Following Rhodesia's reconstitution and recognised independence as Zimbabwe in 1980, Wilson was awarded the Grand Cross of Valour on 30 June 1980 while a Major and second-in-command.

During Rhodesia's transition to Zimbabwe, Wilson obtained the rank of major and retired after serving as Officer Commanding SAS from April 1980 to the unit's disbandment in December that year.

An account of the role of the SAS in the Rhodesian Bush War was authored by Wilson and Greg Mills, entitled Who Dares Loses: Assessing Rhodesia's Counter-Insurgency Experience.

as the President of the C-Squadron Rhodesian Special Air Service Association following the death of General Peter Walls.

He is actively involved in efforts to rewild rare and endangered species and engage with community owned conservation projects in order to liberate sustainability out of protected areas in Southern and West Africa.