BIOGRAPHY
Air Vice-Marshal Kitcher is the Vice J3 of HQ US Central Command, based at Macdill Air Force Base, Florida USA. Air Vice-Marshal Mike Kitcher joined the RAAF Academy in January 1984 and graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He graduated from No 145 Pilot’s Course in 1988 and flew F/A-18 aircraft from 1990 onwards. He graduated from No 23 Fighter Combat Instructor Course in 1994 and served in instructional roles until 1997 and as Executive Officer at 75SQN until 2000. In mid-2001, Air Vice-Marshal Kitcher completed RAF Advanced Command and Staff College at Watchfield, UK, graduation with a Masters Degree from Kings College London. In Sep 2002 Air ViceMarshal Kitcher was posted to US CENTCOM and CENTAF as the RAAF Hornet Liaison Officer during the planning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2003 he was deputy commander for all RAAF F/A-18 and C-130 operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom and was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service in the operation. Later in 2003 Air Vice-Marshal Kitcher assumed command of No 3 Squadron. Air Vice-Marshal Kitcher was posted to HQAC as the Director of Operation in 2006, and also serves as the inaugural RAAF AOC Director. Air Vice-Marshal Kitcher worked in Defence industry from 2007-10, he then rejoined the permanent Air Force as Chief of Staff at Air Combat Group until Dec 2012. Air Vice-Marshal Kitcher was then Director of the Australian Defence Force Airworthiness Coordination and Policy Agency in 2013. Air Vice-Marshal commenced his duties as Director General Capability Planning – Air Force in Nov 2013. In this position Air Vice-Marshal Kitcher was responsible for introducing all new capabilities for the RAAF, such as F-35, E/A-18G, P-8, Triton, the PC-21 aircraft and pilot training system and major E-7 Wedgetail upgrades. From Jan-Jun 2017 he served in Operation Okra as Commander of the Australian Air Task Group in the Middle East commanding Australian Hornet, Wedgetail and Tanker operations. He was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in June 2017 for exceptional service in the air combat sustainment, aviation safety development, and major capability planning and introduction. In June 2018 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his leadership during Operation Okra. Air Vice-Marshal Kitcher was promoted in May 2019 and posted to the Vice J3 HQ USCENTOM WEF 01 Jul 2019. Air Vice-marshal Kitcher has over 3500 hours in military aircraft, 3000 in F/A-18 A/B/F/G Hornets and is an A Category Fighter Combat Instructor. Air Vice-Marshal Kitcher lives in Tampa, Florida with his wife Robyn and they have three adult sons. His interests are Rugby, touch football, boating, skiing, surfing and lifesaving.

BIOGRAPHY
AIRCDRE Reidy joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1996 whilst studying as an undergraduate in a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Hons) at the University of Queensland. His first postings to Base Radio at No. 321 Air Base Wing (321ABW), and then No. 1 Combat Communications Squadron (1CCS), established early his career path in communications and cyber. Follow on postings as the ADF Tactical Information Exchange Domain (TIED) Capability Manager, the Combat Support Group CIS Development Officer and Staff Officer to CIOG Head of ICT Operations (HICTO) gave AIRCDRE Reidy deep insights into the ADFs leading edge of operational CIS support. AIRCDRE Reidy used this knowledge when planning a number of Air Force operations including Op ANODE (2003-2004), the Boxing Day tsunami assistance (2005) and Air Force’s deployment into Afghanistan for Op SLIPPER (2006). After attending the Australian Command and Staff Course in 2011, AIRCDRE Reidy was selected for the exchange position of U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) Chief Cyber Operations Planner. The three years in the USA were very rewarding and exposed AIRCDRE Reidy to the planning and execution of integrated cyberspace missions within full spectrum kinetic and non-kinetic operations. Whilst in USCYBERCOM, AIRCDRE Reidy also played a lead role in developing the U.S. military’s cyberspace force structure. For his work at USCYBERCOM, AIRCDRE Reidy was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal by the U.S. Secretary of Defense. This work was a great lead-in for his return to Australia posting into VCDF Group as the Deputy Director Cyber Coordination where he was again involved in the development of cyber policy and work structure, but this time for the ADF. Following a tour as Commanding Officer of No 462SQN, the ADFs premier cyber warfare Squadron, AIRCDRE Reidy was promoted and posted as the HQJOC J6. As the HQJOC J6, AIRCDRE Reidy brought together the HQJOC offensive and defensive cyber warfare elements into the same Branch as network operations allowing for the first time, development of an integrated ADF cyber domain operational planning capability. In 2021, AIRCDRE Reidy is posted to CIOG as the Commander Defence Strategic Communications (CDSC) Branch, where he is responsible for operating the Defence Single Information Environment (SIE), one of Australia’s largest and most complex ICT and communication networks. These networks are the manifestation of the ADFs cyber domain for which AIRCDRE Reidy is committed to developing an integrated warfighting concept to defend and operate this future key terrain. AIRCDRE Reidy has had two operational tours, both to the Middle East Region, the first as the A6 on Op FALCONER and Op CATALYST and the second in 2010 on Op SLIPPER. AIRCDRE Reidy has a Masters in Engineering Science and a Masters in Strategy and Management. AIRCDRE Reidy and his beautiful wife Maria thoroughly enjoy raising their three children. AIRCDRE Reidy is an enthusiastic participant and observer of all forms of sport, except synchronised swimming.

