The Invictus Games Sydney 2018 will be the Games in which the community embraces our serviceman and women, both active and veteran, and the family and friends who support them. The spirit of mate-ship will shine as the Games will work to create a sense of belonging for all, during the Games and everyday going forward.
The Chief of Defence Force, AIRMSHL Mark Binskin will update Williams members on how the ADF will support with the 2018 Invictus Games to be held in Sydney, how the adaptive sport program is being rolled out within the ADF and the importance of looking after our wounded heroes.
Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, AC
Chief of the Defence Force
Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin was born in Sydney in 1960. He joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 1984 after an initial period of service with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Air Chief Marshal Binskin's service commenced in May 1978 and on completion of flying training, was posted to fly A-4G Skyhawk aircraft. He served in VC724 and VF805 Squadrons and in January 1982 was selected as the first RAN pilot to undergo an exchange with the Royal Australian Air Force flying Mirage III aircraft. On completion of this exchange and with the disbanding of the Navy's fixed wing capability, he joined the RAAF.
Air Chief Marshal Binskin's other flying tours include No 2 Operational Conversion Unit and No 77 Squadron at Williamtown, NSW flying Mirage and F/A-18 Hornet aircraft; training on F/A-18 aircraft with the United States Navy at VFA-125 at Lemoore, California; instructing on F-16C aircraft with the United States Air Force at 314 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, USAF at Luke AFB, Arizona; and No 75 Squadron at Tindal, Northern Territory flying F/A-18 aircraft.
His command appointments include Commanding Officer of No 77 Squadron at Williamtown, Commander of Air Combat Group (F/A-18, F-111, Hawk and PC9-A(F)) and later as Air Commander Australia. Air Chief Marshal Binskin's flying qualifications include Fighter Combat Instructor and Tactical Reconnaissance Pilot. Additionally, he has served as the RAAF F/A-18 Hornet Demonstration Pilot. He has over 3,500 hours in single-seat fighter aircraft.
Air Chief Marshal Binskin has served in various joint staff positions including Staff Officer to the Chief of Defence Force and in the Defence Materiel Organisation as Officer Commanding the Airborne Early Warning and Control System Program Office. During Australia's 2003 contribution to the war in Iraq, Air Chief Marshal Binskin served as Chief of Staff at Headquarters Australian Theatre. Following this, he served as the Director of the US Central Air Force Combined Air and Space Operations Centre where he was responsible for the conduct of Coalition air operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (ADF Operations Catalyst and Slipper). For this service he was awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service.
Air Chief Marshal Binskin is a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). He has also been recognised by the Republic of Korea with the Order of National Security Merit, Gukseon Medal; and the Republic of Singapore with the Meritorious Service Medal (Military)
Air Chief Marshal Binskin is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program, Australian Institute of Company Directors and RAAF Command and Staff Course where he was awarded the Chief of Staff's Prize for Professional Excellence.
Air Chief Marshal Binskin was Chief of the Air Force from 2008-2011, Vice Chief of the Defence Force from 2011-14 and was appointed as Chief of the Defence Force on 30 June 2014.
Air Chief Marshal Binskin is married to Gitte and they have two sons. Air Chief Marshal Binskin's interests include flying, most motor sports and motorcycle riding with his family.
