Army Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Army has 9 executives leading key functions including strategic operations, personnel management, health brigade coordination, and force integration.

Committed to national security and global peace, Army delivers land-based military operations, humanitarian assistance, and peacekeeping services to the Australian government and international partners.

Leadership Roles at Army

  • Chief of Staff and DCOMD - Leigh Crawford
  • Headquarters Health Brigade Chief of Staff - Stuart Baldwinson
  • Recruit Training Battalion Chief of Staff - Damien Morse
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, Joint Military Police Unit - Andrew Bottrell
  • Chief of Staff Division - Tony Archer
  • Division Force Integration Chief of Staff - John Armour
  • Chief of Staff To Chief of Personnel - Andrew Deacon
  • Deputy Director - Wendy Wheadon
  • Deputy Director - Mathew Piper
  • Leigh Crawford - Chief of Staff and DCOMD

    Leigh Crawford, the Chief of Staff and DCOMD at Army, coordinates the daily operational tempo of land-based military units. Crawford directs the synchronization of command functions to ensure that combat and peacekeeping missions proceed with precision. By managing the interface between senior leadership and operational commanders, the Chief of Staff and DCOMD maintains clear lines of communication across the entire force. Leigh Crawford oversees the execution of complex defense strategies, ensuring that all personnel remain focused on national security priorities. This leadership role involves the rigorous assessment of operational risks and the development of mitigation plans for diverse environments. Through the oversight of tactical deployments, the Chief of Staff and DCOMD supports the successful delivery of humanitarian assistance. Crawford drives organizational alignment, ensuring that every unit contributes effectively to the overarching mission of the Australian Defence Force while maintaining high standards of readiness.

    Stuart Baldwinson - Headquarters Health Brigade Chief of Staff

    Stuart Baldwinson, the Headquarters Health Brigade Chief of Staff at Army, manages the medical readiness and health support infrastructure for land-based operations. Baldwinson directs the deployment of specialized medical teams to provide critical care during combat and humanitarian missions. By overseeing the health brigade, the Headquarters Health Brigade Chief of Staff ensures that all personnel receive necessary medical training and resources. Stuart Baldwinson coordinates with external health agencies to maintain high standards of clinical governance across the force. This leadership role involves the strategic planning of medical logistics to support operations in diverse geographic regions. Through the integration of health services into broader military planning, the Headquarters Health Brigade Chief of Staff enhances the resilience of the force. Baldwinson drives the development of innovative medical protocols, ensuring that the organization remains prepared to address complex health challenges in both domestic and international operational theaters.

    Damien Morse - Recruit Training Battalion Chief of Staff

    Damien Morse, the Recruit Training Battalion Chief of Staff at Army, oversees the foundational development and training of new personnel. Morse directs the curriculum and instructional standards that prepare recruits for the rigors of land-based military operations. By managing the training battalion, the Recruit Training Battalion Chief of Staff ensures that all incoming soldiers possess the necessary skills for combat and peacekeeping roles. Damien Morse monitors training outcomes to identify areas for improvement, driving the continuous evolution of instructional methodologies. This leadership role involves the coordination of resources to support large-scale training exercises. Through the implementation of rigorous assessment frameworks, the Recruit Training Battalion Chief of Staff maintains high standards of discipline and operational readiness. Morse ensures that the training environment reflects the core values of the organization, preparing recruits to contribute effectively to national security and humanitarian missions upon graduation from the training program.

    Andrew Bottrell - Deputy Chief of Staff, Joint Military Police Unit

    Andrew Bottrell, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Joint Military Police Unit at Army, manages the regulatory and security functions within the force. Bottrell directs the enforcement of military law and the maintenance of order across all land-based operations. By overseeing the joint military police unit, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Joint Military Police Unit ensures that all activities comply with national and international legal standards. Andrew Bottrell coordinates security protocols to protect personnel and assets during both domestic and international deployments. This leadership role involves the analysis of security threats and the development of proactive measures to mitigate risks. Through the management of investigative and protective services, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Joint Military Police Unit supports the integrity of the organization. Bottrell drives the implementation of standardized security procedures, ensuring that the force maintains a disciplined and secure environment for all military operations.

