Chief of Army announces changes to Army Senior Leadership

The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO has congratulated Major General Angus Campbell, DSC, AM on his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General today, and on his appointment as Commander of the Joint Agency Task Force for Operation SOVEREIGN BORDERS.

Lieutenant General Morrison also announced two immediate changes to the senior ranks of the Australian Army. Major General Peter (Gus) Gilmore, AO, DSC has been appointed as the Deputy Chief of Army and Brigadier Dan McDaniel, DSC, DSM as the Special Operations Commander - Australia. Brigadier McDaniel will hold this position, at his current rank, until the appointment of a two-star officer in mid-2014.

"I am delighted to announce a number of changes among the senior ranks of the Australian Army in response to the creation of the Joint Agency Task Force for Operation SOVEREIGN BORDERS by the Government,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.

“Firstly, it is my great pleasure to congratulate Lieutenant General Angus Campbell on his promotion and his selection to lead this newly raised Task Force.

“It will be a demanding assignment that will require great professionalism, sensitivity and cool judgement. These are qualities that Lieutenant General Campbell possesses in abundance and has displayed throughout his distinguished career.

“On a personal note I wish to pay tribute to Lieutenant General Campbell for his unstinting loyalty to me as the Deputy Chief of Army.

“He has helped me to lead in a demanding period of Army’s history. We have begun to draw down our forces in Afghanistan, sought to reform our culture, while simultaneously continuing the most significant re-equipment and organisational reform program since the end of the Second World War.

“Through all of this I have been able to rely on Lieutenant General Campbell’s patience, understated humour, impeccable judgement and forthright honesty. No Chief of Army could have wished for more from his Deputy and Lieutenant General Campbell goes on to this new challenge with my heartfelt thanks and best wishes.”

Lieutenant General Campbell today expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the Deputy Chief of Army and said he was committed to the challenge of raising the new Joint Agency Task Force for Operation SOVEREIGN BORDERS.

“I am appreciative of the trust and confidence placed in me by the Chief of the Defence Force and the government,” Lieutenant General Campbell said.

“I am committed to working closely with my colleagues across all government departments and agencies and our partners throughout the region on this challenging task.

“Under the Chief of the Defence Force’s oversight, we will now commence the establishment of the Joint Agency Task Force Headquarters and the conduct of Operation SOVEREIGN BORDERS.

“I would like to thank the Chief of Army for the opportunity to serve as his Deputy and for his enduring support. It has been a privilege to support our men and women in their duties, in peace and war. The dynamic nature of Army service has prepared me well for this new role.”

Effective today, Major General Peter (Gus) Gilmore, AO, DSC will take up the position of Deputy Chief of Army.

“Major General Gilmore is a distinguished soldier with significant operational experience in the Middle East Area of Operations,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.

“He led our very first contingent of Special Forces into Afghanistan in late 2001 and subsequently served in Iraq and Afghanistan in senior command appointments. As the Special Operations Commander - Australia, he has been intimately involved in supporting Army’s commitment to Operation SLIPPER.

“His substantial contributions give me great confidence that he will seamlessly adapt to the demands of the role of Deputy Chief of Army.”

Major General Gilmore will be replaced as the Special Operations Commander - Australia by Brigadier Dan McDaniel, DSC, DSM.

“I congratulate Brigadier McDaniel on being appointed as Special Operations Commander - Australia,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.

“Brigadier McDaniel has commanded within the Special Air Service Regiment at every level and has served multiple times in the Middle Eastern theatre on operations, in both command and planning positions. He is an exemplary officer in whom I have great confidence.

“These changes reflect the Army's readiness to assume new challenges in the service of our nation. I am delighted that a fine officer has been promoted and I am proud that his departure from Army can be covered so admirably by other extremely capable officers in whom I have unconditional trust.”

Media note:
All enquiries relating to Lieutenant General Campbell’s appointment as the Commander of the Joint Agency Task Force for Operation SOVEREIGN BORDERS should be directed to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.

Imagery of Lieutenant General Campbell and today's promotion ceremony will be available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20131460.

Biographies for Major General Gilmore and Brigadier McDaniel will be available at: http://www.army.gov.au/Who-we-are/Leaders.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999