Lieutenant General Mark Evans who stands down as Chief of Joint Operations is one of four men in the running to be the next Chief of Army, when the incumbent LTGEN Ken Gillespie, finishes his term.
Other contenders are Major Generals John Cantwell, David Morrison and Paul Symon.
There are rumours that Defence Minister Stephen Smith may be keen to have a female officer appointed as a deputy vice-chief.
With the retirement of MAJGEN Elizabeth Cosson in 2010, Air Vice Marshal Margaret Staib, Commander Joint Logistics, is the highest ranking woman in the Australian Defence Force.
The current Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Chief of Navy and Chief of Air Force are all due to relinquish their current roles by the start of July.
Canberra’s rumour mill suggests VCDF LTGEN David Hurley could take over from Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston as CDF, with his VCDF role filled by Air Marshal Mark Binskin; John Cantwell is seen by some as front runner for the CA position while others have their money on David Morrison.
Counter-rumours, however, suggest potential ‘left field’ appointees for all positions; with luck the new appointments will be announced soon.