Paul McLachlan

Major General Paul David McLachlan is an Australian Army officer. He has been the commander of 1st Division since November 2015.

Career
He enlisted in the Army in 1982 and graduated from RMC 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 (Operations Officer) 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 7th Brigade from February 2010. From January 2013, McLachlan became Head of Land Systems in the Defence Materiel Organisation.

Honours and awards

 * 2012 Australia Day Honours: Conspicuous Service Cross for outstanding achievement as the Commander Joint Task Force 637 on Operation Queensland Flood Assist in January and February 2011.
 * 2013 Australia Day Honours: Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Military Division for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force as the Director General Development and Plans-Army, and as the Commander of the 7th Brigade.

Personal life
McLachlan is married to Anita, and has two children.