Australian Defence Force
| Australian Defence Force | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Military manpower | |
| Military age | 16 years of age for selection process, 17 years of age is actual serving age (As of 2005) |
| Availability | males age 16-49: 4,943,677 (2005 est.) |
| Fit for military service | males age 16-49: 4,092,718 (2005 est.) |
| Reaching military age annually | males: 142,158 (2005 est.) |
| Military expenditures | |
| Amount | AUD$23.18 billion (2005) |
| Percent of GDP | 1.9% (2005) |
The Australian Defence Force currently numbers about 51,000 full-time active duty personnel plus another 19,400 reservists. The ADF, although small numerically, is technologically sophisticated. It is the largest force in Oceania, and plays a significant role in peacekeeping operations around the world. The ADF's main strategic rivals are within the Asia-Pacific region.
Contents |
Role
The 2000 Defence White Paper states that the Australian Defence Force has three main priorities:[1]
- Maintaining the capability to defend Australian territory from any credible attack, without relying on help from the combat forces of any other country.
- Contributing to the security of Australia's immediate neighbourhood through working with Australia's neighbours and participating in United Nations-sanctioned peacekeeping operations.
- Contributing to international coalitions of forces outside of Australia's immediate neighbourhood where Australian interests are engaged.
In addition, the ADF is also responsible for contributing to coastal surveillance and responding to emergencies, including natural disasters.
History
- Main Articles: Military History of Australia, History of the Royal Australian Navy, History of the Australian Army, History of the Royal Australian Air Force
Australia has maintained military forces since its federation as a nation in January 1901. The Australian Army and Commonwealth Naval Force were established upon Federation. The Royal Australian Navy was established in 1909 and absorbed the Commonwealth Naval Force. The Australian Flying Corps was separated from the Army to establish the Royal Australian Air Force in 1921.
The importance of 'joint' warfare to was made clear to the Australian Military during World War II when Australian ground, air and naval forces served as part of single commands. Following the war several senior officers lobbied for the appointment of a commander in chief of the three services. This proposal was rejected, however, and the three services remained fully independent.[2] In 1958 the position of Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee was established to advise the Minister for Defence on the overall views of the three services.[3] Due to the lack of a central authority the different services' force structures were not coordinated and the services operated in accordance to different doctrines.[4]
The Australian Military's experiences during the Vietnam War highlighted the need for an integrated command structure and greater emphasis on 'joint' operations.[5] In 1973 the Secretary of the Department of Defence, Arthur Tange, submitted a report to the Australian Government which recommended the creation of a single Department of Defence and the creation of the post of Chief of the Defence Force Staff. These recommendations were accepted and the Australian Defence Force was established on 9 February 1976.[6]
Current structure
The ADF comprises the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Special Operations Command. Operational command was exercised by Headquarters Australian Theatre (HQ AST) initially established in 1995 at Potts Point in Sydney, led by a two-star equivalent officer. HQ AST was re-designated Joint Operations Command in 2004 which will move to a new facility near Bungendore, NSW in late 2008. The Vice-Chief of Defence Force now has the additional responsibility of Chief of Joint Operations, directing the JOC. In addition, Northern Command, headquartered in Darwin, is responsible for operations in Northern Australia.
The Australian Department of Defence administers the Australian Defence Organisation (ADO) consisting of the ADF and the civilian personnel supporting the ADF. The civilian support consists of activities such as the Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO), the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) that purchases and maintains defence equipment, and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) that provides science and technology support to the defence forces. Military academies include Royal Military College, Duntroon for the Army; HMAS Creswell for the Navy, and the Officer Training School - RAAF Base Williams for the Air Force. The Australian Defence Force Academy is a Tri-Service university for officer cadets of all services wishing to attain a university degree through the Australian Defence Force.
Legal standing
The ADF is constituted under the Executive Government sections of the Australian Constitution, Section 68, that says, "The command in chief of the naval and military forces of the Commonwealth is vested in the Governor-General as the Queen's representative." (The Queen referred to in this Act of 9th July 1900 was Victoria. No mention of the air force is made, as aircraft were not then invented. Subsidiary and subsequent legislation handles these matters.)
In practice, the control of the ADF is, politically, vested in the Minister for Defence and several subordinate ministers. The Minister acts on most matters alone, however, important matters are considered by the National Security Committee of Cabinet. The Minister then advises the Governor-General who acts as advised in the normal form of executive government.
Officers of the ADF are commissioned by a document personally signed by the Governor-General, which is considered as a "Queen's Commission."
Personnel
Personnel in each service
Average levels for the 2005-06 financial year[7]
| Service | Total Permanent | Total Reserve | Total |
| Navy | 12,800 | 1,598 | 14,398 |
| Army | 25,241 | 15,579 | 40,820 |
| Air Force | 13,143 | 2,287 | 15,430 |
| Total | 51,151 | 19,464 | 70,648 |
In 2005-06 the ADF and Department of Defence also employed an average of 13,577 civilian members of the Australian Public Service and 1,319 contracted non-APS staff.[8]
Recruitment and retention
The Australian Defence Force enlisted 4,145 permanent personnel and 3,297 reservists during the 2005-06 financial year. These numbers fell short of the ADF's recruitment targets and represent 84% of the permanent force recruitment target and 77% of the reserve force target. They do represent an improvement on the achievements against the targets fro the 2004-05 financial year (80% and 70% respectively).[10] During 2005-06 11% of ADF personnel left the military.[11]
The Australian Government is attempting to address the shortfalls in ADF recruitment through developing new recruitment strategies. New initiatives are also being put in place in an attempt to reduce the separation rate.
