Major General John Boswell
Chief Of Army
The Chief of Army is the most senior officer of the New Zealand Army. They are responsible for leading, managing, and developing the army and civilian personnel. The Chief of Army reports to the Chief of Defence Force.
From cadet to Chief
Major General John Boswell, DSD joined the New Zealand Army in January 1984. He graduated from the Officer Cadet School of New Zealand in December 1985. He soon entered the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment as Second Lieutenant. Major General Boswell became Chief of the New Zealand Army on 10 September 2018.
Throughout his career, Major General Boswell has held many roles, including:
- Chief Instructor of Combat School
- Director Army Training
- Military Assistant at the New Zealand High Commission in London.
- Head of Strategy Management (Army)
- Acting Deputy Chief of Army
- Chief Staff Officer - Joint Plans at Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand
- Assistant Chief Strategic Commitments and Engagements
- Land Component Commander.
Deployment-ready at all times
Boswell has been part of operations with the United Nations in Angola, East Timor, and to the Middle East.
In 2010, he was the Senior National Officer and Commanding Officer of the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan. Because of this work, he received a Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD).
A military career with a deep education
Major General Boswell is a graduate of the Australian Command and Staff College and the National Defence College of India.
He holds several degrees, including:
- Masters in Defence Studies from the University of Canberra
- Masters of Philosophy (Defence and Strategic Studies) from the University of Madras
- Masters of Management, Bachelors of Arts (History)
- Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from Massey University.