132-615: The Australian Army Cadets ( AAC ) is the youth military program and organisation of the Australian Army , tasked with supporting participants to contribute to society, fostering interest in defence force careers, and developing support for the forces. The program has more than 19,000 army cadets between the ages of 12 and 20 based in more than 200 units around Australia . The values of the AAC are "Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity and Excellence". The cadet programme has strong links to
264-572: A blue oval patch in a similar shape to the ADF service badges but with the Corps's "sword and torch emblem" on it, epaulets always have the prefix "Army Cadet" for cadets or "AAC" for instructors added to them. Cadets' slouch hats generally have a metal "sword and torch" badge at the front and a blue and yellow patch on the right side, although some school based units issue their own badges. Previously cadets could also wear ceremonial uniform identical to that of
396-636: A broad spectrum of opposition to conscription including: The documents reveal that draft resistance and draft dodging never posed a threat to the number of conscripts required, but the public opposition by draft resisters such as John Zarb , Michael Matteson and Robert Martin had an increasingly-political effect. Conscription ended in December 1972, and the remaining seven men in Australian prisons for refusing conscription were freed in mid-to-late December 1972. ef 63,735 national servicemen served in
528-654: A cadet. Research studies have shown that cadets have performed better than non-cadets in Australian Defence Force Training, and 25.4% of the Australian Defence Force has been in the Australian Defence Force Cadets. From 2001 to 2005, cadets made up 10% of applications and 11% of total Australian Defence Force enlistments. The King's School and Newington College vie for the honour of having
660-732: A coalition, that Australia joined, invading the country; thus starting the Iraq War on 19 March 2003. Between April 2015 and June 2020, the Army deployed a 300-strong element to Iraq, designated as Task Group Taji, as part of Operation Okra . In support of a capacity building mission, Task Group Taji's main role was to provide training to Iraqi forces, during which Australian troops have served alongside counterparts from New Zealand. In 2020 an investigation of allegations of war crimes committed during Australian military operations in Afghanistan
792-501: A draft resisters' union, active in at least two states: New South Wales and Victoria. They included men such as Bob Scates and Michael Hamel-Green. They went underground while maintaining a public presence, appeared at protests and were spirited away by the crowd before they could be arrested. In December 1972, while 'underground' as a draft resister, Barry Johnson stood as the Australian Labor Party (ALP) candidate in
924-607: A link to the unit's past and a memorial to the fallen. Artillery do not have Battle Honours – their single Honour is "Ubique" which means "Everywhere" – although they can receive Honour Titles. The Army is the guardian of the National Flag and as such, unlike the Royal Australian Air Force , does not have a flag or Colours. The Army, instead, has a banner, known as the Army Banner. To commemorate
1056-892: A member of the Victorian Socialist Party , was also arrested. Anti-conscriptionist publications, in one case, even when it was read into Hansard , were seized by government censors in police raids. Other notable opponents to Conscription included the Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne Daniel Mannix , Queensland Labor Premier T. J. Ryan , Vida Goldstein and the Women's Peace Army . Most trade unions actively opposed conscription. Archbishop Mannix, born in County Clare, stated that Ireland had been more wronged by Great Britain than Belgium had been by Germany. Many people thought positively of conscription as
1188-747: A pacifist. That meant that the rate of success for conscientious objection applications was generally low. During the late 1960s, domestic opposition to the Vietnam War and conscription grew in Australia. In 1965, a group of concerned Australian women formed the anti-conscription organisation Save Our Sons , which was established in Sydney with other branches later formed in Wollongong, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Newcastle and Adelaide. The movement protested against conscription of Australians to fight in
1320-619: A provision that had been applied only once before, during World War II. The 1964 amendments applied only to the permanent military forces and excluded the Citizen Military Forces. In 1965, the Defence Act was again amended to require the CMF to serve overseas, which had not been included in the 1964 amendments. In March 1966, the government announced that national servicemen would be sent to South Vietnam to fight in units of
1452-473: A separate joint Australia–US attack. The Battle of Lae was additionally part of the wider Huon Peninsula campaign . Following Lae's capture, the Battle of Finschhafen commenced with a relatively swift control of objectives, with subsequent Japanese counterattacks beaten off. On 17 November 1943, a major offensive that began with the Battle of Sattelberg , continued with the Battle of Wareo , and concluded with
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#17327865987261584-436: A sign of loyalty to Britain and thought that it would also support those men who were already fighting. However, trade unions feared that their members might be replaced by cheaper foreign or female labour and so opposed conscription. Some groups argued that the whole war was immoral, and it was unjust to force people to fight. South Africa and India were the only other participating countries not to introduce conscription during