At present many commentators consider that the Australian Defence Force is over-stretched by its current overseas deployment.[citation needed]. The Australian government is currently seeking to expand the Army by almost 3000 personnel. This expansion will require the recruitment of an additional 500 soldiers each year.[12]
Australian Defence Force bases
ADF bases are located in all the states and territories of Australia. Key locations for ADF units include:
Current operations
These are the current overseas operations of the Australian Defence Force.
Operation Astute
- May 2006 - ADF deployment of 2600 personnel (including 1900 ground troops) to stabilise the situation in East Timor. The Australian Army has deployed 200 commandos, 8 Blackhawk helicopters and an infantry battalion. The Royal Australian Air Force has contributed two C-130 Hercules transport aircraft and an Airfield Defence Guard detachment. The Royal Australian Navy has assigned two Amphibious Landing Ships, three Landing Craft Heavy and two Sea King helicopters to the operation. The AFP has provided a contingent of 45 officers.
Operation Catalyst
- See main article: Australian contribution to the 2003 invasion of Iraq
- July 2003 - ADF contribution of 1400 personnel to the rehabilitation of Iraq which includes two C-130 Hercules and 40 ASLAV armoured vehicles.
Operation Anode
- June 2003 - Contribution to the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands currently standing at 400 troops, two Iroquois helicopters, and two Armidale class patrol boats. The AFP also have a contingent of police in the Solomons.
Operation Slipper
- October 2001 - ADF contribution to the International coalition against terrorism. Currently consists of a 240-strong Reconstruction Task Force and two Chinook helicopters. An Anzac class frigate and two AP-3C Orion aircraft are deployed in the Persian Gulf for maritime interdiction duties.
Chiefs of the Australian Defence Force
Chief of the Defence Force (CDF)
The position of Chief of the Defence Force was created after amending Defence legislation and came into effect on 25 October 1984.
- Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, AO from 4 July 2005
- General Peter Cosgrove, AC, MC 4 July 2002 to 3 July 2005
- Admiral Chris Barrie, AC, RAN 4 July 1998 to 3 July 2002
- General John Baker, AC, DSM 7 July 1995 to 3 July 1998
- Admiral Alan Beaumont, AC, RAN 17 July 1993 to 6 July 1995
- General Peter Gration, AC, OBE 13 April 1987 to 16 April 1993
- General Sir Phillip Bennett, AC, KBE, DSO 25 October 1984 to 12 April 1987
Chief of Defence Force Staff (CDFS)
The position of Chief of Defence Force Staff was created after amending Defence legislation and came into effect on 9 February 1976.
- General Sir Phillip Bennett, KBE, AO, DSO 13 April 1984 to 25 October 1984
- Air Chief Marshal Sir Neville McNamara, KBE, AO, AFC, AE 21 April 1982 to 12 April 1984
- Admiral Sir Anthony Synnot, KBE, AO 21 April 1979 to 20 April 1982
- General Sir Arthur MacDonald, KBE, CB 21 April 1977 to 20 April 1979
- General Sir Francis Hassett, AC, KBE, CB, DSO, MVO 9 February 1976 to 20 April 1977
Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee
- General Sir Francis Hassett, AC, CB, CBE, DSO, MVO 24 November 1975 to 8 February 1976
- Admiral Sir Victor Smith, AC, KBE, CB, DSC 23 November 1970 to 23 November 1975
- General Sir John Wilton, KBE, CB, DSO 19 May 1966 to 22 November 1970
- Air Chief Marshal Sir Frederick Scherger, KBE, CB, DSO, AFC 28 May 1961 to 18 May 1966
- Vice Admiral Sir Roy Dowling, KBE, CB, DSO 23 March 1959 to 27 May 1961
- Lieutenant General Sir Henry Wells, KBE, CB, DSO 23 March 1958 to 22 March 1959
Current Defence projects
The Defence Materiel Organisation has the responsibility for the procurement of Australian Defence Force equipment.
LAND 121 - Overlander
Project Overlander will provide the ADF with field vehicles and trailers beyond the life-of-type of the current assets. The extant fleet consists of lightweight, light, medium and heavy field vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers and comprises approximately 7,000 vehicles together with some 3,100 trailers. Under LAND 121, the requirement comprises 6 generic fleet ranges, with approximately 15 functional vehicle variants[1].
References
- ^ Defence 2000 - Our Future Defence Force. Australian Department of Defence, Canberra. Pages 46-53.
- ^ David Horner (2001). Making the Australian Defence Force. Oxford University Press, Melbourne. Page 42.
- ^ Horner (2001). Page 43.
- ^ Horner (2001). Page 44.
- ^ Horner (2001). Page 44.
- ^ Horner (2001). Page 47.
- ^ Defence Annual Report 2005-06. Page 218.
- ^ Defence Annual Report 2005-06. Pages 219-220.
- ^ Compiled from Australian Department of Defence annual reports
- ^ Defence Annual Report 2005-06. Pages 224-225.
- ^ Defence Annual Report 2005-06. Page 229.
- ^ Army gets 2,600 extra troops, The Sydney Morning Herald, 24 August 2006.
- abs.gov.au
- Your Defence Dollar: The 2004/05 Defence Budget (Australian Strategic Policy Institute, 2004)
External links
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 Australian Army |  Royal Australian Navy |  Royal Australian Air Force | |
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