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Lieutenant General Richard Maxwell "Rick" Burr, AO, DSC, MVO (born 2 June 1964) is a retired senior officer of the Australian Army, who served as Chief of Army from 2 July 2018 to 1 July 2022.[2] He was previously Commander 1st Division from 2011 to 2012, Deputy Commanding General – Operations, United States Army Pacific from January 2013 to November 2014, and Deputy Chief of Army from 2015 to 2018.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Burr was born in Renmark, South Australia, on 2 June 1964 to Maxwell Henry Burr and Lorelie Ann Morrell. Educated at Renmark High School, where he was a classmate of future cabinet minister Anne Ruston,[3] Burr entered the Royal Military College, Duntroon as an officer cadet in 1982.[4]

Military career

[edit]

Burr graduated from Duntroon in 1985 with a University of New South Wales accredited Bachelor of Arts, and was commissioned into the Royal Australian Infantry Corps.[4][5] His first posting came as a platoon commander in the 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. Burr has spent the majority of his military career with Australian special forces units.[6]

In 2000, Burr (then a lieutenant colonel) served as equerry to Queen Elizabeth II during her royal tour of Australia, during which he was appointed a Member of the Royal Victorian Order.[7][8]

Burr commanded Australian troops in Afghanistan in 2002, and later during Operation Falconer in 2003 as the Commander of the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), commonly known as the SAS and considered the most elite unit in the Australian Army. For his leadership in the Middle East, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the United States Bronze Star Medal.[9] Burr redeployed to Afghanistan in 2008, where he commanded a contingent of special forces.[10] He went on to serve as the Director General Preparedness and Plans and in 2007 he was seconded as a senior adviser to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, where he was the Director General Military Strategic Commitments—for which he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2011[11]—before assuming command of the 1st Division (2011–12).

On 21 August 2012, United States Army Secretary John M. McHugh announced that Burr would be seconded to the United States Army to become Deputy Commander, United States Army Pacific (USARPAC).[12] He was thus the first foreign general to be given a service component command within the United States Army. Reporting to General Vincent K. Brooks, Burr supervised training within the command and served as USARPAC's liaison with countries in Southeast Asia and Australasia. Having served two years in the role, he handed over to Major General Greg Bilton in November 2014. In recognising his efforts with USARPAC, Brooks said of Burr that "Australia couldn't ask for a better leader, for a better soldier, a better warrior" and awarded him the Legion of Merit.[13][14]

Burr assumed the post of Deputy Chief of Army in January 2015. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2018 Australia Day Honours for "For distinguished service in the implementation of significant reform and the realisation of strategic capabilities within the Australian Defence Force".[15] Promoted to lieutenant general, Burr succeeded Angus Campbell as Chief of Army on 2 July 2018.[16] Burr was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by the Singaporean Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen on 8 November 2021. Ng Eng Hen said "As a strong supporter of the SAF’s training in Australia, LTGEN Burr played a key role in the joint development of training areas and advanced training facilities in Australia, and the safe resumption of Ex Wallaby 2021 despite the pandemic."[17]

Burr holds a Master of Military Studies from the Marine Corps University at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, where he is a Distinguished Graduate of the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College and graduate of the United States Marine Corps School of Advanced Warfighting. He attended the six-week Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.[18] Burr is the patron of the Defence Australian Rules Football Association and has a strong commitment to Indigenous Australian service members.

References

[edit]
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Rick Burr

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Lieutenant General Richard Maxwell "Rick" Burr AO DSC MVO is a retired senior officer of the Australian Army who served as Chief of Army from 2 July 2018 to 1 July 2022. Burr joined the Australian Army in 1982 and graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, in 1985. His early service included postings with the 8th/9th Battalion, , and command of a squadron in the from 2003 to 2004. He later held key command roles such as Commander of the 1st Division and Deployable Headquarters from 2011 to 2012, and Deputy Commanding General of the , becoming the first non-US officer in that position. Burr's distinguished service earned him the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry, the Officer of the , and Member of the Royal Victorian Order, among other honours. Following his retirement, Burr has advised on defence and security matters, serving as a strategic advisor to the and chair of the since September 2025. He holds advanced qualifications including a from the , completion of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program, and is a Certified Chair for advisory boards.