1716-708: A standing peacetime regular army was formed and the Australian Army Reserve (1980–present) began to decline in importance. During its history, the Australian Army has fought in a number of major wars, including the Second Boer War , the First and Second World Wars, Korean War , Malayan Emergency , Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation , Vietnam War , the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) and
1848-427: A youth organisation that is modelled on the Australian Army. It differs from Scouts Australia and other youth exploration groups as its main focus is that of learning and using military and leadership skills. The organisation boasts a nationwide reach with cadet units in every state and territory in Australia. Youth must be at least 12 years of age, and not have reached age 17 to be eligible to apply for enrolment into
1980-675: Is a command formation of equal status to the other commands in the ADF and includes all of Army's special forces units. Special Operations Command comprises: Infantry, and some other combat units of the Australian Army carry flags called the King's Colour and the Regimental Colour, known as "the Colours". Armoured units carry Standards and Guidons – flags smaller than Colours and traditionally carried by Cavalry, Lancer, Light Horse and Mounted Infantry units. The 1st Armoured Regiment
2112-645: Is approved by the Parliament of Australia within 90 days. In 1909, the Deakin government introduced an amendment to the Defence Act 1903 , the Defence Act 1909 , which allowed for a form of conscription for boys from 12 to 14 years of age and for youths of 18 to 20 years of age for the purposes of home defence. The Act, which passed with the combined support of the Protectionist Party and
2244-520: Is located at Victoria Barracks in Sydney. The Australian Army's three regular brigades are based at Robertson Barracks near Darwin , Lavarack Barracks in Townsville , and Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane . The Deployable Joint Force Headquarters is also located at Gallipoli Barracks. Universal Training Scheme Conscription in Australia , also known as National Service following
2376-520: Is on unifying all training establishments to create a base for scaling and mobilisation: Additionally, Forces Command includes the following training and support establishments: Administers the reserve forces from its headquarters located in Sydney . Army Aviation Command is responsible for the Australian Army's helicopters and training, aviation safety and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Army Aviation Command comprises: Special Operations Command
2508-455: Is one year. In September 2024, a decision was made to prohibit members of the NCLG from re-applying to an NCLG role in the following year, regardless of being eligible through age and not joining the ADF. This made CUO Josh Cronin (NCDT ADJT, 2024) the first cadet to be prohibited from applying for a position for having already held an experienced role. This decision was made in an attempt to promote
2640-428: Is some regional variation. The regions are divided as follows: North Queensland, South Queensland, New South Wales, New South Wales 2nd, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and Northern Territory. Cadets wear " Auscam " DPCU uniforms for field activities. As of 2023, cadets wear AMCU in both barracks and ceremonial orders of dress. In order to distinguish cadets from Australian soldiers, cadets wear
2772-503: Is the only unit in the Australian Army to carry a Standard, in the tradition of heavy armoured units. Artillery units' guns are considered to be their Colours, and on parade are provided with the same respect. Non-combat units (combat service support corps) do not have Colours, as Colours are battle flags and so are only available to combat units. As a substitute, many have Standards or Banners. Units awarded battle honours have them emblazoned on their Colours, Standards and Guidons. They are
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#17327865987262904-807: Is the principal land warfare force of Australia . It is a part of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), along with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force . The Army is commanded by the Chief of Army (CA), who is subordinate to the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) who commands the ADF. The CA is also directly responsible to the Minister for Defence , with the Department of Defence administering
3036-542: Is understood to be related to the decorated conscript Simon Anderson, who mysteriously disappeared in 1970. Young men who were subject to the conscription lottery also formed their own anti-conscription organisation, the Youth Campaign Against Conscription. Like Save Our Sons, it spread to other states: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia. It was the YCAC that imported
3168-585: The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake in Aceh Province, Indonesia , Operation Sumatra Assist , ended on 24 March 2005. Following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks , Australia promised troops to any military operations that the US commenced in response to the attacks. Subsequently, the Australian Army committed combat troops to Afghanistan in Operation Slipper . This combat role continued until
3300-830: The ANZAC Mounted Division and eventually the Australian Mounted Division , participated in the Sinai and Palestine campaign . They were originally stationed there to protect the Suez Canal from the Turks, and following the threat of its capture passing, they started offensive operations and helped in the re-conquest of the Sinai Desert . This was followed by the Battles of Gaza, wherein on
