ADF head shed re-appointed –– 3 new Service Chiefs
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In a surprise announcement today, Australia’s new Federal government announced that General Angus Campbell’s tenure as Chief of Defence Forces is to be extended by two years.
FILE PHOTO: Ongoing Chief of the Defence Force General Angus Campbell. Photo by Jay Cronan.
General Campbell, who has been CDF since July 2018 was expected to retire in July this year.
Deputy Chief of the Defence Forces Vice Admiral David Johnston’s tenure has also been extended – as has Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Greg Bilton’s.
While the Albanese Government said it was ‘putting a premium on continuity’ in extending the three appointments above, it also announced new chiefs for the Navy, Army and Air Force.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said the government arrived at these decisions at a time that was as strategically complex as any since the end of the Second World War in terms of Australia’s national security and the needs of its defence procurement.
“The government has asked for the additional service of Generals Campbell and Bilton and Vice Admiral Johnston fully aware of the burden this places upon each of them,” Mr Marles said.
“We are deeply grateful for their acceptance of this responsibility and we thank them for their service.”
Mr Marles said the Albanese Government was putting a premium on continuity, which applied to strategic advice and the timely and effective delivery of key procurements including through the AUKUS framework.
“Australia cannot afford any further delay in the next generation of submarines.
“General Campbell and Admiral Johnston are a team which offer stability in command and continuity in the delivery of advice and defence capability for the government.
“General Bilton’s continued leadership in the planning and conduct of our military campaigns and exercises will provide ongoing stability and certainty.”
The Governor-General has accepted these recommendations for appointment of the ADF’s senior leadership positions.
The new team of service chiefs also announced today are…
Chief of Navy
Rear Admiral Mark Hammond, on promotion to Vice Admiral, for a period of four years.
Rear Admiral Hammond joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1986 to become an electronics technician and commissioned as an officer in 1988.
He has had an extensive career as a submariner and currently serves as the Australian Fleet Commander, responsible for the force generation of capable maritime forces.
Rear Admiral Hammond will be the first graduate of the Australian Defence Force Academy to become a Service Chief since its inception in 1986.
Chief of Army
Major General Simon Stuart, on promotion to Lieutenant General, for a period of four years.
Major General Stuart joined the Australian Army as a recruit in 1987 and served as a signalman before commissioning as an officer in 1989.
Major General Stuart has had a diverse career as an infantry officer and has significant command experience.
Most recently, as Head of Land Capability, he has been responsible for the design, modernisation and sustainment of current and future land capability.
Chief of Air Force
Air Vice-Marshal Robert Chipman, on promotion to Air Marshal, for a period of four years.
Air Vice-Marshal Chipman joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1989 and, after qualifying as an aeronautical engineer, had an extensive career as a fighter pilot.
He is currently the Head of Military Strategic Commitments, providing strategic military advice, planning guidance and Defence input to the national crisis management machinery.
Mr Marles said the government extended its deepest gratitude to the outgoing Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, Chief of Army Lieutenant General Rick Burr and Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld.
“These officers have served our nation with great distinction during a period of significant cultural change and modernisation of military capabilities.”
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Gen Campbell is a disgrace to the uniform. How dare he think of stripping medals from our courageous servicemen and women because of unproven acts that are still under investigation. If these cases are proven then take the medals off of them NOT EVERYONE. I hope this embarrassing supposed leader changes his narrow, knee jerk reaction mind and comes to his senses.
I am completely shocked that Angus Campbell will have another 3 years in the job as so-called leader of the ADF. As a former Aussie SF Operator and having also served in the British Army whose leadership is always second-to-none, surely we can do better? This man apologised to the people of Afghanistan ?? for alleged war crimes without due legal process. He had no legal right to comment until any enquire made its findings! The ABC then took it upon themselves to run with Campbell’s false narrative. Absolutely disgraceful behaviour from someone who should always have the Soldier’s back! It is no wonder no-one wants to join the Army anymore! Everyone is leaving in droves and consequently it has a recruiting crisis which will force standards to drop ever further which is a huge worry. Also, how dare he tarnish the reputation of an entire regiment (SAS) with unsubstantiated allegations never tested in a court of law! As a lawyer he fails straight out the gate in Common Law101! He will be the perfect Labor candidate at the next Federal elections except I won’t ever vote for him and I have lost all respect for him! I guess they will make him an AC after he finishes this extra term because he’s so talented (and special) !!
Will AVM Robert Chipman revoke the title ‘Aviator’ and bring back ‘airman’ to the ranks of the RAAF when he becomes Chief of Air Force?
I had been looking forward to July this year to see General Campbell fade into the distance. Now I’ll have to live to 78 years to see him go. The world is not just.
It takes a particular type of turncoat to appeal to two such culturally different governments.
Tell me that this is a bad joke or wake me up from this nightmare. General Angus Campbell has been the worst Chief of Defence in my lifetime and I’m no spring chicken. However I’m not surprised that he has been selected by the ALP because of his wokeness. His guy should never have gone past the rank of Major and has put Defence 20 years backward due to his non leadership IMHO.
You have to be joking, after he threw 2 Sqn SASR under the bus to protect his fellow senior officers he has no right to
remain as the CDF. He credibility within the rank and file of the ADF is non existent. Not sure about the new CA. Will have to wait and see. After 50 years of service with Army it has made me very cinical and especially after having seen the likes of Peter Cosgrove defend the ADF in all manner of circumstances.
I Certainly agree He’s forgotten he is the head of Defence and is supposed to look after all of his Services priority one And guide the the politicians. Not throw persons under the bus. The SAS incident is a classic example. The Government made these Gladiators to achieve. 4-5 Tours, who are they kidding!, that would change any body. These Men don’t have the privilege of glass house sanctions, they are their to collect info. to save others that follow
What a shame. I can’t recall defence ever before having such a self serving prawn in the job.
He’s definitely Labor material.
Campbell will suit the current Government down to the ground.
No doubt Campbell will awrd himself a bar to his CSC ‘for leadership inaction’ [sic]
Fort Fumble bumbles along pushing paper.
Moving to Vietnam appears to be a stroke of genius on my part!
I nearly choked on my coffee this morning on hearing of Angus’s continuing roll of Non CinC. What a shame we have to endure him for another 3 years.