replaced those presented to the Royal Military College on the same parade ground by her late father King George VI in 1927 (then the Duke of York). Current protocol Only the Governor-General of Australia, as Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force, and by convention on the recommendation of the Prime Minister of Australia, can appoint officers to the rank of field marshal. The badge of rank is St. Edward's Crown mounted above two crossed batons that are circled by a wreath of oak leaves. Since the death of the Duke of Edinburgh on 9 April 2021, the most senior rank held in the Australian Army is General, which is held by the Chief of the Defence Force (when filled by an Army Officer). The most senior appointment within the nominal Army organisation (excluding Chief of the Defence Force) is the Chief of Army at the rank of Lieutenant General. Other three-star positions potentially available to Australian Army Officers are Vice Chief of the Defence Force (VCDF), Chief of Joint Operations (CJOPS), and Chief of Joint Capabilities (CJC). See also Australian Defence Force ranks and insignia Australian Army officer rank insignia List of Australian generals and brigadiers References Citations Sources Books Archives National Archives of Australia files NAA: A5954,1508/8, A663, 0156/1/180 External links Army Australia Australian Army