Hariz was commissioned into the 12th battalion,
Mechanised Infantry Regiment (8th Parachute Regiment/16th Mahar Regiment), a mechanized infantry battalion, on 10 June 1978. He has vast experience and has served in numerous positions. He has commanded the 9th battalion,
Mechanised Infantry Regiment, a brigade with an amphibious role, a RAPID division in a Strike Corps and
X Corps (Bhatinda). He has also held numerous staff appointments including Brigade Major of an armoured brigade, Assistant Military Secretary at the Military Secretary's branch, a Staff Officer in Weapons and Equipment Directorate at IHQ, New Delhi; instructor at Infantry School, Mhow; instructor at
Defence Services Staff College, Wellington; Additional Directorate General of Mechanised Forces and GOC-in-C of the
Army Training Command. He held various appointments including Military observer, Chief Personal Office and Regional Commander at the UN Mission in Angola. During his career he has been awarded the
Vishisht Seva Medal in 2007,
Sena Medal in 2009,
Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and
Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2016 for his service. On 17 December 2016, the Government of India appointed Lt Gen
Bipin Rawat as the 27th Chief of the Army Staff, superseding
Lieutenant General Praveen Bakshi (Eastern Army Commander) and him.The appointment made by NDA ruled Government was politically controversial.
General Bipin Rawat was accused of nepotism and gratuitously politicising the appointment, by the senior serving and retired military officers. == Honours and decorations ==