LEADERSHIP – GENERAL ANGUS CAMPBELL – AN ANALYTICAL PERSPECTIVE
11 February 2025
BACKGROUND
As a freelance journalist, this is my third and final article on General Angus Campbell. I welcome constructive criticism and diverse opinions, while striving to avoid derogatory comments. Some time ago, I committed to exploring General Campbell’s leadership style, and during my research, I received feedback suggesting that my initial draft may have been overly generous. To ensure a more balanced perspective, I incorporated insights from veterans, focusing on their experiences without emotional biases or inflammatory language. While I aimed to present a comprehensive view, I recognize that the complexities surrounding General Angus Campbell’s leadership legacy are multifaceted, and I may not have captured every aspect of his influence and contributions.
Australian military leaders are expected to demonstrate courage and commitment through their own actions. Whether General Angus Campbell’s tenure as Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) and senior officer in the Australian Army portrayed those characteristics is the subject of much debate. General Angus Campbell has been a focal point of discussion in military, veterans and national security circles. His leadership is characterized by a mix of commendable achievements, significant challenges, and controversial decisions. The legacy he leaves behind, and the implications of his leadership for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and its future, remain to be seen.
STRENGTHS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Operational Experience. General Campbell’s military career was marked by extensive operational experience that highlights his capability in command. He played crucial roles in significant military operations, notably in East Timor and Afghanistan. His leadership during the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) earned him recognition as a competent commander, culminating in the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) award. (Campbell commanded the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment in East Timor) Similarly, as Commander Joint Task Force 633 during Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan, he demonstrated tactical acumen in navigating the complexities of counter-insurgency operations, which earned him the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC). This operational expertise laid a strong foundation for his leadership as CDF.
Promoting Cultural Change. A notable initiative during Campbell’s tenure was his focus on cultural reform within the ADF. The decision to ban “death imagery” from military patches and uniforms aimed to foster a more respectful and inclusive environment. This initiative was part of a broader attempt to modernize military culture and improve the public image of the ADF amidst growing scrutiny over issues like sexual misconduct. Campbell’s push for cultural change underscores his recognition of the need for a military environment that promotes respect and integrity.
International Recognition. Throughout his career, Campbell received numerous awards and accolades that reflect his commitment to military excellence. His recognition by international military organizations, including honours from the United States and France, highlights his effectiveness in joint operations and collaboration with allied forces. These accolades not only affirm his leadership capabilities but also enhance Australia’s standing in international military circles.
WEAKNESSES AND ERRORS IN JUDGMENT
Controversial Decisions. Despite his strengths, General Campbell faced criticism for several controversial decisions. The ban on certain military symbols was met with resistance from service members and veterans who viewed these symbols as integral to military tradition and morale. Critics argued that this decision demonstrated a disconnect between leadership and the cultural significance of such symbols among troops, potentially undermining morale.
Misjudgement Regarding Afghanistan. One of the most significant criticisms of Campbell relates to his assessment of the Afghan National Army’s ability to withstand Taliban advances. His assurances that the Afghan forces could maintain control proved to be a grave miscalculation, culminating in the rapid collapse of Afghan forces following the withdrawal of international troops. This situation raised questions about Campbell’s situational awareness and strategic foresight, which are critical attributes for military leadership.
Handling of the Brereton Report. The release of the Brereton Report, detailing allegations of war crimes by Australian special forces, posed a considerable challenge for Campbell. His decision to disband the 2nd Squadron, Special Air Service Regiment, and his calls for accountability were seen as necessary steps toward addressing serious misconduct. However, these actions also raised concerns about his own accountability, especially in light of the Distinguished Service Cross he received for similar operational contexts. This duality of accountability became a focal point of criticism, highlighting the complexities of military leadership in times of crisis.
LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS
Perceived Detachment. I am of the opinion that effective leaders must engage with their personnel and understand their challenges to inspire and motivate them adequately. Many within the ADF and veterans characterized Campbell’s leadership style as detached, contributing to low morale and dissatisfaction among troops. Some of the commentary that I received in researching the article was indeed bordering on hatred and calls for General Angus Campbells resignation. His formal and bureaucratic approach led to a perceived inability to connect with the everyday experiences of service members, which is crucial for maintaining trust and morale in military settings.
Reformative Approach. Despite criticisms regarding his detachment, Campbell’s emphasis on reforming military culture, particularly concerning sexual misconduct and leadership accountability, reflects a commitment to improving the military environment. His acknowledgment of systemic issues indicates a willingness to address long-standing problems within the ADF, although resistance from within the ranks posed significant challenges to these reform initiatives.
