Major General John Patrick Cantwell, AO, DSC (born 9 October 1956) is a retired senior Australian Army officer.

[4] Cantwell was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1989 in recognition of service to the Australian Army as Adjutant of the Armoured Centre.

Cantwell was promoted to brigadier in January 2003, and appointed Director General of Capability and Plans in Australian Defence Headquarters.

Cantwell was advanced to Officer of the Order of Australia in 2007 for distinguished service as the Director of Strategic Operations for the Multi-National Force – Iraq.

As a result of Cantwell's "inspired leadership, deep commitment to his people and superior performance on operations" in the Middle East, he was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross in the 2012 Australia Day Honours, for distinguished command and leadership in action as the Commander Joint Task Force 633 on Operations SLIPPER and KRUGER.