While studying Ecology at Leeds University, Alison gained a Reserve commission at the LUOTC. After graduating, she attended the Regular Commissioning Course at Sandhurst in 1990. After 3 postings in the British Army, including a tour in Bosnia with 4 Regt RLC, she joined the Reserve Forces. She was deployed to Iraq and held Full-Time Reserve Service posts in Northern Ireland and England.  She commanded 158 Regt RLC, held the posts of SO1 RLC Reserves Training Policy and the post of SO1 Reserves for 102 Log Bde. 

Alison was awarded an MBE for her pre-AOSB leadership residentials, which were formally adopted nationally by Sandhurst, developed in the course of mentoring potential officers for 104 Log Bde. 

Alison joined the RFCA as Deputy Chief Executive, in 2022.