15 Facts About Tom Middendorp

Tom Middendorp served as Chief of Defence of the Armed forces of the Netherlands from 28 June 2012 until 3 October 2017.

Tom Middendorp previously served as the commander of Task Force Uruzgan part of the International Security Assistance Force from 2 February 2009 until 3 August 2009.

Tom Middendorp was born on 6 September 1960 in Rheden in the Province of Gelderland.

Tom Middendorp joined the Dutch Army in 1979, attending officers training at the Koninklijke Militaire Academie in Breda.

Tom Middendorp held this command for two years, after which he was transferred to Breda.

Tom Middendorp was posted to the Defence Real Estate Management Agency regional directorate as head of the project management agency.

From 1992 to 1994 Tom Middendorp attended Command School : Hogere Militaire Vorming.

In 1997 Tom Middendorp was assigned the post of military assistant to the Deputy Chief of the Netherlands Defence Staff.

Tom Middendorp held this post until 2001, when he was given command of the 101 Engineering Battalion in Wezep.

Towards the end of 2006, Tom Middendorp was posted overseas for his first tour in Afghanistan, as Senior Political Advisor and Deputy NATO Senior Civil Representative.

Tom Middendorp was posted back to Afghanistan in February 2009 as commanding officer of the multinational Task Force Uruzgan.

In preparation for his new role, Tom Middendorp was promoted lieutenant general on 1 January 2012 and placed in charge of projects and operations at the Defence Staff.

Tom Middendorp was promoted Four-star general on 28 June 2012, the date on which general Peter van Uhm transferred command of the Netherlands Defence Staff to him.

On 28 February 2017 Tom Middendorp was appointed an honorary Officer of the Order of Australia.

Tom Middendorp was invested by the Governor General of Australia Sir Peter Cosgrove.