David Morrison facts for kids

Quick facts for kids David Morrison
Morrison in Canberra in July 2012
Born	(1956-05-24) 24 May 1956 (age 69) Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Allegiance	Australia
Service/branch	Australian Army
Years of service	1979–2015
Rank	Lieutenant general
Commands held	Chief of Army (2011–15) Commander Forces Command (2008–11) Deputy Chief of Army (2008) Australian Defence College (2006–07) 3rd Brigade (2002–04) 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1997–98)
Battles/wars	Operation Lagoon International Force for East Timor
Awards	Officer of the Order of Australia Commander of the Legion of Merit (United States) Meritorious Service Medal (Singapore) Officer of the Legion of Honour (France) Australian of the Year (2016)
Relations	Major General Alan Morrison (father)

Lieutenant General David Lindsay Morrison is a retired high-ranking officer from the Australian Army. He was the Chief of Army, the top job in the Australian Army, from 2011 until he retired in 2015. In 2016, he was honored as the Australian of the Year.

Early Life and Education

David Morrison was born on May 24, 1956. His father, Alan Morrison, was also a high-ranking officer in the army.

David went to St Edmund's College, Canberra for school. Later, he studied arts and law at the Australian National University. In 1979, he finished his arts degree. He then joined the Australian Army and trained to become an officer.

Military Career Highlights

David Morrison had a long and important career in the Australian Army.

Early Roles and Peacekeeping

In 1987 and 1988, he worked as an instructor at a famous military academy in the United Kingdom.

In 1992, he joined the 3rd Brigade in Townsville, Queensland. During this time, he helped lead a group of different countries' forces. This group provided security for a peace meeting in Bougainville in 1994. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel the next year.

From 1997 to 1998, he was the commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR). In 1999, he received an award, the Member of the Order of Australia, for his excellent service in these roles.

Leadership Positions

In 1999, David Morrison was promoted to colonel. He worked with the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET). This was a multinational force that helped bring peace to East Timor.

He later became a brigadier in 2002. From 2002 to 2004, he commanded the 3rd Brigade. He was then promoted to major general in 2005.

In 2006, he became the commander of the Australian Defence College. This college trains future leaders for Australia's military.

Becoming Chief of Army

In 2008, Morrison became the Deputy Chief of Army. Later that year, he was appointed Land Commander Australia. This role was renamed Commander Forces Command in 2009. In 2010, he received another award, Officer of the Order of Australia, for his distinguished service.

On June 23, 2011, David Morrison was promoted to lieutenant general. The next day, he officially became the Chief of Army. His term as Chief of Army was extended until June 2015.

In 2013, he earned a second Master of Arts degree in Strategic Studies.

Promoting Diversity in the Army

In 2013, David Morrison made headlines for his strong stance on diversity and respect within the Army. He allowed military personnel to march in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

He also ordered an investigation into offensive emails sent by some Army members. These emails were disrespectful towards women. In a video, he strongly condemned this behavior. He stated that such actions went against the Army's values. He famously said, "If that does not suit you, then get out!" He also added, "There is no place for you amongst this band of brothers and sisters." This speech was widely praised.

After the Military

After retiring from the Army in May 2015, David Morrison continued to work on important social issues.

Advocacy for Diversity

In September 2015, he became the chairman of the Diversity Council Australia. This group advises businesses on how to create diverse workplaces. He also became an adviser on gender diversity for Deloitte Partners.

Morrison is a strong supporter of gender equality. He has spoken out against using gender-neutral terms like 'guys' when addressing mixed groups.

Speaking Out on Social Issues

He has also campaigned against family violence. In 2016, he suggested creating a special memorial day for victims of domestic violence. He believes that society as a whole is affected by such violence.

He is also a public speaker, sharing his views on leadership, diversity, and social change.

Honours and Awards

	Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)	26 January 2010
	Member of the Order of Australia (AM)	26 January 1999
	Australian Active Service Medal
	International Force East Timor Medal
	Defence Force Service Medal with 4 Clasps	(35–39 years of service)
	Australian Defence Medal
	Commander of the Legion of Merit (United States)	February 2012
	Meritorious Service Medal (Singapore)	19 September 2013
	Officer of the Legion of Honour (France)	July 2014
	Australian of the Year	January 2016

Images for kids

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  Officer of the Order of Australia ribbon

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  Australian Active Service Medal ribbon

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  International Force East Timor Medal ribbon

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  Defence Force Service Medal ribbon

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  Australian Defence Medal ribbon

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  US Legion of Merit Commander ribbon

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  Meritorious Service Medal (Singapore) ribbon

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  Legion of Honour (France) ribbon