Command change at 1 Div
After three years at the helm of Headquarters 1st Division, Major General Jake Ellwood transferred command to Major General Scott Winter on November 30.
CAPTION: Outgoing Commander 1st Division Major General Jake Ellwood, centre, accepts the 1st Division pennant from Regimental Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class One Michael Landy during the command handover parade. Story by Lieutenant Simon Hampson. Photo by Sergeant Kerry Uilderks.
The parade at Brisbane’s Gallipoli Barracks was attended by commanders, senior officers, VIPs, Headquarters 1st Division and 1st Signal Regiment staff.
Major General Ellwood’s tenure as commander began in early 2019, and by the end of that year, he was leading Operation Bushfire Assist as Emergency ADF National Support Coordinator.
He also oversaw the ADF’s contribution to the Australian Government’s Pacific Step-Up through command of Joint Task Force 637 activities in the south-west Pacific, and launched the Australian Army’s Run Army program.
“As I come to an end of three years in my dream job, I am in awe of those I have had the honour of working with,” Major General Ellwood said.
“From private to general, I have been a part of a team with limitless potential.
“In the last three years, we have all made a huge difference, both at home and abroad.”
Major General Ellwood urged those present at the parade to remain proactive and continue to build on the progress made under his command.
“To remain static is to fall behind,” he said.
“Challenge yourselves, invest in yourselves and maintain momentum – this is a sure path to not just survive, but to thrive, no matter what arises.”
During the handover, Major General Ellwood spoke highly of his successor.
“If I had a chance to choose my successor, it would be Major General Scott Winter,” he said.
“I have served with Scott throughout my career, and I will be handing over the reins without trepidation.
“Instead, I have great expectations.
“His superior operational experience at home and abroad make him the perfect fit for this role.
“I know that he will take this organisation to the next level and beyond.”
Major General Winter recently returned from the Pentagon in Washington DC, where he served for two years as the Chief of the Defence Force Liaison Officer to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
“I thank Major General Ellwood for his outstanding leadership of the 1st Division, and indeed he and the whole team for their ground-breaking achievements over the last three years,” Major General Winter said.
“Jake leaves a great legacy, and importantly an excellent platform for us to build upon.
“The 1st Division is the ADF’s pre-eminent deployable command and control capability.
“I look forward to furthering our close engagement and cooperation with our neighbours across the region, while simultaneously modernising, developing and enhancing our ability to conduct multi-domain operations in defence of the nation.”
CAPTION: An M113AS4 armoured personnel carrier with outgoing Commander 1st Division Major General Jake Ellwood’s son, Lieutenant Samuel Ellwood of the 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, at the top turret, arrives at the change-of-command parade to pick up Major General Ellwood. Photo by Sergeant Kerry Uilderks.
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