Early life and education

Family background and upbringing

Richard Maxwell Burr was born on 2 June 1964 in Renmark, a regional town in South Australia's area known for its irrigated agriculture and fruit production. He spent his early years in this rural community, where family life often revolved around farming and local enterprises, though specific details of his parents' occupations remain undocumented in public records. Burr attended Renmark High School, completing his secondary education there before joining the Australian Army in 1982. The school, which serves the Riverland's youth with a focus on practical skills alongside academics, later honored his achievements by renaming a building block after him in March 2021, recognizing his rise to senior leadership. This upbringing in a close-knit, agricultural likely instilled values of resilience and , qualities evident in his subsequent career, though Burr has not publicly elaborated on personal influences from his formative years.

Initial education and entry into military

Burr completed his secondary education at Renmark High School in South Australia, where he later had a school building renamed in his honour in recognition of his achievements. In 1982, following high school, Burr entered the Royal Military College (RMC), Duntroon, as an officer cadet, embarking on his military career path within the Australian Army. He completed the three-year officer training program at RMC Duntroon, graduating in 1985 with a commission as a lieutenant in the Royal Australian Infantry Corps and receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree conferred through the University of New South Wales, which partners with the college for academic qualifications.

Military career

Early commissions and training

Burr joined the Australian Army in 1982 and entered the Royal Military College (RMC), Duntroon, as an officer cadet, undergoing a three-year program focused on leadership development, military tactics, and academic instruction to prepare for commissioned service. He graduated from RMC Duntroon in 1985, receiving a commission as a in the Royal Australian Infantry Corps. Following graduation, Burr's initial posting was to the 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, where he began operational infantry training and service, laying the foundation for his subsequent specialization in roles.

Operational deployments and commands

Burr's initial operational command occurred in 2002, when he led Australia's task group deployed to as part of the early (ISAF) efforts following the U.S.-led invasion. This role involved directing in support of coalition objectives against remnants and networks. In 2003, Burr commanded Australia's special forces task group during Operation Falconer, the Australian contribution to the invasion of . Concurrently, he served as of the (SASR) from 2003 to 2004, overseeing its deployments and readiness for high-intensity . The SASR under his command contributed to coalition in , focusing on , , and counter-terrorism missions. Burr returned to in 2008 as Commander of Forces to ISAF, a theatre-level role directing multinational across the command. In this capacity, he coordinated efforts involving approximately 300 Australian personnel alongside allied contingents, emphasizing integrated counter-insurgency operations in volatile regions. These commands highlighted his expertise in integration within joint and multinational environments.

Senior appointments leading to Chief of Army

Burr was promoted to in 2012 and appointed as the first non-United States officer to serve as Deputy Commanding General for Operations of the , a role he assumed in November 2012, overseeing training and command efforts for over 60,000 US soldiers across the region. This assignment, lasting until approximately 2014, highlighted his expertise in joint operations and international interoperability, drawing on prior experience commanding Australian special forces task groups in in 2002 and in 2003, as well as leading Component Command for the in in 2008. Upon returning to , Burr was appointed Deputy Chief of Army in January 2015, a position he held until July 2018, where he focused on personnel management, capability development, and within the Australian Army. In this role, he emphasized the importance of people as the core strength of the force, aligning with broader reforms in army leadership and modernization efforts. His tenure as Deputy Chief positioned him as a natural successor, leading to his promotion to and appointment as Chief of Army on 2 July 2018, succeeding Lieutenant General Angus Campbell.

Tenure as Chief of the Australian Army (2018–2022)

Lieutenant General Rick Burr assumed the position of Chief of the Australian Army on 2 July 2018, succeeding during a ceremonial parade in . In this role, Burr oversaw the 's operational readiness, , and adaptation to emerging threats, emphasizing concepts such as "Army in Motion" to enhance agility and resilience amid domestic and international demands. His tenure coincided with heightened focus on modernization, including a 2019-initiated study that informed the 's post-coronavirus strategic narrative, addressing challenges like accelerated warfare and multi-domain operations. Burr directed the 's contributions to national emergencies, including support for bushfire relief, flood responses, and mitigation under Operation Assist, where personnel assisted with , enforcement, and links to state emergency services ahead of high-risk weather seasons. In April 2020, he issued a direct message to members framing the as a profound challenge requiring sustained discipline and adaptability, while underscoring opportunities to build resilience. The under Burr also supported international efforts, such as evacuations from and stabilization in the , reflecting increased operational tempo across diverse environments. A pivotal aspect of Burr's leadership involved responding to the November 2020 by the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force, which documented credible evidence of 39 unlawful killings and other misconduct by Australian personnel in between 2002 and 2013. Burr, who had previously commanded Command, publicly stated he was "sickened" by the findings and had no prior knowledge of the alleged atrocities during his 2008 deployment oversight. He initiated administrative actions, including 13 show-cause notices that could lead to dismissals, and urged personnel to uphold accountability, declaring "never let it happen again" in internal communications. Burr defended broader Defence leadership against criticism, asserting proactive self-accountability amid the report's exposure of cultural failures within elite units. Burr's term concluded with a change-of-command on 1 July 2022, where he transferred authority to Simon Stuart, marking the end of his four-year tenure amid ongoing reforms and heightened Indo-Pacific tensions. During his , the convened seminars on land power application in contested environments, aligning with strategic shifts toward integrated deterrence.