3432-581: The Australian Army and is a part of the Australian Defence Force Cadets . However, its members are not members of the Australian Defence Force by virtue only of their membership of the AAC. The AAC is a youth development program building resilience in young Australians from all backgrounds. Activities of the AAC include but are not limited to drill and ceremonial parade, abseiling, seamanship, navigation, field camping and first aid. The Australian Army Cadets are headquartered at
3564-398: The Australian Army . This is still maintained by a selection of private school units. Cadets of more senior ranks may wear additional accouterments that help to distinguish their rank, such as a red sash for Cadet Sergeants and Cadet Warrant Officer Class Two, and Sam Browne belts for Cadet Warrant Officer Class One and Cadet Under Officers. Australian Army The Australian Army
3696-666: The Australian Labor Party to extending the geographic boundaries in which conscripts could serve to include most of the South West Pacific , and the necessary legislation was passed in January 1943. The 11th Brigade was the only CMF formation to serve outside Australian territory, however, when it formed part of Merauke Force in the Dutch East Indies in 1943 and 1944. In 1951, during
3828-572: The Australian Labor Party , did not allow soldiers to be conscripted for overseas service. Following recommendations arising from a visit to Australia by Field Marshal Kitchener to report on the country's defence readiness, the Australian Labor Party government instituted a system of compulsory military training for all males aged between 12 and 26 from 1 January 1911. John Barrett, in his study of boyhood conscription, Falling In , noted: In 1911 there were approximately 350,000 boys of an age (10–17 years) to register for compulsory training up to
3960-767: The Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force (ANMEF), dealt with the issue of the German Pacific holdings. ANMEF recruitment began on 10 August 1914, and operations started 10 days later. On 11 September, the ANMEF landed at Rabaul to secure German New Guinea , with no German outposts in the Pacific left by November 1914. During the AIF's preparations to depart Australia, the Ottoman Empire joined
4092-624: The Battle of Crete which, though more successful, still failed and another withdrawal was ordered. During the Greek Campaign, the Allies were pushed back to Egypt and the Siege of Tobruk began. Tobruk's primary defence personnel were Australians of the 9th Division; the so-called 'Rats of Tobruk'. Additionally, the AIF participated in the Syria–Lebanon campaign . The 9th Division fought in
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4224-537: The Battle of Sio on 15 January 1944, was unleashed. The momentum of this advance was continued by the 8th Brigade , as they pursued the enemy in retreat, which culminated with the Battle of Madang . In mid-1944, Australian forces took over the garrisoning of Torokina from the US with this changeover giving Australian command responsibility over the Bougainville campaign . Soon after arriving in November of
4356-574: The First and Second Battle of El Alamein before also being shipped home to fight the Japanese. In December 1941, following the Bombing of Pearl Harbor , Australia declared war on Japan . Consequently, the AIF was requested to return home, as the subsequent rapid conquest of Southeast Asia extremely concerned Australian policymakers, and the militia was mobilised. After the Fall of Singapore , and
4488-543: The Iraq War . Since 1947, the Australian Army has also been involved in many peacekeeping operations, usually under the auspices of the United Nations . Today, it participates in multilateral and unilateral military exercises and provides emergency disaster relief and humanitarian aid in response to domestic and international crises. Formed in March 1901, following federation, the Australian Army initially consisted of
4620-689: The Korean War , national service was introduced under the National Service Act 1951 . All Australian males aged 18 had to register for 176 days training (99 days full-time) and two years in the CMF . Later, the obligation was 140 days of training (77 days full-time) and three years' service in the CMF. In 1957 the system was changed to emphasise skill rather than numbers, then ended in 1959. The regular military forces remained voluntary. In 1964, compulsory national service for 20-year-old males
4752-612: The Malayan National Liberation Army (MNLA), a communist led guerrilla army whose goal was to turn Malaya into a socialist republic, and whose leaders had previously been trained and funded by Britain to resist the Japanese occupation of Malaya . Australian military operations in Malaya consisted of patrolling actions and guarding infrastructure, though they rarely saw combat as the emergency was nearly over by
4884-810: The Menzies Government reinstituted conscription and compulsory military training with the National Service Scheme , which required all males of eighteen years of age to serve for specified period in either the Australian Regular Army (ARA) or CMF. The Australian military entered the Malayan Emergency (1948–1960) in October 1955, committing the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR) to fight alongside Commonwealth forces. The 2RAR fought against
5016-789: The Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), as part of a non-United Nations peacekeeping organisation that observes and enforces the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. Australia's largest peacekeeping deployment began in 1999 with the International Force for East Timor , while other ongoing operations include peacekeeping in the Sinai (as part of MFO), and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (as part of Operation Paladin since 1956). Humanitarian relief after
