Reflections on Command

Major General David Thomae assumed command of the 2nd (Australian) Division on 17 July 2021 and as commander of the standing Joint Task Force (JTF) 629 on 10 December of the same year. While in that role, the purpose, meaning and narrative of 2(AS) Division has shifted from fulfilling a predominantly domestic support role, to becoming a platform for homeland defence in response to strategic guidance such as: the Defence Strategic Review[1], National Defence Strategy[2] and the Army’s contribution to National Defence[3]. This has seen a shift in focus for the division, from disaster response preparations to preparing teams for warfighting as a centre-line of effort.

The National Defence Strategy calls for this change to occur across three epochs[4]. The first epoch (from now until 2025) is described as the enhanced force in being, focusing on immediate enhancements that can be made to the current force. The second epoch (2026 to 2030) is described as the objective integrated force, which will see the accelerated acquisition of critical capabilities. The third epoch (2031 and beyond) is described as the future integrated force which will see an ADF that is fit for purpose across all domains and enablers.

How this strategy affects the joint force and land forces has been considered in Concepts ASPIRE[5] and LANTANAi[6] respectively. The Army Contribution to National Defence elaborates on how Army supports the integrated force by deterring and denying threats to Australia and by enabling projection of military force[7]. In the 21st century, this effect is delivered through land power’s key advantages of presence, persistence, asymmetry, versatility and value for money[8].

2nd (Australian) Division is specifically identified as being able to provide security and response operations domestically, and to be a force expansion base[9]. This means that the brigades based in each state and territory will continue to prepare for their warfighting roles as Army units, with some consideration towards future concepts for employment. This includes protection of critical assets for military force projection (inclusive of the northern base network and other critical infrastructure). This role inherently requires collaboration and coordination with civil authorities and communities.

MAJGEN Thomae has remarked that the 2nd (Australian) Division is ‘of and from the community’[10]. It is our relationship with the Australian communities that sustains the division and the relationships with our partner organisations that enable the division. While the division has supported disaster response in the past, this is not the sole role of a warfighting organisation. It is important to remember that the 2nd Division came into existence in 1915 as a combat division of the 1st Australian Imperial Forces. The skills knowledge and attributes developed through foundation warfighting is what enables the division to pivot for tactical tasks such as defence, protection, security and Defence Force Aid to the Civil Community ‘off the line of march’. MAJGEN Thomae is of the view that, while we have a proud history, we are not tethered by it. We will adapt to ensure that the division is ready to serve the nation in whatever way the government and people ask of us.

As practitioners in the profession of arms, we must engage with the topic of land power strategy to better understand and succeed in our assigned missions[11]. In a talk hosted by 2(AS) Division and streamed by The Cove on Tuesday 26 November, Major General David Thomae, AM reflected upon his Command of the 2nd (Australian) Division and of Joint Task Force 629. He discussed the implications – for the division, the JTF – of the Defence Strategic Review, and the National Defence Strategy. This discussion supported our understanding of Army’s role in defence of the nation, a role with significant importance for 2(AS) Division, the Army and the ADF and a whole.

About the Speaker

Major General David Thomae assumed command of the 2nd Division on 17 July 2021 and Joint Task Force 629 on 10 December 2021.

He joined the Australian Army in 1985, graduating from the Royal Military College Duntroon in 1988 to the Royal Australian Infantry Corps. His regimental service has been with the 2nd/4th Battalion and 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, 16th Battalion, The Royal Western Australian Regiment, 25th Battalion, The Royal Queensland Regiment culminating with command of the 9th Battalion, The Royal Queensland Regiment.

Major General Thomae’s senior leadership roles as a Brigadier have included Commander Joint Task Group 629.3, Commander 11th Brigade and as the Adjutant General – Army. As a Colonel, he served on Headquarters 1st Division, as Director of Studies (Reserves), Australian Command and Staff College and as Assistant Commander (Training), 11th Brigade.

His operational experience includes being a military observer with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation in Lebanon and Syria in 1998; as a rifle company commander in the 6th Battalion Battle Group with the United Nations Transitional Administration East Timor in 2000; and as Senior Military Advisor to the Special Representative to the Secretary General, United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq in 2011. Recently, as Commander Joint Task Force 629 he led the Australian Defence Force (ADF) responses in Operation COVID19 Assist; Operation Flood Assist 22-1, 22-2 and 22-3, where at their peak over 7,000 ADF personnel were force assigned to JTF 629.

In addition to his command and senior leadership roles, Major General Thomae gained broad experience across Army in a range of staff, training and representational duties, including as an instructor at the School of Infantry and the Queensland University Regiment; Aide de Camp to General Officer Commanding Training Command; as an operations and plans officer at Headquarters 1st Division; and as a staff officer with the Directorate of Reserve Soldier Career Management.

Major General Thomae is a graduate of the Australian Command and Staff College. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales, a Bachelor of Laws from the Queensland University of Technology, a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the Australian National University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern Queensland, and a Master of International Relations from the University of Queensland. He has completed the Joint Task Force Commander Course conducted by Joint Operations Command.

In 2021 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his command and leadership in senior defence appointments. Additionally, he was awarded a Chief of Defence Force Commendation for his leadership as a company commander in East Timor and a General Officer Commanding Commendation for his leadership whilst an instructor at the School of Infantry.

From 2003 until his appointment as Commander 2nd Division, he was a commercial barrister practicing at the Queensland Bar; from January 2018 he was a Senior Member (part time) of the Veterans’ Review Board, the statutory tribunal reviewing decisions of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. He is a nationally accredited mediator.

Major General Thomae is married to Nicole, a global knowledge manager. They have three children. He enjoys sailing, cycling and golf in his free time.

Footnotes