Rick Burr

Major General Richard (Rick) Maxwell Burr,, born in 1964 is a senior officer in the Australian Army and is currently serving as the Deputy Commanding General – Operations, United States Army Pacific.

Burr joined the Australian Army at the age of 17 as an officer cadet and attended the Royal Military College, Duntroon. After graduation from Duntroon, Burr served as a platoon commander in the 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.

In 2002, Burr commanded Australian troops in Afghanistan, and Australian troops during Operation Falconer in 2003. In 2008, Burr commanded special forces operations in Afghanistan.

On 21 August 2012, United States Army Secretary John M. McHugh announced that Burr would be seconded to the United States Army, to become Deputy Commander, United States Army Pacific (USARPAC). Burr will supervise training and USARPAC liaison with countries in Southeast Asia and Australasia. He will report to Lt. Gen. Frank Wiercinski.

He has spent the majority of his military career with Australian special forces units. He is also the patron of the Defence Australian Rules Football Association.

On 31 October 2012 he stood down as the Commander 1st Division and assumed the post as Deputy Commanding General – Operations of the United States Army Pacific on 17 January 2013 Burr is the first non-American to serve in this position.

Honours and Awards