The Federal Government has announced the new command arrangements for the Australian Defence Force as Air Chief Marshall Angus Huston steps down from the ADF’s top job after the completion of his second three-year rotation.

 

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Federal Defence Minister Stephen Smith have formally made their recommendations to the Governor-General in Council who will confirm the appointments.

 

If approved by the Governor-General, the appointments will take effect from 4, July 2011 and will last three years.

 

The Federal Government has recommended the following structure:

  • Lieutenant General David Hurley, AC, DSC to be the Chief of the Defence Force.
  • Air Marshal Mark Binskin, AO to be the Vice Chief of the Defence Force.
  • Rear Admiral Ray Griggs, AM CSC RAN to be the Chief of Navy.
  • Major General David Morrison, AO to be the Chief of Army.
  • Air Vice-Marshal Geoff Brown, AM to be the Chief of Air Force.

 

The Prime Minister and Defence Minister expressed their gratitude to departing ADF Chief Air Chief Marshal Angus Huston and retiring Vice Admiral Russ Crane, who will be departing the service after 40 years serving the Royal Australian Navy.

 

Ms Gillard and Mr Smith also expressed their gratitude to Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie who will retire as the Chief of Army in July after 43 years in the Australian Army.

 

The ADF has also announced a number of senior promotions

  • Lieutenant General David Hurley promoted to General.
  • Rear Admiral Ray Griggs promoted to Vice Admiral.
  • Major General David Morrison promoted to Lieutenant General.
  • Air Vice-Marshal Geoff Brown promoted to Air Marshal.