Dr. Harper is currently the Deputy Director of the Partnership Division at Allied Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM) in Mons, Belgium. He joined SOFCOM from Special Operations Command Europe in Stuttgart, Germany, where he served for ten years as the Deputy Director for Strategy, Plans and Policy.

Dr. Harper’s civilian experience in the strategy realm was preceded by a twenty-five year career in the United States Marine Corps. In addition to postings across the continental US, he participated in numerous Marine infantry and Joint Special Operations Force (SOF) operations throughout the Pacific, Caribbean, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Over the past two decades, Dr. Harper’s work has placed him at the forefront of initiatives that have led to the exponential increase in first-rate interoperable SOF across the transatlantic community. Of particular note, he guided the efforts that produced the Resistance Operating Concept and SOFCOM’s Comprehensive Defence Handbook. In his current capacity, he continues to assist nations with implementing the practices outlined in those documents, to include Ukraine.

Dr. Harper holds a BA in International Relations and an MA in Unconventional Warfare. His doctoral research focused on the influence Special Operations Forces have on the study and conduct of international affairs.