Communication Challenges. Campbell’s communication style faced scrutiny, particularly regarding sensitive issues like the Brereton Report and sexual misconduct. Many service members felt that his messaging lacked empathy and failed to address their concerns adequately. Effective communication is vital in military leadership, especially during crises, and Campbell’s challenges in this area may have hindered his ability to maintain morale and trust.
Recruitment and Retention Issues. Under Campbell’s leadership, the ADF faced significant challenges related to recruitment and retention. The military struggled to meet recruitment targets, with declining public interest in military service and a competitive job market contributing to this trend. Additionally, retaining experienced personnel became increasingly difficult, with many service members citing low morale and lack of support as primary reasons for leaving the military. Campbell’s leadership during this period drew criticism, as many believed that ineffective engagement and support mechanisms contributed to ongoing recruitment and retention issues.
VETERANS’ CRITICISM
Retired veterans feedback regarding General Angus Campbell’s leadership as Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) presents a revealing glimpse into the sentiments of veterans, highlighting a pervasive dissatisfaction with his tenure. Many veterans, who had not served directly under Campbell, voiced strong negative opinions about him, suggesting that he is perceived as one of the most disliked military leaders in recent history.
This sentiment is underscored by concerns over his Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), which has been scrutinized in Senate hearings, leading to broader discussions about merit and accountability within military honours. The feedback indicates a general feeling that Campbell’s leadership was characterized by a lack of empathy and a failure to consider the morale and well-being of lower-ranking personnel, with many veterans expressing that his decisions have significantly impacted recruitment and retention within the ADF.
Critiques of Campbell’s leadership extend to specific policies, such as the controversial directive allowing male officers to wear dresses, which some respondents viewed as damaging to the traditional values of the Defence Force. This backlash reflects a broader concern regarding Campbell’s support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which critics argue have prioritized political correctness over military cohesion.
Veteran comments suggested that such decisions have contributed to a decline in morale among service members and a perception of weak leadership at the lower ranks, with veterans expressing frustration over what they see as a misalignment between leadership actions and the core values of the military.
Despite the strong criticism directed at Campbell, there is also an acknowledgment of the complexities inherent in military leadership. Some respondents pointed out that while Campbell bears significant blame for the challenges faced by the ADF, he was often implementing recommendations from reports, such as the Brereton Report.
This perspective suggests that accountability may extend beyond Campbell to systemic issues within the military and previous leadership decisions. Ultimately, the feedback encapsulates a call for broader reforms within the ADF, emphasizing the need for a thoughtful examination of leadership practices and structures to ensure that they align with the values and expectations of military personnel and the public.
THE FUTURE
Future Implications and Ambassadorial Role. As General Campbell transitions to his role as Ambassador to Belgium and NATO, several implications arise:
Leveraging Military Experience: Campbell’s military background provides valuable insights into international defence and security issues. His experience in command may allow him to effectively represent Australian interests in NATO and strengthen alliances.
Addressing Historical Context: His appointment comes at a time when Australia seeks to enhance relationships with European partners, particularly in light of geopolitical changes. Campbell’s role will involve navigating the complexities of international military cooperation and addressing historical issues related to Australian military conduct.
Cultural Insights: As an ambassador, Campbell may influence perceptions of the ADF abroad, particularly regarding the cultural reforms initiated during his tenure. His experiences can contribute to fostering a better understanding and collaboration between Australia and its allies.
Conclusion. General Angus Campbell’s legacy is characterized by a complex interplay of commendable service and significant controversy. His operational expertise and commitment to military reform are noteworthy, but the challenges he faced—including issues of morale, accountability, and misjudgements in critical situations—must also be acknowledged. As the ADF continues to evolve, the lessons learned from Campbell’s leadership will shape future military strategies and command structures, emphasizing the importance of adaptive leadership in addressing both internal and external pressures.
General Campbell represents a significant chapter in the Australian military’s recent history, with lessons to be learned from both his accomplishments and the challenges he faced. His transition to diplomacy offers an opportunity to apply these lessons in a new context, influencing Australia’s approach to international relations and military collaboration. Understanding and addressing the dynamics of military culture, accountability, and effective engagement with personnel will be essential for fostering a military that excels in operations while maintaining the trust and morale of its service members.
Peter AdamIs
Freelance Journalist.
About the author: Peter Adamis is a Freelance Journalist/Social Media Commentator and author. A retired Australian military serviceman and an Industry organisational & Occupational (OHS) & Training Consultant whose interests are within domestic and international political spectrum. An avid blogger who contributes to domestic and international community news media outlets as well as to local and Ethnic News. He holds a Bachelor of Adult Learning & Development (Monash), Grad Dip Environmental Occupational Health & Safety, (Monash), and Dip. Training & Assessment, Dip Public Administration, and Dip Frontline Management.