Maj-Gen Maurie McNarn with his family displaying his sword and certificate following his promotion ceremony, held in AHQ last week. Photo by LCpl Jamie Osborne, 1JPAU(P)

Changes in Army’s leadership announced

By David Sibley

New faces have appeared in the Army’s top leadership after CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy announced a round of appointments and promotions last week.

From Wednesday May 12, Maj-Gen Maurie McNarn, promoted on the same day, will guide Training Command.

He will be succeeded as Director-General Personnel-Army by Brig Craig Orme, also promoted last week, who moves from special projects within Army personnel branch.

DCA Maj-Gen Frank Roberts will become Head of Strategic Policy with his post taken by Maj-Gen Ian Gordon, formerly Training Commander.

As announced in Army’s May 6 edition, Maj-Gen Mark Evans is leaving his post as Commander 1 Div and DJFHQ to be Deputy Chief of Joint Operations Command.

His successor in Brisbane will be Brig Mark Kelly, to be promoted to major-general on June 30 on his return from his posting at US Central Command in Tampa Bay, Florida.

The vacancy left as Commander of the Australian Defence College by the posting of Maj-Gen Jim Molan to the Coalition Provisional Authority in Baghdad will be taken by RAdm Mark Bonser, formerly Deputy Chief of Joint Operations Command.

Lt-Gen Leahy congratulated Maj-Gen McNarn, Brig Kelly and Brig Orme on their promotions and new appointments.

“It’s a challenging time to be part of Army’s leadership in the 21st century and I am confident that Maj-Gen McNarn, Maj-Gen Kelly and Brig Orme will carry out their duties to the best of their abilities, as they have done so admirably in the past,” he said.

Lt-Gen Leahy thanked Maj-Gen Roberts for his service as DCA over the past two years.

“The post of Deputy Chief of Army is, as I know, a particularly tough one. Maj-Gen Roberts has performed this role with distinction as one of Army’s quiet achievers,” he said.

“His insight and dedication will be missed in AHQ but as Head of Strategic Policy, he will be one of the ADF’s key thinkers over the next few years.”

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