Continue the journey to fix imperfect ADF, says departing chief

Command of the ADF was transferred from General Angus Campbell, AO, DSC, to former Vice Chief of the Defence Force Admiral David Johnston, AC, RAN, at a ceremonial parade at Russell Offices in Canberra on 10 July.

In addition, the Navy Indigenous Performance Group - Bungaree performed an Acknowledgement of Country and an Indigenous dance at the ceremony.

GEN Campbell has held the position since 7 July 2018 and concluded his duties on 10 July this year.

“I have been extraordinarily fortunate and privileged to serve as the Chief of the Defence Force over these past six years. It has been demanding, challenging and exhausting. It has also been endlessly interesting, engaging and inspiring,” he said at the parade.

“Our Defence mission, to defend Australia and its national interests, requires great commitment, and every day that is what I see across the force and throughout the Defence Enterprise.

“People committed, together, to a purpose greater than themselves.

“What a pleasure it has been to be a part of such an outstanding team dedicated to such an important, indeed noble, purpose.

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“Today our nation grapples with big, serious, complex issues that defy simple solutions. The ADF is but one team within many, that strive together to realise our nation’s security and prosperity.

“After 39 years of military service and four years of public service, my part in this work and in this role, concludes today but the effort of the team continues.

“We live in very interesting times indeed; embrace it as an opportunity. Do not doubt the contribution you make or the consequential role Australia can play in creating our shared future at home, in the Indo-Pacific and globally.

“A big-thinking, engaged and generous Australia has always been a positive influence in our troubled world, and Australian statecraft has never been more necessary nor more welcome.

“With great thanks, I wish to acknowledge the men and women of all ranks, musters and services who wear our nation’s uniform.

“You each volunteered to forego the comforts and freedom of a civilian life and commit to a purpose greater and more inspiring.

“Whether for a year or half a century, your service is deeply appreciated and of consequence to the future security, wellbeing and prosperity of Australia and its people.

“The generation now entering the ADF is the best educated, connected, aware and engaged in our history.

“They give me great confidence in the continuing development and performance of the Australian Defence Force to assist, to stabilise, to defend, to deter, and if necessary, to fight and win, always at the direction of the government of the day.

“Of course, like all human endeavours, the ADF is flawed and imperfect.

“But we are prepared to see ourselves. To learn and to improve. Indeed, if nothing else, I would claim the ADF is a truly learning organisation. Our journey is the product of many, striving together.

“Today’s ADF is a far better and more capable force than the one I joined so many years ago because of the efforts of so many, including my father, BRIG (Ret’d) Wal Campbell MC who is here today, and my brothers, with whom it has been a pleasure to serve.

“As for any departing chief, I leave knowing there is much more to do, but that is now for others.

“Admiral Johnston and his senior leaders will continue the journey; to listen, learn and lead our force to be the best it can be; through service to our nation, courage in meeting the challenges of each day, respect to all, integrity in behaviour and excellence in the profession of arms.

“Together we serve. Together we are stronger. And together we will prevail.

“My best wishes to all. My duty done. Thank you, farewell, and Godspeed.”

During the speech, GEN Campbell paid tribute to a number of organisations and individuals. He honoured the efforts of ADF personnel with Indigenous heritage, prime ministers, Defence ministers, the National Security Committee, the Secretaries Committee on National Security, officers, NCOs, sailors, soldiers and aviators, fellow chiefs, senior enlisted adviser, field commanders and office staff, former and current ADF personnel.

He also honoured the work of Defence deputy secretaries, Australian Defence attachés and advisers, International Attaché and Adviser Corps, international chiefs of defence colleagues, Australian families of personnel, ex-service organisations and veterans charities, Defence Member and Family Support Branch of the Department of Defence, the advocacy of Defence Families Australia, Defence Special Needs Support Group, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and his own family.

In particular, GEN Campbell named Secretary Greg Moriarty as a colleague, diarchic partner, friend, and head of the Department of Defence.

GEN Campbell’s tenure has been punctuated with significant footnotes such as organisational restructuring towards an Indo-Pacific regional emphasis, an immediate need to expand recruitment, investigations into organisation culture, war crimes and veteran suicide as well as more recent scrutiny about the awarding of military service medals.

During the Change of Command speech, General Campbell recognised incoming Chief of the Defence Force Admiral David Johnston as “the best of us”; one of the most highly regarded and effective at-sea commanders, a tactical innovator, a grounded caring leader with a reputation for humility and care.

Admiral Johnston is the first naval officer to lead the military since 2002.

“I pay tribute to General Campbell for his determined focus on building a better ADF, and his personal example and demonstration of leadership during a challenging period for the Australian Defence Force,” said ADM Johnston.

“It has been well stated that we find ourselves in increasingly challenging strategic circumstances. This places a great responsibility on Defence to be ready to meet our nation’s security needs. This requires a force that is well equipped, trained, confident, strong and resilient.

“I recognise that the ADF workforce is my priority. I am very conscious of the responsibility I have to the extraordinary men and women serving in the ADF, our veterans, and the families who support us. It is a great honour to be in your service and I commit to giving you my all, every day, as your CDF.”