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| Military of Australia | |
|---|---|
| Name | Australian Defence Force |
| Founded | 1901 |
| Country | Australia |
| Allegiance | Constitution |
| Type | Armed forces |
| Role | Defence of Australia, regional security |
| Size | ~80,000 (active) |
| Garrison | Department of Defence |
| Anniversaries | Anzac Day |
Military of Australia is the collective armed forces responsible for the defence and strategic interests of Australia and its territories. Rooted in colonial forces such as the New South Wales Colonial Forces, the institution traces evolution through the Second Boer War, First World War, Gallipoli Campaign, Second World War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and contemporary operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Solomon Islands. The force interacts with international partners including the United States Armed Forces, the United Kingdom Armed Forces, the United Nations, and regional organisations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Originating from colonial militias like the Victoria Volunteer Rifles and the New South Wales Lancers, Australia's federal defence began after federation in 1901 with creation of the Commonwealth Military Forces. Early expeditionary service included the Second Boer War and the Boxer Rebellion. During the First World War the Australian Imperial Force fought at Gallipoli Campaign, Battle of the Somme, and on the Western Front; notable units included the ANZAC formations and figures linked to the Victoria Cross. Interwar reforms and the Defence Act 1903 shaped force structure before the Second World War saw campaigns in the Pacific War, Kokoda Track Campaign, and cooperation with the US Navy and Royal Australian Air Force. Cold War commitments involved the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, the Konfrontasi period, and large-scale deployment to the Vietnam War alongside United States Marine Corps and Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. Post-Cold War operations included peacekeeping in East Timor, interventions in the Persian Gulf, counterterrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan and stabilization in the Solomon Islands, often under United Nations or Operation Sovereign Borders frameworks.
Command derives from the Constitution of Australia with the Governor-General of Australia as ceremonial commander-in-chief and executive authority exercised by the Prime Minister of Australia and the Minister for Defence. Civilian oversight is provided by the Department of Defence (Australia) and the Defence Force Senior Leadership. Service chiefs include the Chief of the Defence Force (Australia) and chiefs of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force. Strategic guidance references documents such as the Defence White Paper and the Australian Defence Force Academy influences doctrine alongside allied doctrine from the United States Department of Defense and doctrines exemplified by the Five Power Defence Arrangements. Joint command structures coordinate capabilities via headquarters such as HQJOC and expeditionary commands modeled on coalition practice in operations like Operation Slipper.
The force comprises three principal services: the Royal Australian Navy including Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm, the Australian Army with units like the 1st Division and the Special Air Service Regiment, and the Royal Australian Air Force operating squadrons such as No. 75 Squadron RAAF. Supporting organisations include the Australian Defence Force Cadets, the Defence Science and Technology Group, and the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service. Reserve components include the Australian Army Reserve, Royal Australian Naval Reserve, and Royal Australian Air Force Reserve which augment capability for operations exemplified by deployments to Solomon Islands and disaster relief after events like the 2009 Victorian bushfires.
Recruitment and professional education occur through institutions including the Australian Defence Force Academy, the Royal Military College, Duntroon, the Royal Australian Naval College, and the RAAF College. Training regimes integrate allied exchange programs with the United States Military Academy, the Britannia Royal Naval College, and the Officer Training School (Australia). Career progression awards reference decorations like the Order of Australia and the Victoria Cross. Personnel policies are shaped by legislation such as the Defence Act 1903 and procedures reflecting obligations under the Geneva Conventions and the International Criminal Court commitments. Special units draw recruits for the Special Air Service Regiment, 2nd Commando Regiment, and 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment with selection modeled on allied special operations pathways.
Naval capability centers on platforms such as Hobart-class destroyers, Anzac-class frigate, Canberra-class landing helicopter dock, and submarines procured under the Attack-class submarine program proposals and the later AUKUS-linked initiatives. Army equipment includes:M1 Abrams tanks discussions, ASLAV armored vehicles, and infantry weapons like the F88 Austeyr. Air power fields aircraft including the F-35 Lightning II, E-7A Wedgetail, and P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. Intelligence and cyber capabilities expand via the Australian Signals Directorate, the Defence Intelligence Organisation, and partnerships with the Five Eyes alliance. Logistics sustainment uses assets from the Australian Defence Force Academy logistics curricula and shipbuilding via the Australian Submarine Corporation and contractors such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
Operational history spans conventional and peacekeeping missions: major campaigns during the First World War and Second World War; postwar commitments in Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq; peace operations in East Timor under INTERFET; stabilization in the Solomon Islands during RAMSI; counter-terrorism in Afghanistan during Operation Slipper and Operation Highroad; and humanitarian assistance during crises like the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami and the 2011 Queensland floods. Exercises include multinational drills such as Talisman Sabre, RIMPAC, and bilateral activities with the United States Seventh Fleet and the Royal Navy.
Policy is articulated in instruments like the Defence White Paper series, the 2020 Defence Strategic Update, and statements by the Minister for Defence. Budgeting and procurement are managed within the Department of Defence (Australia) and scrutinised by the Parliament of Australia's defence committees. Funding decisions influence programs such as submarine acquisition under AUKUS, procurement from firms including BAE Systems, Thales, and Raytheon, and alliance commitments with the United States. Fiscal trade-offs affect force structure, sustainment, and investment in capabilities like cyber via the Australian Cyber Security Centre.