15 Facts About Jake Ellwood

Jake Ellwood joined the army via the Royal Military College, Duntroon in 1989 and was commissioned into the Royal Australian Infantry Corps.

Jake Ellwood served as Deputy Chief of Army from May to December 2018, and commanded the 1st Division from December 2018 to November 2021.

Jake Ellwood was educated at Camberwell Grammar School and St Kevin's College in Toorak, graduating from the latter in 1988.

Jake Ellwood completed the Australian Command and Staff College in 2002 and was appointed brigade major of the 1st Brigade in Darwin, Northern Territory.

Jake Ellwood relinquished command of 5RAR, and the battlegroup, to Lieutenant Colonel Darren Huxley on 31 December 2008.

Jake Ellwood was posted to the United States in 2009, serving as the Australian Army's liaison officer to the United States Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia.

Jake Ellwood returned to Australia to a three-year appointment as commander of the Combat Training Centre.

The role transitioned to Headquarters Operation Resolute Support from January 2015, and Jake Ellwood returned to Australia the following September.

In recognition of his "distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations", Jake Ellwood was awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service and received the Officer of the Legion of Merit from the United States.

Jake Ellwood occupied the role for only seven months, before succeeding Major General Paul McLachlan in command of the 1st Division on 6 December 2018.

Jake Ellwood relinquished command of the 1st Division to Major General Scott Winter in November 2021 and, for his "outstanding achievement" in the command, was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in the 2022 Australia Day Honours.

Jake Ellwood retired from the army in December 2022, and the following March was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

Jake Ellwood holds a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Studies and International Relations and a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from Deakin University, a Master of Management in Defence Studies from the University of Canberra, and a Graduate Diploma in Education from Monash University.

Jake Ellwood is married to Nicole, with whom he has two children.

Jake Ellwood is patron of the 5RAR Association, and his interests include military history, scuba diving, long-distance running, and fishing.