the same time, he was promoted to major-general. As head of the 2nd Division, he was also the Governor of Edinburgh Castle.
In 2004, he served as the commandant of the Joint Services Command and Staff College. From August 2005 to February 2006, he was a deputy commander in Iraq.
Parker was appointed General Officer Commanding Northern Ireland in July 2006. He was promoted to lieutenant-general. In Northern Ireland, he helped reduce the number of UK troops. He said the military helped create peace, allowing others to make a difference through politics and social programs. He oversaw the closing of a military base, marking a time when the army became more part of the community.
In 2007, Parker received the American Legion of Merit award. This was for his excellent service in Afghanistan. In October 2007, he became Commander of Regional Forces. This role also made him the Inspector-General of the Territorial Army. He believed the Territorial Army and the regular Army should work as one team. He said both face the same risks and that Territorial Army soldiers bring valuable experience.
Service in Afghanistan (ISAF)
In September 2009, it was announced that Parker would become the deputy commander of ISAF in Afghanistan. He visited British bases in Afghanistan on Christmas Day 2009 to see the troops.
On June 23, 2010, Parker took temporary command of all 140,000 NATO troops in Afghanistan. This happened after the previous commander, General Stanley McChrystal, left. British Prime Minister David Cameron told the U.S. President that Parker would ensure operations continued smoothly. Parker held this role until July 3, 2010.
Becoming a General
On July 29, 2010, Parker was named the next Commander-in-Chief, Land Forces. He took over this role on October 1, 2010, and was promoted to the rank of general. For his service in Afghanistan, he received the NATO Meritorious Service Medal. He also received an award from the Afghan Minister of Defence.
In November 2011, Parker's role was renamed Commander Land Forces. He left this post in January 2013.
Parker was also an Honorary Colonel for the Manchester and Salford Universities Officers' Training Corps. He was also a Colonel Commandant for the Royal Green Jackets and later for The Rifles regiment.
Family Life
In 1979, Nicholas Parker married Rebecca Clare Wellings. They have two sons. One of their sons, Harry, was seriously injured in July 2009. Harry was a captain serving in Afghanistan when his patrol hit a roadside bomb. He lost both legs. Parker later spoke about the difficult time, saying it was "pretty bad" and they weren't sure if Harry would survive. He said his military training helped him stay calm during this challenging period.
See also
In Spanish: Nick Parker para niños