5148-618: The Russell Offices Military Complex in Canberra . There are also regional headquarters which are directly in charge of Army Cadet Brigades/Battalions. The Australian Army Cadets is authorised under Section 62 of the Defence Act 1903 with lawful policies provided in the Cadet Forces Regulations 2013 (originally authorised under Cadet Forces Regulations 1977). The Australian Army Cadets is
5280-421: The Second World War , has a controversial history which dates back to the implementation of compulsory military training and service in the first years of Australia 's nationhood. Military conscription for peacetime service was abolished in 1972. However, in times of war, the Defence Act 1903 allows the Governor-General of Australia to authorise conscription for service in the Defence Force , provided it
5412-432: The Tet Offensive , a Viet Cong military operation, and repulsed them with few casualties. The contribution of personnel to the war was gradually wound down, starting in late-1970 and ending in 1972; the official declaration of the end of Australia's involvement in the war was made on 11 January 1973. Following the Vietnam War, there was a significant hiatus of operational activity by the Australian Army. In late 1979, in
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5544-427: The first conscription plebiscite . It was defeated by a narrow margin and created a bitter divide on the issue of conscription throughout the 20th century. Following the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917, which was better defended and eased manpower restraints, the first Australian assault on the Hindenburg Line occurred on 11 April 1917 with the First Battle of Bullecourt . On 20 September,
5676-411: The 12th Regiment of Foot, based at Victoria Barracks (Melbourne), commenced drill instruction to students at Scotch College before the establishment of their cadet unit in 1884 when The Volunteer (Cadet) Act 1884 came into effect. A school holiday was proclaimed on 19 November 1886 to mark the occasion of the first public parade of the Victorian Cadet Force at Albert Park. More than 2000 cadets representing
5808-573: The 1969 federal elections, the opposition leader, Gough Whitlam , declared that if elected, the ALP would make sure that all Australian troops in Vietnam would be home 'by Christmas'. Around then, opposition to conscription became more radical. Active non-compliers began to call themselves "draft resisters". Instead of waiting to be called up, draft resisters wrote letters to the Minister for National Service detailing their intention not to comply with conscription. Under law, that immediately rendered them liable for service. A number of these young men formed
5940-407: The 31 October 1917 the 4th and 12th Light Horse took Beersheba through the last charge of the Light Horse. They continued on to capture Jerusalem on 10 December 1917 and then eventually Damascus on 1 October 1918 whereby, a few days later on 10 October 1918, the Ottoman Empire surrendered. Repatriation efforts were implemented between the armistice and the end of 1919, which occurred after
6072-400: The AAC as a positive youth development program. Political views have changed throughout the years. The AAC has been subject to criticism, most notably because of its military uniform, program, discipline and structure in youth training. In the 1970s, under the Whitlam government , the AAC was briefly disestablished from defence force and government control, and support and military-like training
6204-421: The AAC to commemorate the centenary of the cadets on 24 September 2005, with the old Duke of Edinburgh Banner laid up at the Soldiers Chapel at Kapooka during the 2006 Chief of Army Cadet Team Challenge. The AAC celebrated its centenary since the establishment of the Commonwealth Cadet Corps on 16 July 2006, as opposed to the centenaries of individual units, with the Victorian Brigade holding a large parade to mark
6336-418: The AAC. Once enrolled, they may remain as a cadet until the last day of the year they reach age 18. Age extensions exist for some positions (Battalion, Regional, National) to the age of 19, but this is a very rare occurrence. A cadet in the AAC is not considered to be a member of the Australian Defence Force, nor are cadets allowed to be a member of the Defence Force or any other cadet service during their time as
6468-410: The ADF and the Army. Formed in 1901, as the Commonwealth Military Forces, through the amalgamation of the colonial forces of Australia following the Federation of Australia . Although Australian soldiers have been involved in a number of minor and major conflicts throughout Australia's history, only during the Second World War has Australian territory come under direct attack. The Australian Army
6600-476: The AIF attacked Pèronne and subsequently initiated the Battle of Mont St Quentin . Another operation around Épehy was planned for 18 September 1918, which aimed to retake the British trenches and, potentially, capture their most ambitious objective of the Hindenburg's outpost line – which they achieved. Following news of a three-month furlough for certain soldiers, seven AIF battalions were disbanded; consequently, members of these battalions mutinied. Soon after
6732-439: The AIF commenced operations with the Battle of the Somme , and more specifically with the Attack at Fromelles . Soon after, the 1st, 2nd and 4th Divisions became tied down in actions at the Battle of Pozières and Mouquet Farm . In around six weeks, the operations caused 28,000 Australian casualties. Due to these losses and pressure from the United Kingdom to maintain the AIF's manpower, Prime Minister Billy Hughes introduced