Post-retirement roles

Strategic advisory positions

Following his retirement as Chief of the Australian Army on 1 July 2022, Rick Burr AO DSC MVO took on strategic advisory s in defense, , and academic sectors. In July 2022, he became Strategic Advisor to Green Gravity, a firm focused on advanced energy and solutions. Burr's involves providing high-level guidance on strategic development and applications. In April 2023, Burr was appointed Strategic Advisor to Inovor Technologies, an Australian aerospace and defense company specializing in modeling, , and for capabilities. His contributions leverage his operational expertise to inform innovation in defense technologies, including human performance and information systems. Burr also serves as a strategic advisor to the , advising on defense-related research and industry partnerships, while holding membership on the Group of Eight (Go8) Defence and Security Committee to advance Australia's competitive edge in these domains. In October 2024, he joined the Defence SA Advisory Board, which provides independent advice to the South Australian government on defense industry growth and strategic investments; he was elevated to in September 2025. Following his retirement from the Australian Army in July 2022, Rick Burr AO DSC MVO (Retd) took on the chairmanship of the Defence SA Advisory Board in September 2025, after joining as a member in October 2024. The board, which advises the Australian government on enhancing the state's defence capabilities, industry growth, and sovereign manufacturing, benefits from Burr's expertise in and operational to guide policy amid regional security challenges. Burr also co-chairs the Group of Eight (Go8) Defence and Security Committee alongside Major General Paul Symon (Retd), a role highlighted in public discussions on university-led innovations in defence technologies, , and cybersecurity as of September 2025. The committee coordinates efforts among Australia's leading universities to support national defence priorities, including advanced and strategic research partnerships. In parallel, Burr serves as a strategic advisor to the , contributing to defence-focused initiatives such as the Defence Trailblazer program, which fosters collaboration between academia, government, and industry on technologies like autonomous systems and . These positions leverage his prior command experience to bridge military requirements with civilian innovation ecosystems.

Honours and legacy

Military awards and distinctions

Rick Burr received the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for his leadership as commanding officer of a task force during operations in in 2002. The DSC is Australia's highest military decoration for leadership in action short of gallantry awards like the . He was appointed Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) in recognition of personal service to the , likely during a royal visit or attachment. Burr was named an Officer of the (AO) on 26 January 2018 for distinguished service in senior command roles, including as Deputy Chief of Joint Operations. The AO honours exceptional contributions to the nation through public service. He also holds foreign distinctions, including the for meritorious service in combat zones and the (Officer class) from the US Army Pacific for joint operational leadership. These awards reflect Burr's extensive operational experience in , joint task forces, and high-level command positions across , the , and the .

