Prior to 1958 there was no CDF or equivalent; a Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) existed but no separate position was established as its senior officer.

However, Wells and his successors did not command the Australian armed forces in any legal sense; the chairman had only an advisory role in the running of the separate services.

In February 1976, COSC was dissolved and the new position of Chief of Defence Force Staff (CDFS) was created with command authority over the ADF.

[8] The following list chronologically records those who have held the post of Chief of the Defence Force or its preceding positions.

The official title of the position at that period of time is listed immediately before the officers who held the role.