Paul McLachlan


Paul David McLachlan, is a retired senior Australian Army officer. He commanded the 1st Division from November 2015 to December 2018.

Military career

McLachlan joined in the Australian Army in 1982 and graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon in 1985. He served with 1st Field Regiment and 8th/12th Medium Regiment of the Royal Australian Artillery. After a range of staff appointments, McLachlan returned to 8th/12th Medium Regiment as its commander in 2003–2004, then moved to J3 in Headquarters 1st Division/Deployable Joint Force Headquarters. He served as J3 in Joint Task Force 633 in Baghdad from February 2006, then as Chief of Staff in Headquarters 1st Division. He commanded the 7th Brigade from February 2010. From January 2013, McLachlan became Head of Land Systems in the Defence Materiel Organisation.

Honours and awards

McLachlan is married to Anita, and has two children.