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#17327865987266864-401: The AIF landed at ANZAC Cove , which signaled the start of Australia's contribution to the campaign. Following little initial success, fighting quickly devolved into trench warfare, which precipitated a stalemate. On 15 December 1915, after eight months of fighting, the evacuation of Gallipoli commenced; it was completed 5 days later with no casualties recorded. After regrouping in Egypt, the AIF
6996-411: The Army had 28,387 permanent (regular) members and 20,742 reservists (part-time); all of whom are volunteers. As of June 2022, women made up 15.11% of the Army, with a target set for 18% 2025. Gender based restrictions for frontline combat or training roles were lifted in January 2013. Also as of June 2022, Indigenous Australians made up 3.7% of the Army. The ranks of the Australian Army are based on
7128-410: The Australian Army Dress Manual and are grouped into nine general categories, each ranging from ceremonial dress, to general duties dress, to battle dress (in addition there are a number of special categories specific to uniforms that are only worn when posted to specific locations, like ADFA or RMC-D), these are further divided into individual 'Dress Orders' denoted by alphabetical suffixes that detail
7260-488: The Australian Army increased its commitment again with the replacement of 1RAR with the 1st Australian Task Force , a force in which all nine battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment would serve. One of the heaviest actions of the war occurred in August 1966, with the Battle of Long Tan , wherein D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) successfully fended off an enemy force, estimated at 2,000 men, for four hours. In 1968, Australian forces defended against
7392-460: The Australian Labor Party parliamentary caucus and took with them a good deal of the parliamentary party's talent. They created a new National Labor Party , and Hughes survived as prime minister by forming a conservative Nationalist government, which was dependent for survival on the Commonwealth Liberal Party . The remainder of the Labor Party, under the new leader, Frank Tudor , then expelled Hughes and all of those who had followed him. Following
7524-528: The Australian Regular Army and for secondment to American forces. Requirements for overseas service were detailed by the Minister for the Army, Malcolm Fraser , on 13 May 1966. Men who wished to avoid national service could join the Citizen Military Forces and serve only inside Australia, claim a student deferment or attempt a conscientious objection application. To be exempted on the basis of conscientious objection, an applicant needed to demonstrate his moral objection to "all" wars in court and to be legalised as
7656-428: The Australian contingent joined the Third Battle of Ypres with the Battle of Menin Road , and continued on to fight in the Battle of Polygon Wood , which lasted until 3 October; in total, these tow operations cost roughly 11,000 in Australian casualties. Until 15 November 1917, multiple attacks at the Battle of Broodseinde Ridge and the Battle of Passchendaele occurred, but, failed to take their objectives following
7788-434: The Central Powers; thereby receiving declarations of war from the Allies of World War I in early November 1914. After initial recruitment and training, the AIF departed for Egypt where they underwent further preparations, and where the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) was formed. Their presence in Egypt was due to the planned Gallipoli campaign , an invasion of the Ottoman Empire via Gallipoli . On 25 April,
7920-494: The Chief of Army reversed a previous ban on berets as general duties headwear for all personnel except Special Forces personnel (SASR, CDO Regiments). Australian Multi-cam Camouflage Uniform is the camouflage pattern for Australian Army camouflage uniforms, and was introduced in 2014, replacing the Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform (DPCU) , and Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform (DPDU) for all Australian Army orders of dress. The Army's operational headquarters, Forces Command,
8052-420: The First World War. The conscription issue deeply divided Australia with large meetings held both for and against. The women's vote was seen as important, with large women's meetings and campaign information from both sides aimed at women voters. The campaigning for the first referendum was launched by Hughes at a huge overflow meeting at the Sydney Town Hall , where he outlined the government's proposals. That
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#17327865987268184-451: The Japanese advance on the Kokoda Track in New Guinea , then an Australian territory. The Papuan campaign of 1942 led to a significant reform in the composition of the Australian Army. During the campaign, the restriction banning CMF personnel from serving outside Australian territory hampered military planning and caused tensions between the AIF and CMF. In late 1942 and early 1943, Prime Minister John Curtin overcame opposition within
8316-435: The Japanese being driven out of New Guinea entirely. In parallel with these defences, the Battle of Milne Bay was waged, and when the Japanese were repulsed, it was considered their first significant reversal for the war. In November 1942, the campaign ended after the Japanese withdrawal, with Australian advances leading to the Battle of Buna–Gona . In early 1943, the Salamaua–Lae campaign began, with operations against
