Captain James Harvey enlisted in the Army in 2009, assigned to the Infantry Corps. He saw service with the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment until 2015. During this time he served in Afghanistan and was promoted to Lance Corporal. In 2015 he attended the Royal Military College Duntroon, graduating in 2016 to Intelligence Corps. He was assigned to the Royal Australian Artillery as his regimental posting and served at 1 Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery in command, technical and staff roles, including ADJT in 2019. He has served as the Intelligence Officer for the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment in 2020.

Prior to joining Army, he had a career in scientific instrumentation building high end research instruments for the geophysics community. His partner Sophie is also an intelligence officer, serving as the Intelligence Officer of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in 2020. They enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle outside of work. James is currently studying a Masters of Terrorism and Security Studies.