# Vice Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)

The Vice Chief of the Defence Force (VCDF) is the military deputy to the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) of Australia, and acts as the CDF in his absence under standing acting arrangements. Air Marshal Robert Chipman, the incumbent VCDF, has held the position since 9 July 2024.

## Responsibilities

Created in 1986, the VCDF is a three-star officer in the Australian Defence Force (lieutenant general, vice admiral, or air marshal). The position's standing responsibilities include: Joint Doctrine, Education, Training and Evaluation; Joint Logistics; Reserve Policy; and Joint Capabilities, Commitments and Concepts. When acting as Chief of the Defence Force, the VCDF attends the National Security Committee of Cabinet (NSCC) and Secretary’s Committee on National Security (SCNS).
Until September 2007, the VCDF was "double hatted" as the Chief of Joint Operations (CJOPS). In this role he commanded Australian Defence Force operations on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Force. In September 2007, the Minister of Defence, Brendan Nelson announced the formation of a separate three-star CJOPS position based at the Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) facility at Bungendore, New South Wales.

## Appointment

The appointment is made by the Governor General on the advice of his/her ministers under Section 9AA of the Defence Act (1903) and is for a fixed term of four years, nominally rotated between the three services, Navy, Army and Air Force; however in practice this has not been the case and the appointment has been held for longer or shorter periods of time. The role is politically neutral, as are all military positions, and is not affected by a change of government.

## VCDF Group

The Vice Chief of the Defence Force Group is responsible for the provision of military strategic effects and commitments advice and planning, joint military professional education and training, logistics support, health support, ADF cadet and reserve policy, joint capability coordination, preparedness management, and joint and combined ADF doctrine.
The Military Strategic Commitments Division (MSCD) provides and coordinates ADF tri-service and joint strategic advice across the Australian Government (including the Headquarters Joint Operations Command and the Defence Strategic Policy and Intelligence Group) and situational awareness for current and potential ADF commitments. The Head Military Strategic Commitments is also responsible for the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service, strategic communications, strategic crisis response, the Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program, and engagement with the United Nations and other coalition partners.
The Military Strategic Plans Division (MSPD) provides strategic planning linking policy and operational arrangements.
The Force Integration Division (FID) is responsible for the design, development, integration and coordination of ADF joint warfare capabilities, including information systems, effects-based operations, and counter-IED efforts.
The Force Design Division is responsible for the provision of guidance and planning for future joint force design, requirements, and capabilities of the ADF.

## Appointees

The following list chronologically records those who have held the post of Vice Chief of the Defence Force. Rank and honours are as at the completion of the individual's term.
| No. | Vice Chief of the Defence Force | Took office | Left office | Defence branch |
| 1 | Funnell, RayAir Marshal Ray Funnell AO (born 1935) | 6 June 1986 | July 1987 | RAAF |
| 2 | Knox, IanVice Admiral Ian Knox AC (1933–2024) | July 1987 | 16 September 1989 | RAN |
| 3 | Beaumont, AlanVice Admiral Alan Beaumont AC (1934–2004) | 16 September 1989 | October 1992 | RAN |
| 4 | Baker, JohnLieutenant General John Baker AC (1936–2007) | October 1992 | April 1995 | Army |
| 5 | Walls, RobertVice Admiral Robert Walls AO (born 1941) | April 1995 | March 1997 | RAN |
| 6 | Barrie, ChrisVice Admiral Chris Barrie AC (born 1945) | March 1997 | 3 July 1998 | RAN |
| 7 | Riding, DouglasAir Marshal Douglas Riding AO, DFC (born 1943) | 3 July 1998 | 5 June 2000 | RAAF |
| 8 | Mueller, DesmondLieutenant General Desmond Mueller AO (born 1943) | 5 June 2000 | 15 July 2002 | Army |
| 9 | Shalders, RussVice Admiral Russ Shalders AO, CSC (born 1951) | 15 July 2002 | 4 July 2005 | RAN |
| 10 | Gillespie, KenLieutenant General Ken Gillespie AO, DSC, CSM (born 1952) | 4 July 2005 | 3 July 2008 | Army |
| 11 | Hurley, DavidLieutenant General David Hurley AC, DSC (born 1953) | 3 July 2008 | 3 July 2011 | Army |
| 12 | Binskin, MarkAir Marshal Mark Binskin AC (born 1960) | 3 July 2011 | 30 June 2014 | RAAF |
| 13 | Griggs, RayVice Admiral Ray Griggs AO, CSC (born 1961) | 30 June 2014 | 5 July 2018 | RAN |
| 14 | Johnston, DavidVice Admiral David Johnston AC (born 1962) | 5 July 2018 | 9 July 2024 | RAN |
| 15 | Chipman, RobertAir Marshal Robert Chipman AO, CSC (born 1971) | 9 July 2024 | Incumbent | RAAF |