Brigadier Fern Thompson, CSC

Brigadier Thompson is currently the Commander of the 16th Aviation Brigade.

Brigadier Thompson was awarded the Army Flying Badge in 1999 and has served across Aviation Command.

Brigadier Thompson commanded the 6th Aviation Regiment in 2016-2017, providing Special Operations rotary wing support for Domestic Counter Terrorism and Special Operations.

Brigadier Thompson served as Directing Staff at the Australian Defence Force Command and Staff College, and in Army Headquarters staff appointments in both capability development and officer career management. She was also the Director of Battlefield Aviation Program, delivering aviation projects and driving Army’s aviation strategy. Most recently, Brigadier Thompson was the Director Officer Career Management, contributing to Army’s people capability system.

Brigadier Thompson’s operational experience includes Operation HIGHROAD, as Commander of Kabul Garrison Command Advisor Team, multiple tours to East Timor where, in 2008, she commanded the Timor Leste Aviation Group, and Operation SLIPPER.

Brigadier Thompson is a graduate of Joint Command and Staff Program, Canadian Forces College. She holds a Masters of Defence Studies through the Royal Military College, Canada and a Masters of Aviation Management through the University of Newcastle. She is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Board Member of the Australian Air Force Cadet Foundation. Brigadier Thompson is also the Patron for the Army Surfriders Association.

Brigadier Thompson enjoys riding, reading and adventures with her husband and two teenage children.