Major General Scott Winter has been selected to serve as the next Deputy Commander of the United Nations Command (UNC) in the Republic of Korea (ROK) from January 2026.

The appointment of Major General Winter, made by Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston, AC, RAN, demonstrates Australia’s commitment to supporting regional security, and is consistent with our close engagement with the ROK and Northeast Asia.

“I would like to congratulate Major General Winter on his appointment. Australia is pleased to make this contribution to the UNC's strategic leadership, reflecting our steadfast commitment to peace and stability on the Korean peninsula,” Admiral Johnston said.

“This appointment will further enable Australia to work closely with the ROK, the United States and other regional partners to pursue our shared values and security interests for regional peace and stability.” 

Major General Winter has a distinguished record of service, having held key command and operational appointments, including as the Joint Task Force Commander for the 2019 North Queensland Floods, as well as deployments to Timor Leste, Iraq and Afghanistan. He has also served in liaison roles working with the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Netherlands’ Department of Defence.

Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral Johnston, will promote Major General Winter to the rank of lieutenant general, prior to him taking up the appointment.

This is the second time an Australian officer will serve as Deputy Commander of the UNC. Vice Admiral (Rt’d) Stuart Mayer, RAN, served in the role from July 2019 to December 2021.