Influence on Australian defence policy

As Chief of the Australian from July 2018 to July 2022, Rick Burr initiated strategic reforms through the release of the Army in Motion - Accelerated Warfare Futures Statement on 8 August 2018, which identified accelerated warfare as the prevailing operational environment characterized by rapid technological and strategic shifts. This document outlined four imperatives for change: fostering continuous from junior levels, integrating the cognitive domain into operations, transitioning to fifth-generation capabilities, and prioritizing education and innovation to enable multi-domain adaptability across land, sea, air, space, cyber, and cognitive spheres. These directives influenced Army policy by promoting a culture of debate, capability modernization (including integration of LAND 400 projects and ), and alignment with joint force concepts, though critics noted the absence of a detailed structural roadmap beyond conceptual adaptation to regional instability. In September 2019, Burr issued further guidance via The Army’s Contribution to Defence Strategy, reinforcing the Army's pivotal role in the joint force by emphasizing enhanced , , , and networked combined-arms operations in response to Indo-Pacific threats. The document advocated modernization initiatives such as LAND 400 Phases 2 and 3 for armored vehicles and LAND 1182 for logistics, positioning the Army as a contributor to objectives outlined in the Defence and Integrated Investment Program, including deterrence against and support for alliances. This guidance shifted policy focus from isolated land-centric operations to integrated multi-domain contributions with the Navy and , underscoring partnerships with industry and allies to counter blurring lines between competition and conflict. Following retirement, Burr has extended his influence through advisory capacities that shape defence policy at state and academic levels. In October 2024, he joined the Defence SA Advisory Board, assuming the chairmanship on 29 September 2025, where his expertise informs South Australia's defence industry growth, capability development, and alignment with national priorities such as sovereign manufacturing and strategic sustainment. Additionally, as strategic advisor to the and co-chair of the Group of Eight (Go8) Defence and Security Committee, Burr contributes to policy discourse on leveraging academic research for defence innovation, including advancements in technologies and workforce development. These roles leverage his operational insights to bridge military requirements with governmental and industrial strategies, promoting evidence-based enhancements to Australia's defence posture.

Personal life

Family and residence

Burr is married to Bronwyn Burr, who has accompanied him at official defence events and participated in activities supporting families of members. No confirm details of children. Specific information on Burr's current residence remains private, consistent with norms for retired senior military officers; his post-retirement advisory role with Defence suggests ties to that state.

Public statements and views

During his tenure as Chief of the Australian Army, Rick Burr publicly emphasized accountability in response to the 2020 on alleged , stating he was "sickened" by details such as the practice of "blooding" junior soldiers by forcing them to commit killings, and "shocked" by the scale of credible evidence involving the of 39 civilians or prisoners and cruel treatment of two others. He committed to leading the Army to "a better place" through administrative actions, including issuing 13 show-cause notices to personnel and disbanding an SAS squadron implicated in the allegations, while defending broader defence leadership as holding itself accountable. Burr stressed that such unlawful acts contradicted Army expectations and required cultural reform to prioritize welfare and integrity, with over 26,000 personnel having served in . Burr advocated for an "Army in Motion" , describing it as a force that must "continuously adapt to an ever-changing environment" guided by core principles rather than rigid structures, in light of "accelerated warfare" driven by strategic shifts and technological advances. He highlighted people as the Army's "" and prioritized building a connected, protected, lethal, and enabled force, supported by a $55 billion investment over the subsequent decade, including integration of and autonomous systems per the 2018 strategy. In alignment with the 2020 Defence Strategic Update, Burr viewed the Army's role as evolving within the joint force to address multi-domain threats, emphasizing industry partnerships for sustainment and innovation from small and medium enterprises. On international engagement, Burr supported military exercises with , such as , to "promote friendship and understanding between our forces" as a means of reduction, reflecting a pragmatic approach amid Indo-Pacific tensions. Post-retirement, he has contributed to discussions on defence-university collaboration through roles like co-chairing the Group of Eight Defence & Security Committee, underscoring the need for research to counter evolving threats without detailed public quotes on specific geopolitical risks.

References

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  8. https://www.murraypioneer.com.au/community/army-chief-ricks-renmark-high-honour
  9. https://www.facebook.com/abcriverland/posts/army-chief-former-renmark-student-recognised-%25EF%25B8%258Frenmark-high-school-has-renamed-on/3900810523273198/
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  33. https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RRA1000/RRA1078-1/RAND_RRA1078-1.pdf
  34. https://rocketreach.co/rick-burr-email_25846318
  35. https://au.linkedin.com/in/rick-burr-69173582
  36. https://www.inovor.com.au/about-us/
  37. https://www.datanyze.com/people/Rick-Burr/3301293802
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  43. https://go8.edu.au/tag/defence
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  50. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1318956628260478&id=104269533062533&set=a.105029426319877
  51. https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/lifestyle/sa-weekend/new-defence-sa-chief-executive-matt-opie-speaks-about-his-journey-from-army-cadet-to-the-top-job/news-story/631399ea39b77b1188d117be5bcbce62
  52. https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/releases/2020-11-27/chief-army-statement-administrative-action
  53. https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/geopolitics-and-policy/6681-on-point-army-in-motion-means-constant-evolution-chief-of-army
  54. https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/JIPA/Display/Article/3900102/between-scylla-and-charybdis-hedging-and-australias-foreign-policy-amid-intensi/
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