Peter Leahy

Infobox Military Person
name= Peter Francis Leahy
lived= Birth date and age|1952|7|28|df=yes -
placeofbirth= Melbourne, Australia
placeofdeath=


caption= LTGEN Peter Leahy, Chief of Army (Australia) at the 2008 National Anzac Day service, Australian War Memorial, Canberra.
nickname=
allegiance= flagicon|Australia Australia
serviceyears= 1972-2008
rank= Lieutenant General
branch= Australian Army
commands= Australian Army
3rd Brigade
battles=
awards= Companion of the Order of Australia
laterwork=
Lieutenant General Peter Francis Leahy AC is the former Chief of the Australian Army. His appointment ended 3 July 2008, at which time he retired from the Australian Defence Force.

Leahy was born in Melbourne in 1952 and graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon in 1972. After serving in various operational and training roles in Australia, Hong Kong and the United States, he was promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed Chief of Army on 28 June 2002. He was reappointed for a further three years on 29 June 2005.

In 1995, Leahy was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), and in 2002 was upgraded to Officer (AO). In the 2007 Queen's Birthday Honours List, he was elevated to Companion (AC), [ [http://www.ag.gov.au/portal/govgazonline.nsf/893508C1F7660490CA2572F800161245/$file/S100.htm Commonwealth of Australia Gazette] - Companion of the Order of Australia; 11 June 2007] Australia's highest civil honour.

LTGEN Leahy has the unique privilege of being the only army officer to reach the position of Chief of Army without ever having experienced operational service. He is also the longest serving incumbent of the position since before World War II.

Lieutenant General Leahy is married to Lee and they have three sons. He enjoys most sports and reading.

References

External links

* [http://www.defence.gov.au/army/generals/CA.htm Australian Army Official Biography]
* [http://www.defence.gov.au/leaders.cfm ADF Leaders page entry]
* [http://www.defence.gov.au/leaders/images/chief_army/20080129adf9901_023_lo.jpgOfficial photo] ( [http://www.defence.gov.au/copyright.cfm copyright] )
* [http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/honour_roll/search.cfm?aus_award_id=1134646&search_type=quick&showInd=true Order of Australia Appointment]