BIOGRAPHY
Jon Dean was appointed as Defence CISO in late 2020, bringing 18 years of domain expertise to the role. Jon joined Defence as a graduate in 2002, starting his career as a cyber security researcher in DST, working on a range of advanced cyber science and technology programs as a senior researcher, manager and leader, culminating in his appointment as a/Group Leader Automated Analytics and Decision Support. Jon led DST’s development in Cyber Mission Assurance and oversaw pioneering thrusts in automated cyber operations, cyber threat intelligence and automated vulnerability analysis. During his research career he was responsible for the delivery of a number of Cyber Defence Mission Systems to protect both Australian and US networks and military platforms, and established a world leading international research program for Cyber Mission Assurance. Jon has received three commendations for achievements including delivery of capability to support Joint Operations Command, development of joint AUS/US research collaborations securing Australia access to multimillion dollar US capabilities, and excellence in the conduct of cyber incident response. He transitioned from research into operations in 2017, where he led Defence’s inaugural operational cyber threat intelligence capability within Chief Information Officer Group. In 2018 he was appointed the Director of Cyber Security Operations In this role he was tasked with modernising the Defence Cyber Security Operations centre, including the establishment of Defence’s 24/7 Cyber Security Watch capability and ensuring cyber security operations are directly applicable to the mission assurance of deployed networks. Jon holds a Bachelor of Computing (Hons) from the University of Tasmania, and a Master of Business Administration with excellence from the Australian Graduate School of Management, University of NSW.

BIOGRAPHY
GPCAPT McManus joined the Royal Australian Air Force as an undergraduate electronics engineer, graduating in 1997. His first seven years were spent within the Air Battle Management providing maintenance and engineering support to its deployable elements. In 2004, GPCAPT McManus posted to No 1 Combat Communications Squadron (1CCS) and immediately deployed as part of the Baghdad International Airport Air Traffic Control Detachment. On promotion to SQNLDR in 2006, GPCAPT McManus undertook communications planning roles at Headquarters Air Command and Headquarters Joint Operations Command which included deployments to Operation ASTUTE in East Timor and to the Middle East to establishment the Force Communications Unit (FCU) construct. GPCAPT McManus was awarded a CAF Gold Commendation in 2009 for his role as the Plans Officer within the Combat Support Coordination Centre. In 2010, GPCAPT McManus deployed to the Middle East Region as Executive Officer of FCU 5 and assumed a Flight Commander role within 1CCS on his return. GPCAPT McManus promoted to WGCDR in 2013 into the role of Deputy Director Communications and Information Systems within AFHQ where he led the development of Air Force’s future land C3 capability and coordination of CIS support to Air Force’s future platforms. After a short posting within CIOG, GPCAPT McManus assumed Command of 1CCS from 2017 – 2019. Recent roles have included leading the transition of personnel from legacy trades to the newly formed NETECH and ELECTR-Networks workgroups in Air Force. GPCAPT McManus was awarded a CSC in the 2021 Australia Day Honours for the development of Air Force’s land based network information capabilities and the development of specialist network personnel for the Royal Australian Air Force. He holds a Masters of Business Administration and Bachelor of Computer Systems Engineering (Hons). GPCAPT McManus is married to Nerida, a LTCOL Nursing Officer, and together they have two active, school age children who consume their weekends with various sporting activities.