8448-511: The King's School had closed and did not reopen until January 1869, when it was amalgamated with the St Mark's unit. The unit was renamed the King's School Cadets Corps. In 1869, the Newington College Cadet Corps was formally incorporated by the Governor of New South Wales ( Somerset Lowry-Corry, 4th Earl Belmore ), and is now believed to be the second oldest continually running corps in Australia, after The King's School Cadet Corps. The first regional unit, and third oldest continually running corps in
8580-480: The Militia their nicknames of "koalas" and "chocos" or "chocolate soldiers". The Imperial Japanese Navy 's failure in the Battle of the Coral Sea , was the impetus for the Imperial Japanese Army to try to capture Port Moresby via the Owen Stanley Range . On 21 July 1942, the Japanese began the Kokoda Campaign after landing at Gona; attempts to defeat them by Australian battalions were met with eventual success. Resultant offensive operations concluded with
8712-405: The North Korean forces; the units came from the Australian contribution to BCOF. The 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) arrived in Pusan on 28 September 1950. Australian troop numbers would increase and continue to be deployed up until the armistice, with 3RAR being eventually joined by the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR). For a brief period, between 1951 and 1959,
8844-438: The Second World War. After the surrender of Japan, Australia provided a contingent to the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) which included the 34th Brigade . The units that composed the brigade would eventually become the nucleus of the regular army, with the battalions and brigade being renumbered to reflect this change. Following the start of the Korean War , the Australian Army committed troops to fight against
8976-462: The Second World War. In October 1944, Australian participation in the Aitape–Wewak campaign began with the replacement of US forces at Aitape with the Australian 6th Division. US forces had previously captured the position, and had held it passively, though Australian command found this unsuitable. On 2 November 1944, the 2/6th Cavalry Commando Regiment was tasked with patrolling the area, wherein minor engagements were reported. In early December,
9108-430: The Vietnam War and made the plight of men under 21, who were not yet eligible to vote, a focus of their campaign. In 1970, five Save-Our-Sons women were jailed in Melbourne for handing out anti-conscription pamphlets on government property. The group, which included Jean Maclean , Irene Miller and Jo Maclaine-Ross, was dubbed " The Fairlea Five " after Fairlea women's prison in which they were incarcerated. Barbara Miller
9240-464: The accessibility of NCLG positions to all cadets. The Senior Cadet Leadership Group (SCLG) is a collection of every regional appointment from across Australia. This includes regional CUOs, regional RSMs, and where applicable, regional ADJTs and TRGOs. The SCLG meets approximately monthly, discussing a range of matters including updates from around the country, and initiatives and taskings passed down from HQ AAC. The SCLG meets at intervals throughout
9372-422: The area continued, and all significant actions ceased by July. The Borneo campaign was a series of three distinct amphibious operations that were undertaken by the 7th and 9th Divisions. The campaign began with the Battle of Tarakan on 1 May 1945, followed six weeks later by the Battle of Labuan , and concluded with the Battle of Balikpapan . The purpose of capturing Tarakan was to establish airfields, and
9504-584: The armed forces: conscription was abolished and the economic effects of the Great Depression started to be felt in Australia. The economic ramifications of the depression led to decisions that decreased defence expenditure and manpower for the army. Since conscription was repealed, to reflect the new volunteer nature of the Citizens Forces , the CMF was renamed to the Militia. Following
9636-609: The article "Influence of the IWW" that "the great bulk of the opposition to conscription is centred in Victoria". Many meetings in inner Melbourne and Sydney were disrupted by anti-conscriptionists with speakers being howled down from the audience in what The Age described as "disgraceful exhibition" and "disorderly scenes". The issue deeply divided the Labor Party, with ministers such as Hughes and George Pearce vigorously arguing
9768-608: The battleplan of John Monash completed three minutes over the planned 90 minute operation. Following this success, the Battle of Amiens was launched on 8 August 1918, in conjunction with the Canadian Corps and the British III Corps , and concluded on 12 August 1918; General Erich Ludendorff described it as "the black day of the German Army". On 29 August 1918, following territorial advances and pursuits,
9900-708: The centenary of the Army, the Governor General Sir William Deane , presented the Army with a new Banner at a parade in front of the Australian War Memorial on 10 March 2001. The banner was presented to the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army (RSM-A) , Warrant Officer Peter Rosemond. The Army Banner bears the Australian Coat of Arms on the obverse, with the dates "1901–2001" in gold in
10032-563: The commandos were sent inland to establish access to the Torricelli Range , while the 19th Brigade handled patrolling, consequently, the amount of fierce fighting and territory secured increased. Following this success, thought was given for the capture of Maprik and Wewak , though supply became a major issue in this period. On 10 February 1945, the campaign's major offensive was underway, which resulted in both falling in quick succession on 22 April 1945. Smaller operations to secure
