Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)

Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)
Post	Chief of the Defence Force
Body	Australia
Insigniacaption	Flag of the Chief of the Defence Force
Incumbent	General Angus Campbell
Incumbentsince	6 July 2018
Department	Australian Defence Force
Style	General
Abbreviation	CDF
Member of	Defence Committee, National Security Committee
Reports to	Minister for Defence
Seat	Russell Offices, Canberra
Nominator	Prime Minister
Appointer	Governor-General
Appointer qualified	on the advice of the Federal Executive Council
Termlength	At the Governor-General's pleasure
Formation	1976
First	General Sir Donald Dunstan
Deputy	Vice Chief of the Defence Force

Chief of the Defence Force (Australia). The Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) is the highest-ranking military officer in the Australian Defence Force and the principal military adviser to the Minister for Defence and the Australian Government. The position was established in 1976 following the integration of the separate service headquarters into a unified Australian Defence Organisation. The CDF commands the Australian Defence Force and is responsible to the Minister for its preparedness, capability, and operational performance.

History

The position was created on 9 February 1976, superseding the older roles of Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and the individual service chiefs as the primary source of military advice. This reform was a key part of the structural changes recommended by the 1973 Morshead Committee and the 1974 Millar Report, which sought greater integration among the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force. The creation of the CDF and the establishment of a joint Australian Defence Force Headquarters marked a significant shift towards a truly unified command structure, a process further cemented by the 1984 Dibb Review and the 1986 White Paper on Defence.

Appointment and tenure

The Chief of the Defence Force is appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, typically following a recommendation from the Prime Minister and the Minister for Defence. The appointment is formally at the Governor-General's pleasure, but in practice, the tenure is typically a fixed term of up to four years, which can be extended. The CDF is selected from among the most senior officers of the Australian Defence Force, with the appointment historically rotating among the three services. The incumbent is usually promoted to the rank of General or its equivalent if not already holding it.

Roles and responsibilities

As the principal military adviser, the CDF provides strategic direction to the Australian Defence Force and is responsible for its overall command, preparedness, and operational capability. The CDF is a statutory member of the Defence Committee and often attends the National Security Committee of Cabinet. Key responsibilities include the planning and execution of military operations, such as those in Afghanistan, Iraq, and East Timor, and overseeing major capability acquisitions like the Hunter-class frigate and the F-35 Lightning II programs. The CDF also represents the Australian Defence Force in engagements with international counterparts, including the U.S. Department of Defense and NATO partners.

List of Chiefs of the Defence Force

The first Chief of the Defence Force was General Sir Donald Dunstan of the Australian Army. Subsequent appointees have included notable figures such as General Sir Phillip Bennett, General Sir Peter Cosgrove, who later became Governor-General, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston. The current CDF is General Angus Campbell, who assumed the role in July 2018. The position has been held by officers from all three services, including admirals like Admiral Chris Barrie and air chief marshals like Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin.

Insignia and uniform

The Chief of the Defence Force has a distinctive flag, which is a light blue field featuring the Australian Commonwealth Coat of Arms surmounted by a crown, surrounded by a wreath of Golden Wattle, and crossed by a sword and baton. The CDF wears the service uniform of their parent service—the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, or Royal Australian Air Force—with the unique rank insignia of a four-star officer: Admiral, General, or Air Chief Marshal. The position also carries a special badge of office.

Relationship to government and other commands

The Chief of the Defence Force operates within the Australian Defence Organisation and reports directly to the Minister for Defence. The CDF works closely with the Secretary of the Department of Defence in a diarchic leadership model. The CDF commands the Australian Defence Force through the Vice Chief of the Defence Force and the service chiefs: the Chief of Navy, the Chief of Army, and the Chief of Air Force. The CDF also has a direct command relationship with operational commanders such as the Chief of Joint Operations at Headquarters Joint Operations Command.

Category:Military of Australia Category:Australian Defence Force