Forces Command

Forces Command. It is the primary command of the Australian Army, responsible for generating and preparing the land force for operations. Established in 1973, it commands the majority of the Army's combat units and training establishments. Its headquarters is located at Victoria Barracks, Sydney, and it reports directly to the Chief of Army.

History

The command traces its origins to the 1973 restructuring of the Australian Army under the command of Chief of the General Staff Mervyn Brogan. This reform consolidated field force elements previously under disparate commands into a single entity. Throughout the late 20th century, it was central to supporting major deployments, including Australia's contribution to the Multinational Force and Observers in the Sinai Peninsula and peacekeeping missions in Cambodia and Solomon Islands. In the 21st century, it has been pivotal in generating forces for sustained operations in conflicts such as the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War, while also responding to domestic crises like the 2020 bushfire season and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organization

Headquartered at Victoria Barracks, Sydney, the command is structured into several functional divisions. These include the 1st Division, which oversees deployable combat brigades, and the 2nd Division, responsible for the Army Reserve. Key enabling formations include the 17th Sustainment Brigade and the 6th Brigade, which focuses on combat support and training. The command also directs the Army Aviation Command and the Special Operations Command, integrating specialized capabilities into the broader force structure.

Responsibilities

Its core mission is force generation, ensuring that all Australian Army units are trained, equipped, and ready for deployment. This encompasses individual training through establishments like the Royal Military College, Duntroon and collective training at the Combined Arms Training Centre. The command is responsible for the operational readiness of forces assigned to the Australian Defence Force's joint commands, such as Joint Operations Command. It also plans and executes the integration of new capabilities, such as the Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle, and supports national resilience tasks alongside agencies like the State Emergency Service.

Major units

The command's major combat formations include the 1st Brigade based in Darwin, the 3rd Brigade in Townsville, and the 7th Brigade in Brisbane. Key enabling units are the 16th Aviation Brigade and the 1st Intelligence Battalion. It also commands significant training organizations, including the Royal Australian Infantry Corps School and the School of Armour. Reserve forces are organized under brigades such as the 4th Brigade in Victoria and the 13th Brigade in Western Australia.

Commanders

Notable commanders have included General Peter Leahy, who later became Chief of Army, and Lieutenant General David Morrison, who served as Chief of Army and later as Australian of the Year. Lieutenant General Angus Campbell commanded prior to his appointments as Chief of Army and subsequently Chief of the Defence Force. The inaugural commander was Major General Donald Dunstan. The current commander is Lieutenant General John Frewen, who previously served as Commander Joint Operations and led the Australian Defence Force's COVID-19 taskforce.

Category:Commands of the Australian Army