Forces Command (Australia)

Forces Command (Australia). Forces Command is the primary force generation and operational readiness command of the Australian Army. Established in 2009, it is responsible for raising, training, and sustaining the Army's combat forces, including both the Australian Army Reserve and the full-time Regular Army. Headquartered at Victoria Barracks, Sydney, it reports directly to the Chief of Army and is a critical component within the broader Australian Defence Force structure.

History

The command was formed in 2009 as part of the Army Modernisation program, known as Plan Beersheba, which restructured the Australian Army into a more adaptable and integrated force. This reorganisation consolidated several former commands, including the Land Command and Training Command, under a single headquarters. The creation of Forces Command was influenced by contemporary military doctrine and lessons from operations such as those in East Timor and the War in Afghanistan, aiming to streamline force generation. Its establishment marked a significant shift from a geographically based command system to a functional one focused on readiness and capability delivery for the Australian Defence Force.

Organisation

Forces Command is organised into several functional divisions and brigades that manage specific force elements and readiness cycles. The command oversees the 1st Brigade, 3rd Brigade, 6th Brigade, 7th Brigade, 9th Brigade, and the 17th Sustainment Brigade, among others, integrating both Reserve and Regular units. It works in close coordination with the Headquarters Australian Defence Force and other services, while its headquarters at Victoria Barracks, Sydney provides strategic direction. The structure is designed to support the Army Modernisation objectives and the adaptive campaign model central to Plan Beersheba.

Responsibilities

The core responsibility of Forces Command is to generate combat-ready forces for operational deployments, both domestically and internationally, under the direction of the Chief of Army. This includes managing the individual training, career progression, and readiness of all Australian Army soldiers, as well as the collective training of formed units and brigades. The command is also tasked with overseeing the integration and preparedness of the Australian Army Reserve with the full-time force, ensuring a seamless total workforce. Furthermore, it plays a key role in supporting domestic crisis responses, such as during bushfire seasons and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Major units

Forces Command directly controls the Army's major combat brigades, which form the backbone of its deployable land power. These include the 1st Brigade based in Darwin, the 3rd Brigade in Townsville, and the 7th Brigade in Brisbane. Key enabling units under its purview are the 6th Brigade (combat support) and the 17th Sustainment Brigade, which provides logistics. The command also oversees the 2nd Division, which commands the majority of the Australian Army Reserve's combat brigades, such as the 4th Brigade and the 9th Brigade.

Training establishments

The command supervises the Army's principal training institutions that deliver individual and specialist military education. Key establishments include the Royal Military College, Duntroon for officer training, the Australian Defence Force Academy in partnership with the University of New South Wales, and the Combined Arms Training Centre at Puckapunyal. Other critical schools under its oversight are the Army Logistic Training Centre at Bonegilla and the School of Infantry in Singleton. These institutions are vital for implementing the training continuum defined by the Army Modernisation strategy.

Commanders

Commanders of Forces Command have been senior officers holding the rank of Major General. The inaugural commander was Major General Mark Kelly. Subsequent commanders have included Major General Gus Gilmore and Major General Paul McLachlan. The current commander, as of 2023, is Major General Simon Stuart, who previously served as Commander of the 3rd Brigade. These officers are typically appointed by the Chief of Army and have extensive operational experience from campaigns such as the War in Afghanistan and INTERFET. Category:Commands of the Australian Army Category:Military units and formations established in 2009