25 Mar 1965
Air Marshal Sir Frederick Scherger became the first Australian airman appointed to Air Chief Marshal as Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC). He was also the first Chairman and the first graduate of the Royal Military College, Duntroon, to reach four-star level. He had then held the COSC job for nearly four years, since relinquishing the RAAF’s top post of Chief of the Air Staff in May 1961. Originally appointed for two years, after less than a year in the job the Government extended his term to four years, then extended him again in September 1964 through to May 1966. Special amendments to Air Force Regulations were required to allow Scherger’s promotion, on his existing pay and allowances. His advancement in rank nonetheless helped to cement the authority and prestige of the Chairman’s role, and the practice was continued for his successors