Ash Power facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brian Ashley Power
Power c. 2007
Born	(1957-01-20) 20 January 1957 (age 68) Wangaratta, Victoria
Allegiance	Australia
Service/branch	Australian Army
Years of service	1975–2014
Rank	Lieutenant General
Commands held	Chief of Joint Operations Training Command 1st Division 1st Brigade 4th Field Regiment
Battles/wars	International Force East Timor War in Afghanistan Operation Slipper Iraq War Operation Catalyst
Awards	Officer of the Order of Australia Conspicuous Service Cross Officer of the Legion of Merit (United States) Meritorious Service Medal (United States)

Lieutenant General Brian Ashley "Ash" Power, born on January 20, 1957, is a retired high-ranking officer from the Australian Army. He served as the Chief of Joint Operations from 2011 until he retired in May 2014. This role meant he was in charge of all Australian military operations.

Ash Power's Army Journey

Ash Power began his army career in January 1975 when he joined the Royal Military College, Duntroon. This is a special school where future army officers are trained. He finished his training in December 1978 and became an officer in the Royal Australian Artillery. This part of the army uses large guns.

Early Roles and Training

After his training, Power worked with the 4th Field Regiment. He had different jobs there, like leading a small group of soldiers and helping to manage the guns. Later, he even became the leader of this Regiment. For his excellent work, he received the Conspicuous Service Cross award in 1998.

He also spent time teaching at various military schools, including the School of Artillery and the Royal Military College, Duntroon. He even taught at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom. He continued his own learning at the Command and Staff College in Bangkok, Thailand.

Important Missions and Leadership

In November 1998, Power went to Bougainville Island for a mission called Operation Belisi. He was a key leader there, helping to manage the operations. In September 1999, he joined the International Force East Timor (INTERFET), which was a group helping to bring peace to East Timor.

After these missions, he worked as a Defence Attaché in Thailand starting in January 2000. This role is like being a military diplomat, representing Australia. When he returned to Australia in 2002, he continued his studies at the Australian Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies.

Rising Through the Ranks

Power was promoted to brigadier on November 22, 2002. A brigadier is a senior officer. Soon after, on December 6, 2002, he took command of the 1st Brigade, which is a large group of soldiers.

In 2005, he was promoted again to major general. On July 2, 2005, he became the commander of the 1st Division, an even larger part of the army.

In June 2006, he was recognized for his service and became a Member of the Order of Australia. Later that year, he led a special group called Joint Task Force 636.

He also served as the Australian commander for a big military exercise called Talisman Sabre 2007. After that, in July 2007, he took charge of Training Command, Army, which oversees all army training.

Leading Joint Operations

In May 2011, Ash Power reached the rank of lieutenant general, which is one of the highest ranks in the army. He was then appointed as the Chief of Joint Operations (CJOPS). This meant he was responsible for planning and leading all military operations for Australia. He was also in charge of the Headquarters, Joint Operations Command (HQJOC). For his outstanding leadership, he was upgraded to an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2012.

Ash Power has served in important missions in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, East Timor, and Bougainville.

Family Life

In 1978, Ash Power married Narelle. They have two daughters.

Awards and Recognition

Ash Power has received many awards for his long and dedicated service to Australia. These awards recognize his bravery, leadership, and commitment.