His initial appointment came as a surprise after his testimony to a Senate hearing exposed the "children overboard" incident in 2001 as a fake constructed by the Howard government. Air Chief Marshal Houston is UGG BOOTS Sale considered a tough officer when it comes to dealing with his subordinates and the six defence ministers and three prime ministers to have served during his watch.

Insiders say the odds-on favourite to replace Air Chief Marshal Houston is the vice-chief,Bailey Button Triplet UGG Boots army Lieutenant-General David Hurley, who is operationally experienced and well qualified. "In private he can be imperious and he is brutal with his underlings," a well-placed source said.

His ruthless streak was used to good effect to prevent former army chief Peter Leahy from lining up for the top job.

Former Howard government defence minister and current Australian ambassador Classic Short UGG Boots to the European Union Brendan Nelson said Air Chief Marshal Houston loved the Defence Force "as much as he loves his wife."