Summary: The Australian Army has operated as an expeditionary continental army for most of its history. However, the 2016 Defence White Paper reflects an affirmation of strategic policy that positions Australia’s security within the maritime environment of the Indo-Pacific region. Does this mark a turning of the tide for Australia’s strategic defence operations? On 4 October, the Lowy Institute hosted an address from Australia's Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Angus Campbell, which explored the changing nature of Australia’s defence strategy in a new maritime environment and its implications for the Australian Army. Lieutenant General Campbell was appointed Chief of the Australian Army on 16 May 2015. He served as Chief of Staff to General Peter Cosgrove and later Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston during their respective tenures as Chief of the Defence Force. He was appointed as Commander Joint Task Force 633 in 2011, responsible for all Australian forces deployed in the Middle East and Afghanistan, for which service he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of New South Wales, a Master of Philosophy in International Relations from Cambridge University, and is a graduate of the Australian Army Command and Staff College.