    Tony Archer - Chief of Staff Division

    Tony Archer, the Chief of Staff Division at Army, coordinates the strategic activities of the division to ensure operational success. Archer directs the planning and execution of complex land-based military maneuvers. By overseeing the divisional staff, the Chief of Staff Division ensures that all units remain aligned with the broader objectives of the Australian Defence Force. Tony Archer manages the flow of information between command levels, facilitating rapid decision-making in dynamic environments. This leadership role involves the allocation of resources to support combat, peacekeeping, and humanitarian missions. Through the continuous monitoring of divisional performance, the Chief of Staff Division drives improvements in operational efficiency. Archer ensures that all tactical plans incorporate the necessary logistical and personnel support to achieve mission objectives. By fostering collaboration across the division, the Chief of Staff Division strengthens the overall capability of the force to respond to national security challenges.

    John Armour - Division Force Integration Chief of Staff

    John Armour, the Division Force Integration Chief of Staff at Army, manages the seamless incorporation of new capabilities and technologies into the division. Armour directs the integration process to ensure that all units can effectively utilize modern equipment and systems during land-based operations. By overseeing force integration, the Division Force Integration Chief of Staff enhances the interoperability of the force with international partners. John Armour coordinates with technical and operational teams to identify and resolve integration challenges. This leadership role involves the strategic planning of capability upgrades to support long-term mission success. Through the rigorous testing and evaluation of new systems, the Division Force Integration Chief of Staff ensures that the force remains at the forefront of military technology. Armour drives the adoption of innovative practices, ensuring that the division maintains a competitive edge in both combat and peacekeeping environments.

    Andrew Deacon - Chief of Staff To Chief of Personnel

    Andrew Deacon, the Chief of Staff To Chief of Personnel at Army, oversees the management and welfare of the entire workforce. Deacon directs the implementation of personnel policies that support recruitment, retention, and career development for all soldiers. By managing the staff office, the Chief of Staff To Chief of Personnel ensures that the organization maintains a high-performing and motivated force. Andrew Deacon coordinates with various departments to address personnel needs, including training, health, and administrative support. This leadership role involves the strategic planning of workforce requirements to meet the demands of land-based military operations. Through the oversight of personnel programs, the Chief of Staff To Chief of Personnel drives the development of a resilient and capable workforce. Deacon ensures that all personnel initiatives align with the core mission of the organization, supporting the overall effectiveness of the Australian Defence Force in its national security and humanitarian efforts.

    Wendy Wheadon - Deputy Director

    Wendy Wheadon, the Deputy Director at Army, manages high-level administrative oversight for land-based military operations. Wheadon directs internal policy development to ensure alignment with national security objectives. By coordinating across various defense departments, the Deputy Director optimizes resource allocation for humanitarian assistance missions. Wendy Wheadon maintains rigorous standards for operational readiness, facilitating seamless communication between government stakeholders and field units. This leadership role involves analyzing complex defense data to support long-term strategic planning. Through constant evaluation of organizational performance, the Deputy Director drives efficiency across all domestic and international defense collaborations. Wheadon ensures that every land-based initiative adheres to the core mission of protecting Australian citizens. By fostering a culture of accountability, the Deputy Director strengthens the overall effectiveness of the force, securing a robust posture for future peacekeeping engagements and regional stability efforts.

    Mathew Piper - Deputy Director

    Mathew Piper, the Deputy Director at Army, focuses on the logistical execution of land-based military operations. Piper architects supply chain frameworks that support combat readiness and rapid deployment capabilities. By overseeing the integration of advanced defense technologies, the Deputy Director enhances the tactical advantage of ground forces. Mathew Piper monitors regional operational environments to anticipate potential security threats, ensuring that the organization remains proactive rather than reactive. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with international partners to synchronize peacekeeping efforts. Through meticulous planning, the Deputy Director manages the deployment of assets during humanitarian crises, providing essential support to affected populations. Piper drives the implementation of modernized training protocols to improve soldier performance in diverse environments. By maintaining a focus on operational excellence, the Deputy Director ensures that all land-based activities align with the broader strategic goals of the Australian Defence Force.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Army Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Army?
    Army is led by Leigh Crawford (Chief of Staff and DCOMD), along with executives such as Stuart Baldwinson (Headquarters Health Brigade Chief of Staff) and Damien Morse (Recruit Training Battalion Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Army’s executive team?
    The executive team of Army includes leaders such as Leigh Crawford (Chief of Staff and DCOMD), Stuart Baldwinson (Headquarters Health Brigade Chief of Staff), Damien Morse (Recruit Training Battalion Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Army have?
    Army has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Army’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Army includes roles such as Chief of Staff and DCOMD, Headquarters Health Brigade Chief of Staff, Recruit Training Battalion Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Joint Military Police Unit, Chief of Staff Division.