Chief of the Defence Force (Queensland)

Chief of the Defence Forces
Badge of the Chief of Defence Forces
Command flag of the CDS
Incumbent Admiral Sir Carl N. Olaf since 22 February 2021
His Majesty's Queenslandian Armed Forces
Type	Role
Abbreviation	CDS
Precursor	Ministry of Defence
Formation	3 January 2015
First holder	George I of Queensland

The Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) is the second-most senior member of the Queenslandian Armed Forces (after the commander-in-chief) having primary responsibility for command, control, and administration of the forces, as well as military strategy, plans, and requirements. The position is usually held by an Four-star general member of one of the three main branches of the Queenslandian Armed Forces. The current CDS, since 9 July 2020, is Field Marshal Sir Michael Nicholas Fulham, 1st Baron Fulham of Aylsham.

The role of the CDF is to, under the advice of the Commander-in-Chief may conscript citizens. On his own authority, he may give orders on force-wide levels, for example, where to battle during a conflict.

Rank insignia

The rank insignia of the CDF is of an Admiral or its equivalents in the army, General, and the air force, Air Chief Marshal, depending on the branch of the Commander.

NATO Code	OF-9
Royal Queensland Air Force
	Air Chief Marshal
Royal Queensland Army
	General
Royal Queensland Navy
	Admiral

Chiefs of the Defence Staff

Year	Sovereign	Year	Commander
Chief of Defence Forces of the Queenslandian Armed Forces
3 January 2015 – 3 January 2016	Elizabeth II	3 January 2015 – 3 January 2016	A. Philip
3 January 2015 – 7 October 2017	George I	3 January 2015 – 7 October 2017	George I
7 October 2017 – 10 December 2017	Victoria II	7 October 2017 – 10 December 2017	Victoria II
10 December 2017 – 29 April 2020	George III	10 December 2017 – 10 October 2018	ACM. Sir Michael A. George
		10 October 2018 – 25 December 2018	Gen. Sir James N. Edward
		25 December 2018 – 3 January 2020	Maj. Gen. Nutthawee Pitikawong
		3 January 2020 – 15 February 2020	Gen. Sir Michael N. Fulham
		15 February 2020 – 29 April 2020	Admiral Sir David K. George
29 April 2020 – 16 July 2020	Charlotte IV	29 April 2020 – 16 July 2020	Admiral Sir Leonard C. Cardiff
16 July 2020 – 20 October 2020	Albert V	16 July 2020 – 15 August 2020
		15 August 2020 – 20 October 2020	ACM. George V. David-Haggren
20 October 2020 – 2 November 2020	Frederick VI	20 October 2020 – 16 October 2020
		16 October 2020 – 2 November 2020	FM Sir Michael Nicholas Fulham
3 November 2020 – 10 December 2020	Catherine VII	2 November 2020 – 10 December 2020
10 December 2020  – 10 February 2021	Juliana VIII	10 December 2020  – 10 February 2021
10 February 2021  – present	Edward IX	10 February 2021  – 22 February 2021
		22 February 2021  – present	Admiral Sir Carl N. Olaf