Air Vice-Marshal Jackson joined the RAF in 1999. Following flying training he was posted to 617 ‘Dambusters’ Squadron to fly Tornado GR4, completing numerous operational tours in support of Op TELIC in Iraq. Jackson went on to become an instructor on the Tornado GR4 Operational Conversion Unit. As Squadron Leader, Jackson was posted to Colchester as the Air Officer for 16 Air Assault Brigade Headquarters, during which he deployed as part of Op HERRICK 13 in Afghanistan. Jackson returned to 617 Squadron as a Flight Commander and thereafter Executive Officer, during which he supported Op HERRICK 18/19. Jackson enabled the disbandment of the Dambusters as a Tornado GR4 squadron, before assuming the role of Squadron Leader Operations at RAF Lossiemouth, where he managed the transfer of Typhoon from RAF Leuchars. On promotion to Wing Commander and following completion of Advanced Staff Training, Jackson was posted to the Northwood Headquarters to lead the Full Spectrum Targeting Cell, within Joint Warfare.
Thereafter, Jackson was selected to be the Military Assistant to the 3* Chief of Joint Operations at The Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ), Northwood.
Jackson subsequently moved to become Officer Commanding of No. XIII Squadron at RAF Waddington, leading the Reaper – Remotely Piloted Air System – squadron in its delivery of consistent combat support as part of Op SHADER. Jackson was promoted to Group Captain in July 2020 and was posted to become Commander Hawk and Deputy Combat Air Force Commander, with responsibility for all aspects of the safety, delivery and operation of the Hawk T Mk1 aircraft, including 100 Sqn and the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. Thereafter, Jackson moved to be the Assistant Head Defence Current Commitments and Crisis, in the Ministry of Defence.
Jackson was promoted to Air Commodore and posted to 11 Group, Air Command, as Assistant Chief of Staff Operations, where he was the Joint Force Air Component Commander, Air Component Commander Middle East and was responsible for the delivery of Global Air Operations. Thereafter, Jackson moved to PJHQ as Assistant Chief of Staff J3, following his completion of HCSC.