Royal Australian Regiment

Royal Australian Regiment
Unit name	Royal Australian Regiment
Dates	23 November 1948 – present
Country	Australia
Branch	Australian Army
Type	Infantry
Size	Seven battalions
Command structure	1st Division
Motto	Duty First
Battles	Korean War, Malayan Emergency, Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, Vietnam War, War in Afghanistan, Iraq War

Royal Australian Regiment. The Royal Australian Regiment is the parent administrative regiment for regular infantry battalions of the Australian Army. Established in the aftermath of the Second World War, it is the cornerstone of Australia's professional infantry force, with its battalions having served in every major conflict involving Australia since its formation. The regiment's motto, "Duty First", encapsulates its enduring commitment to national service, and its soldiers are renowned for their professionalism, discipline, and combat prowess on operations across the globe.

History

The regiment was formally raised on 23 November 1948, initially comprising three battalions formed from the Australian component of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan. Its first major combat deployment was during the Korean War, where the 3rd Battalion distinguished itself at the Battle of Kapyong. Throughout the Cold War, battalions of the regiment were heavily committed to conflicts in Southeast Asia, including the Malayan Emergency, the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, and most significantly the Vietnam War, where multiple battalions served with distinction in operations such as Long Tan. In the post-Cold War era, the regiment has been continuously deployed on global operations, including peacekeeping in East Timor, and combat roles in the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War.

Structure and organisation

The regiment currently consists of seven regular infantry battalions, each a discrete unit with its own lineage and identity, but all falling under the single regimental umbrella. These are the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th/9th Battalions. The battalions are assigned to brigades within the 1st Division, with several based at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville and others at Robertson Barracks in Darwin. The 4th Battalion was disbanded and later re-raised as part of the Army Reserve.

Role and capabilities

As the core of the Australian Army's manoeuvre force, battalions of the regiment are trained and equipped for a full spectrum of operations, from high-intensity peer conflict to stability and humanitarian missions. Their primary role is close combat, and they are skilled in complex infantry tactics including amphibious operations, air assault, and urban warfare. They routinely train and exercise with key allies such as the United States Marine Corps and other partners across the Indo-Pacific region. Each battalion contains specialised elements like reconnaissance platoons, mortar sections, and anti-armour capabilities, and they are often task-organised with assets from the Royal Australian Artillery and Royal Australian Engineers.

Battle honours and traditions

The regiment holds a formidable list of battle honours awarded for actions from Korea to Afghanistan. These include the theatre honour "South Vietnam", and specific honours like "Kapyong" and "Coral-Balmoral". Its most awarded single decoration is the Victoria Cross for Australia, received by Mark Donaldson and Daniel Keighran for actions in Uruzgan Province. Key traditions include the wearing of the distinctive Slouch hat, the use of the Rising Sun badge, and the regimental march, "The Royal Australian Regiment". Ceremonial events such as Anzac Day dawn services and unit dining-in nights reinforce its storied heritage.

Notable members

Many soldiers who served in the regiment have risen to prominence in military and public life. This includes former Chief of the Defence Force (Australia) General Peter Cosgrove, who commanded the 1st Battalion. Keith Payne, who received the Victoria Cross for actions in Vietnam, served with the regiment. Other distinguished members include Ben Roberts-Smith, a recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia for actions in Afghanistan, and senior officers like Lieutenant General John Caligari who have held key commands within the Australian Defence Force.

Alliances and affiliations

The regiment maintains formal alliances with several renowned Commonwealth infantry regiments, fostering exchange and camaraderie. These include the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment of the British Army. It also holds a close affiliation with the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, reflecting the deep military ties within the ANZAC tradition. Domestically, it is affiliated with the University of New South Wales under the Australian Defence Force Academy scheme and with numerous regional cities and communities across Australia.

Category:Australian Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1948