Canterbury man takes top Army position
Proud Cantabrian Brigadier John Boswell DSD has been announced as the next Chief of Army by Minister of Defence Ron Mark.
Brigadier Boswell, from Christchurch, will take up the position in a handover ceremony at the New Zealand Army Marae in Waiouru on Monday, 10 September. He will serve in the role for three years.
“Regardless of what rank you hold the command of New Zealand soldiers is a great honour and not one I’ve ever taken lightly,” Brigadier Boswell said.
“I’m looking forward to commanding our Army over the next three years, and continuing the outstanding work of the incumbent Chief of Army.”
Brigadier Boswell enlisted in the Army in 1984 and began a career that has offered him extensive international service, with deployments including working as part of United Nations operations in Angola, East Timor and the Middle East. He deployed to Afghanistan in April 2010 as the Senior National Officer and Commanding Officer of the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team, Bamyan, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Decoration in recognition of his service there.
Currently the Land Component Commander at Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand, Brigadier Boswell will be promoted to the rank of Major General before being appointed Chief of Army.
In a message to the Army, outgoing Chief of Army Major General Peter Kelly MNZM said: “I know that John brings with him the experience and drive to continue to lead our Army with strength and purpose. I will be proud to hand over the command of Army to him in Waiouru next month.”
Brigadier Boswell said he was excited to lead the New Zealand Army into what would be a period of significant capability reform — not only across the Army but the NZDF as a whole.
“Combining new technologies and equipment with the quality of our people will result in the Army continuing to enhance its contribution to our Defence Force and the interests of New Zealand both at home and abroad.
“I’m looking forward to spearheading that effort on behalf of the Army during my tenure as Chief.”
Brigadier Boswell is married to Vicky and they have two children, Joseph and Kate.
