A FORMER special forces officer and national security adviser to the former prime minister Kevin Rudd has been appointed commander of Australian troops in the Middle East.Major-General Angus Campbell replaces Major-General John Cantwell as the commander of about 2500 troops, most of whom are stationed in the Afghan province of Oruzgan and at Al Minhad Air Base, near Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.
General Campbell was Mr Rudd's deputy national security adviser for about a year until early last year, before returning to take charge of military strategic commitments. He has also served as an officer in the elite Special Air Service.
General Campbell said yesterday that his national security background gave him good "context" to the war in Afghanistan and Australia's role in it. However, his focus was now on the execution of Australia's mission in the country, he said.
"My duties more generally in the army have given me a good basis to build on the work of General Cantwell, who did a magnificent job here," General Campbell said.
General Cantwell has proved popular among many of the troops in Afghanistan during his 12-month stint in charge.
Diggers in Afghanistan told the Herald they appreciated his willingness to visit isolated bases and conduct patrols. He has also been mentioned as a potential Chief of Army.
Any relation to Angus Young?