29 November 2005

Promotion is a milestone in anyone's career, but for the New Zealand Army's newest Brigadier it is particularly significant. Brigadier Anne Campbell became the first woman to reach the higher echelons of military office when the Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Bruce Ferguson, promoted her in a small ceremony this morning.

"I never envisaged a career in the Army. I wanted a bit of adventure, and I needed money to help pay my way through medical school, so I joined the Territorial Force. I never intended for it to be my future though - I just wanted to enjoy myself."

26 years later it is apparent that Brigadier Campbell has enjoyed herself for a long time. In response to how she felt about her promotion, Brigadier Campbell stated that she accepted this promotion "on behalf of all military women who are serving now, who served before me and for those who will serve on behind me."

Now one of the New Zealand Defence Force's highest-ranking officers, Brigadier Campbell is currently serving as the Director General of Defence Medical Services in Wellington.

BACKGROUND

Brigadier Campbell began her career as a medical officer serving with 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, in Singapore. She went on to hold various clinical and medical staff appointments, and has held senior health positions at Military camps and bases throughout New Zealand. She recently completed a secondment with the Ministry of Health.

Operationally, Brigadier Campbell has served in East Timor as part of the Field Surgical Team, in Papua New Guinea where she was the Commanding Officer of the medical contingent for the New Zealand tsunami relief aid, and most recently she served in Banda Aceh with the New Zealand Defence Force's contribution to assisting in the aftermath of the 2005 Boxing Day tsunami and earthquake.

Brigadier Campbell is married to Lieutenant Colonel Bob Campbell. They have three children.

ENDS

© Scoop Media