10164-645: The concept of draft-card burning from the United States and ushered in a new form of resistance to conscription, active non-compliance. Instead of merely not registering (passive non-compliance with the National Service Scheme), the young conscripts actively demonstrated their distaste for the government's actions by destroying their registration cards. Unlike in the United States, that was not legal and so its importance remained symbolic. There were several high-profile controversies caused by
10296-577: The conflict began, and continued throughout, with the training and supply of Malaysian troops; Australian soldiers only saw combat during defensive operations. In January 1965, permission was granted for the deployment of 3RAR, with extensive operations conducted in Sarawak from March until their withdrawal in July 1965. The subsequent deployment of 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (4RAR), in April 1966,
10428-519: The consequent capture of the entire 8th Division as POWs , this concern only grew. These events hastened the relief of the Rats of Tobruk, while the other divisions were immediately recalled to reinforce New Guinea. General conscription was reintroduced, though service was again limited to Australian possessions, which caused tension between the AIF and Militia. This was in addition to the CMF's perceived inferior fighting ability, with these grievances earning
10560-597: The corps attacked and captured more of the line. On 5 October 1918, after furious fighting, the Australian Corps was withdrawn from the front, as the entire corps had been operating continuously since 8 August 1918. They would not return to the battlefield, as Germany signed the Armistice of 11 November 1918 that ultimately ended the war on the Western Front. The Australian mounted units, composed of
10692-723: The country, was established in September 1898 by The Armidale School . With the establishment of many cadet units and corps at numerous boys' schools throughout the Commonwealth, His Majesty King Edward VII established the Commonwealth Cadet Corps in Australia on 16 July 1906. However, military training to students commenced in 1851 in the Port Phillip Colony of New South Wales, the year Victoria separated from NSW, when Sergeant Major Cleary from
10824-574: The declaration of war on Nazi Germany and her allies by the United Kingdom , and the subsequent confirmation by Prime Minister Robert Menzies on 3 September 1939, the Australian Army raised the Second Australian Imperial Force, a 20,000-strong volunteer expeditionary force, which initially consisted of the 6th Division ; later increased to include the 7th and 9th Divisions, alongside the 8th Division which
10956-578: The disbandment of the Australian Imperial Force. In 1921, CMF units were renumbered to that of the AIF, to perpetuate the honours and numerical identities of the units involved in WW1. During this period there was a complacency towards matters of defence, due to the devastating effects of the previous war on the Australian psyche. Following the election of Prime Minister James Scullin in 1929, two events occurred that substantially affected
11088-401: The division was renamed the 1st Australian Division. The 1st , 3rd and 7th Brigades were placed under the direct control of the division's headquarters. This reform aimed to improve the connections between the divisional headquarters and the brigades it commands during deployments. Forces Command controls for administrative purposes all non-combat assets of the Australian Army. Its focus
11220-469: The end of 1915. Since 'universal' was a misnomer, about half that number were exempted from training, or perhaps never registered, reducing the group to 175,000. There was quite extensive opposition to the so-called "boy conscription". By July 1915, there had been about 34,000 prosecutions and 7,000 detentions of trainees, parents, employers or other persons required to register. Under Labor Prime Minister Billy Hughes , full conscription for overseas service
11352-558: The end of 2013 when it was replaced by a training contingent operating under Operation Highroad until 2021. After the Gulf War the UN imposed heavy restrictions on Iraq to stop them producing any Weapon of mass destruction . In the early 21st century, the US accused Iraq of possessing these weapons, and requested that the UN invade the country in response, a motion which Australia supported. The UN denied this motion, however, it did not stop
11484-424: The entrenched Japanese aimed towards recapturing the eponymous towns. This culminated in the capture of Lae, held by the 7th Division in early September 1943, from a successful combined amphibious landing at Lae and an airborne landing at Nadzab . The seaborne assault was notable as it was the first large–scale amphibious operation since Gallipoli. Subsequently, Salamaua was taken days later on 11 September 1943, by
11616-595: The event. As of 2019, the largest individual AAC unit is the Knox Grammar School Army Cadet Unit (KGSACU) , with 1100 members. Note: Although most regional headquarters are state based, Queensland has been split into North and South due to their combined size. Additionally, most school based units (SBUs) in New South Wales are part of New South Wales 2nd Australian Army Cadets Brigade. The Australian public generally view
11748-456: The government's heavy-handed treatment of conscientious objectors , including William White and Simon Townsend (who later became a well-known television personality). In 1969 the Gorton administration was severely embarrassed by a renowned This Day Tonight story in which a conscientious objector, who had been on the run from police for several months, was interviewed live in the studio by
