The commanding officer of the country's elite troops is taking on a senior position at the Ministry of Justice, despite having no previous experience in the sector.
Lieutenant Colonel Karl Cummins will start his two year deployment as Deputy Secretary of courts and tribunals in March.
He is the first appointment under an agreement between Defence and Justice, aimed at giving staff work experience.
The Justice Ministry chief executive, Andrew Bridgman, says Lieutenant Colonel Cummins will have 2000 staff under him.
Regional court managers will report to him and he will implement changes to improve service.
