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 AO (born 24 May 1956) is a retired senior officer from the Australian Army. He was the leader of the Australian Army, known as the Chief of Army, from June 2011 until he retired in May 2015. In 2016, he was honored as Australian of the Year.

Early Life and Education

David Morrison's father was Major General Alan "Alby" Morrison. David went to St Edmund's College, Canberra and then to the Australian National University. There, he studied arts and law. In 1979, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. After that, he joined the Australian Army. He then graduated from the Officer Cadet School, Portsea. He joined the Royal Australian Infantry Corps.

Military Career Highlights

In 1987 and 1988, David Morrison worked as an Australian instructor. He taught at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.

In 1992, Morrison attended the Army Command and Staff College, Queenscliff. He then became the Brigade Major for the 3rd Brigade. This group was based in Townsville, Queensland. During this time, he helped with Operation Lagoon. He was the chief of staff for a group of different countries' forces. They helped keep peace at a conference in Bougainville in 1994. The next year, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.

In 1997, he became the commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR). He held this job until the end of 1998. After that, he became the Chief Instructor for a training center in Canungra.

He received an award, the Member of the Order of Australia, in 1999. This was for his excellent work in different roles.

In October 1999, he was promoted to colonel. He then worked as the colonel of Operations for the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET). When he returned to Australia, he became the chief of staff for the Deployable Joint Force Headquarters. He left this role at the end of 2001. He then studied at the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies in Canberra. In 2002, he earned a Master of Arts degree in Strategic Studies.

Morrison was promoted to brigadier in November 2002. He led the 3rd Brigade from December 2002 to December 2004. He then became the Director-General Preparedness and Plans for the Army. He held this position until he was promoted to major general in December 2005.

In January 2006, he became the commander of the Australian Defence College. In April 2007, he became Head Military Strategic Commitments.

Morrison became the Deputy Chief of Army in February 2008. He served in this role until December. Then, he was appointed Land Commander Australia. In July 2009, this role was renamed Commander Forces Command. Morrison received another award, Officer of the Order of Australia, in 2010. This was for his great service to the Australian Army.

Morrison was promoted to lieutenant general on 23 June 2011. He became the Chief of Army the next day. On 4 April 2014, it was announced that he would continue as Chief of Army for another year, until June 2015.

In 2012, Morrison spoke about the importance of the defense budget. In 2013, he supported diversity in the Army. He allowed the rainbow flag to be combined with the Rising Sun badge. He also allowed defense personnel to march in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

In 2013, Morrison earned a second Master of Arts in Strategic Studies. This degree was from Deakin University. In 2015, he received the university's Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award.

On 25 January 2016, David Morrison was named Australian of the Year. This ceremony took place in Canberra. Morrison said his main goals as Australian of the Year were to support a republic, address domestic violence, and promote gender equality.

Supporting Women in the Military

In June 2013, Morrison ordered an investigation into some emails. These emails, sent from Army accounts, were very disrespectful to women. This event became known as the "Jedi Council scandal." On June 13, Morrison held a press conference. He announced that some Army members were suspended. He also said that others could face disciplinary action. He described the emails as "explicit, derogatory, demeaning and repugnant."

Morrison also posted a video on the Army's official YouTube channel. In the video, he looked very upset. He said the behavior went against the Army's values. He stated that he wanted the Army to be a place where everyone feels included. He famously said, "If that does not suit you, then get out!" He also told anyone unwilling to work with women as equals, "There is no place for you amongst this band of brothers and sisters."

Morrison's speech was written by his speech writer, Lieutenant Colonel Cate McGregor. She is transgender. Morrison strongly supported her. He refused to accept her resignation when she came out. Seven months after his speech, Morrison gave credit to General David Hurley for a famous line. The line was: "the standard you walk past is the standard you accept."

Morrison's strong response was praised by many media outlets. They often compared it to how other militaries handled similar issues.

In June 2014, Morrison was part of the Australian group at a summit in London. This summit was about ending violence in conflicts. He gave a speech there. He said that armies that separate themselves from society, value men over women, and celebrate violence "do nothing to distinguish the soldier from the brute."

Life After the Military

In May 2015, David Morrison retired from the Army. In September 2015, he became the chairman of Diversity Council Australia. This is a group that helps businesses in Australia with workplace diversity. He also became an adviser on gender diversity to Deloitte Partners. He also works as a motivational speaker.

Morrison supports gender diversity. He has spoken against using terms like "guys" to refer to mixed groups. He believes it is not inclusive.

Morrison took part in a "Walk a Mile in their Shoes" event. This event was to protest family violence. In September 2016, Morrison talked about the importance of remembering victims of domestic violence. He suggested a memorial similar to Anzac Day for women who have been killed by their partners. He believes that society as a whole is affected by domestic violence.

He also continues to be a public speaker.

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