NZDF Has New Vice-Chief

9 April 2014

NZDF Has New Vice-Chief

Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Kevin Short has taken up the position of Vice-Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

AVM Short, previously Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) in 1976. He trained as a navigator and early on in his career primarily held a range of appointments on the Airborne Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (No 5 Squadron), during which he logged over 5000 flying hours.

AVM Short has held many senior appointments in the RNZAF and NZDF, including Officer Commanding No 485 Wing, Assistant Chief Development, Assistant Chief Strategic Commitments and Intelligence, Deputy Chief of Air Force, and most recently Commander Joint Forces, a post he held from February last year. Notably, he also commanded Rotation 9 of the NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamyan, Afghanistan. These and other posts have provided AVM Short with a wide range of skills and experiences that make him an excellent choice for VCDF.

"AVM Short has been an outstanding Commander Joint Forces, and I'm looking forward to working with him in his new role," said Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Tim Keating.

"The role of Vice-Chief is a hugely important one and I know he will continue to have a positive impact on the New Zealand Defence Force," he said.

“I’m very pleased to have received this appointment, at a demanding and exciting time for the Defence Force,” AVM Short said.

“Our Defence Force has gone through a period of significant change as we adapt to meet the security needs of New Zealanders. The NZDF is facing a variety of challenges, as are similar Defence Forces around the world, but they are exciting and interesting challenges – and challenges always represent opportunities. I will focus on maintaining a strong sustainable Defence Force through capability renewal and careful fiscal management.

“I look forward to meeting the challenges of this position and having a role in taking up the new opportunities that will be presented, and to supporting the Chief of Defence Force as a member of the senior leadership team,” he said. “I want to make a positive difference to the NZDF.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media