Meet SSG Harwood, U.S. Army — 2026 Veteran

Harwood grew up in Peoria, AZ, after graduating High School enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in March 1996, John attended basic training Fort Jackson, SC after graduation he attended U.S. Army Military Police School Fort Gordon, GA. transferred to the 341st Military Police Company in San Jose, California.

In 2003, SSG Harwood volunteered to help stand up the newly created 491st Military Police Company in Mesa, Arizona—the first MP company activated since World War II. With only three Soldiers and minimal infrastructure, he played a foundational role in establishing training programs, equipment procurement, troop rotations, and operational readiness.

In April 2004, SSG Harwood deployed with the 491st MP Company to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, serving in the Maximum Security Detention Facility as NCOIC of Detention Operations, Block NCOIC, Quick Reaction Force NCOIC, and as part of Special Transport Operations. He redeployed in April 2005.

Committed to contributing directly to ongoing combat operations, SSG Harwood volunteered for assignment to the 203rd Military Intelligence Battalion at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. The mission—classified at the time—focused on countering improvised explosive devices. After vetting, he joined the battalion in July 2005 and trained for a new proof-of-concept capability modeled after British WIZ/WO teams: Weapons Intelligence Teams (WITs).

In September 2005, SSG Harwood deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq as the Assistant Team Leader of WIT 11. Operating in a three-Soldier team under high threat and extreme operational tempo, he conducted approximately 1,100 combat missions, often multiple per day. His expertise in enemy tactics, techniques, and procedures directly shaped coalition counter-IED practices. He identified the area’s first Explosively Formed Projectile (EFP)—contradicting prevailing intelligence—and recommended equipping units with the RHINO system, preventing further casualties. He supported a coalition mass-casualty event, triaged multiple wounded personnel, assisted in MEDEVAC operations, exploited bomb-making factories, and conducted sensitive site exploitation of post-blast and suspected chemical-weapons sites.

Later serving as Team Leader of WIT 09 in the Multi-National Division–Fallujah area, SSG Harwood rapidly reestablished critical relationships with Marine units and assumed complex mission requirements with minimal handover. His mastery of counter-IED exploitation directly influenced lifesaving TTPs across the battlespace. When his team recovered a uniquely initiated IED in the Fallujah AO, his electronic countermeasure recommendations were immediately implemented, saving numerous Marines and Sailors.

SSG Harwood was involved in multiple IED incidents, including one blast that nearly overturned his vehicle and briefly knocked him unconscious. His team was at one point informed of a bounty placed on them. He also experienced several small-arms engagements resulting in injuries. Despite chemical agent exposure and other wounds, he remained operational due to the critical importance of their counter-IED missions and the need to prevent future attacks.

Photos of SSG Harwood (Click the image to begin a slide show)
 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Following deployment, SSG Harwood was hired as an instructor training the next rotation of military WIT Teams preparing for combat deployments. He later served as a Government Contractor instructing International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) WIT Teams in Kabul, Afghanistan.

He continued working until his service-connected injuries ultimately forced him to stop both physically and mentally.

SSG Harwood's Awards and Decorations:

Military Education:

  • Military Police
  • Teletype Operator
  • Enemy Prisoner of War Operations
  • Physical Security
  • Civil Disturbance
  • Internment/Resettlement Operation
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):
    • Forensics
    • Finger Printing
    • WIT Training
  • Combat Life Saver
    • Weapons Intelligence Team
      • Evidence Collection
      • Scene Exploitation
      • Media Exploitation
      • Digital Exploitation
      • Evidential Photography
      • Evidential Research
      • Foreign Munition Recognition

      Military Awards and Decorations include:

      • Army Commendation Medal
      • Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award)
      • Army Good Conduct Medal
      • Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (3rd Award)
      • National Defense Service Medal
      • Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
      • Global War On Terrorism Service Medal
      • Iraq Campaign Medal
      • Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon
      • Army Service Ribbon
      • Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award)
      • Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/M Device (2nd Award)
      • Combat Action Badge

      ~~~~~~~ ### ~~~~~~~

      Jeff Mullins
      President-CEO, Rebuilding Warriors