BIOGRAPHY
Colonel Morris was born in Stafford, England and completed a Bachelors and Masters in Applied Mathematics at the University of Birmingham. A graduate of Sandhurst, Colonel Morris laterally transferred in 2004 to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals. Colonel Morris is the Colonel Signals at Headquarters Forces Command where he is responsible for the provision of tactical and strategic signals engineering, design and advice to ensure the command remains ready now, and future ready. This role has seen him fulfil the position of CJ6 in support of collective training outcomes, enabling him to focus on ensuring signals capabilities are threat focused and aligned to current strategic drivers. He has gained significant professional growth in this position, particularly in the governance and development of Army’s cyber and information warfare capabilities. Prior to this current posting Colonel Morris was Director Land Network Integration - Army. He was responsible for the integration of digital capabilities into land platforms, and for ensuring their interoperability to joint and coalition systems. This position has allowed him to develop his technical skills, with a focus on ensuring Army is able to effectively contribute as part of the joint force. He has overseen the ongoing development of the Mission Partner Environment to meet Defence’s evolving needs, particularly to support joint fires integration. He has supported a number of Five-Eyes and NATO integration activities enabling him to grow his technical and stakeholder management skills. This posting has allowed him to develop his digital standards validation and verification experience to directly support strategic decision makers. Colonel Morris has commanded the 1st Signal Regiment during which he deployed the Unit in support to Operations APEC 18 ASSIST and ATLAS, allowing him to develop his command experience in support of a Coalition, Joint, Interagency Task Force Headquarters. For his command, leadership and service as Commanding Officer he was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in 2019. Other postings have included Business Relations Manager - Army within the Chief Information Officers Group (CIOG) which allowed him to develop his experience in designing and managing strategic communications networks. He has fulfilled capability and project management positions at Army Headquarters supporting Communications Information Systems and Electronic Warfare (CISEW) projects. Colonel Morris has held a number of command positions including Officer Commanding 72nd Electronic Warfare Squadron, 7th Signal Regiment. Colonel Morris has deployed to Iraq as the JTF633 communications planner, and to Afghanistan as the Information Operations Chief to NATO Headquarters Resolute Support. The deployment in Afghanistan allowed Colonel Morris to broaden his knowledge outside of signals roles. Prior to emigrating, Colonel Morris served in command positions in the Royal Signals as well as the Brigade of Gurkhas. He has commanded troops on operations in Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone and Kosovo. Colonel Morris and his wife Catherine have three daughters; Paris, Tia and Amity. He enjoys skiing, cross country running, walking his overly energetic springer spaniels and particularly enjoys reading all forms history.

BIOGRAPHY
Captain Marcus Buttler, RAN assumed Command of the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Information Warfare Force in November 2021, with responsibility for Fleet Information Warfare capabilities spanning Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Maritime Tactical Data Networks, and Information Effects domains. Captain Buttler joined the RAN in 1992 through the Australian Defence Force Academy and following initial sea training in HMA Ships Jervis Bay, Kanimbla, Tobruk and Brisbane, went on to serve as an Officer of the Watch in HMA Ships Fremantle and Hobart. Buttler then qualified as a Mine Warfare Officer and served as the Operations Officer in HMAS Huon and as a Battle Watch Captain in the Mine Counter Measures Task Group in HMAS Leeuwin during Exercise Talisman Sabre. Following an Assistant Principal Warfare Officer (PWO) posting in Brisbane he specialised as a PWO Surface Warfare in 2002. Buttler served as a PWO in HMA Ships Canberra, Arunta, Stuart and Sydney, and also in HMS Cornwall whilst on exchange with the Royal Navy. While in the United Kingdom he was also posted as a Staff Warfare Officer (Underwater Warfare) to the Flag Officer Sea Training organisation and as an instructor at the PWO Faculty at HMS Collingwood. Similarly, in Australia, he filled training related roles in the RAN Major Fleet Unit Sea Training Group and the PWO Faculty (Communications and Electronic Warfare Directing Staff) at HMAS Watson. He has served as the Executive Officer of HMA Ships Brunei, Labuan, Parramatta and Ballarat. Buttler’s most recent seagoing appointment was as Commanding Officer of HMAS Melbourne from May 2018 – until her decommissioning (October 2019). Melbourne’s sustained contribution to government operations was recognised with the award of the Duke of Gloucester’s Cup. His Staff appointments include the N6 in the Combined Maritime Forces in Bahrain, the Deputy Director Navy People Career Management Agency - Junior Officers Poster, Assistant to Chief of Staff Navy Strategic Command, Director Navy Strategy Executive, Executive Director Navy Information Warfare Branch, and Program Director Navy Information Warfare Branch. Buttler holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from University of New South Wales, a Masters of Arts in Business Management from Portsmouth University and a Masters in Military Studies from the Australian National University. He has completed the Royal Navy’s Advanced Mine Warfare and Anti-Submarine Warfare Officers courses and is a graduate of the Australian Command and Staff College. Captain Buttler resides in Canberra with his wife and their four children. He plays hockey and swims to try and keep fit and volunteers as a Sea Scout Leader in his spare time.