11880-626: The invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in August 1990, a coalition of countries sponsored by the United Nations Security Council , of which Australia was a part, gave a deadline for Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait of the 15 January 1991. Iraq refused to retreat and thus full conflict and the Gulf War began two days later on 17 January 1991. In January 1993, the Australian Army deployed 26 personnel on an ongoing rotational basis to
12012-580: The island was taken seven weeks following the initial amphibious landing. On 10 June 1945, the operation at Labuan commenced, and was tasked to secure resources and a naval base, and would continue until Japan's surrender. On 1 July 1945, the Balikpapan engagement commenced, with all its major objectives being acquired by war's end; this operation remains the largest amphibious operation undertaken by Australian forces, with 33,000 Australian servicemen participating. On 15 August 1945, Japan surrendered, ending
12144-477: The journalist Richard Carleton , who then posed awkward questions to the Army Minister about why TDT had been able to locate the man within hours and bring him to the studio when the federal police had been unable to capture him, and the event was made even more embarrassing for the government because the man was able to leave the studio before the police had arrived to arrest him. By 1969, public opinion
12276-737: The largest deployment of the decade, the Army committed 151 troops to the Commonwealth Monitoring Force, which monitored the transition of Rhodesia to universal suffrage. A decade later in 1989, Australia deployed 300 army engineer personnel as the Australian contribution to the United Nations Transition Assistance Group in Namibia . The mission helped transition the country to independence from South African control. Following
12408-663: The nearby school based units recently closed down. In NSW, the first RCU formed was 20 RCU Ashfield, originally Punchbowl High School Cadets, and then based at the 2 Construction Group depot of RAE in Haberfield, Sydney in early 1984. By 1998, however, all cadet units again received full support. In 1993, the Australian Cadet Corps was renamed the Australian Army Cadet Corps. Many cadet units were now re-equipped with DPCU uniforms replacing
12540-404: The need for conscription for Australia to help the Allies win the war. They were supported by many within the party, including Labor's first prime minister, Chris Watson and NSW Labor Premier William Holman . Hughes denounced anti-conscriptionists as traitors and a climate of bitter sectarianism developed since most Roman Catholics opposed conscription and most others supported it. By the end of
12672-405: The numbers of objectors going to jail. That was never instituted but was widely rumoured at the time. Such work would have been menial labouring jobs in remote locations such as north and western Queensland , western New South Wales and northern South Australia. In Cabinet Submission Number 200 for 1970, Appendix 1, case studies of 17 men awaiting prosecution for failure to undertake service show
12804-639: The older green uniforms. In 2001, the Australian Army Cadet Corps was renamed the Australian Army Cadets as part of major reforms brought about with the Topley review. In 2004, the title of regional cadet unit (RCU) was dropped in favour of Army cadet unit (ACU). Governor-General Michael Jeffery presented a replacement banner on behalf of the Duke to Parade Commander and National Cadet Adjutant CUO Christopher Casey (of 236 ACU Toukley) on behalf of
12936-435: The oldest Cadet Corps in Australia. An embryonic corps was founded by Newington College when a drill master was appointed to staff in 1865. Two years later, a sergeant-major was appointed, muskets and carbines were purchased, and an armoury and gunpowder store were opened at Newington College. The first official unit in Australia was established on 29 March 1866 at St Mark's Collegiate School by Reverend Macarthur. In June 1868,
13068-510: The outbreak of World War II caused the regimental detachments to be disbanded as staff were needed to train soldiers for overseas service. Some school based units closed down while some struggled on. By the end of World War II, regimental detachments had been re-raised. Between 1949 and 1975, school based units were attached to citizen military forces units. The CMF is the precursor of the modern day Australian Army Reserve . Regimental units continued to exist. By 1951, The Commonwealth Cadet Corps
13200-578: The penetration of the Hindenburg Line, plans for the breakthrough of the main trench, with the Australian Corps as the vanguard, were completed. However, due to manpower issues, only the 3rd and 5th Divisions participated, with the American Expeditionary Forces ' 27th and 30th Divisions given as reinforcements. On 29 September, following a three day long bombardment, the Battle of the Hindenburg Line commenced, wherein
13332-566: The period 4 to 25 April 1918. After the cessation of offensives by the German Army , the Australian Corps began participating in " Peaceful penetration " operations, which were localised raids designed to harass and gain small tracts of territory; these proved so effective that several major operational objectives were captured. On 4 July 1918, the Battle of Hamel saw the first successful use of tanks alongside Australians, with
13464-462: The process of raising separate volunteer forces until the mid-20th century; this solution was not without its drawbacks, as it caused logistical dilemmas. After the declaration of war on the Central Powers , the Australian Army raised the all volunteer First Australian Imperial Force (AIF) which had an initial recruitment of 52,561 out of a promised 20,000 men. A smaller expeditionary force,
13596-587: The ranks of the British Army , and carry mostly the same actual insignia . For officers the ranks are identical except for the shoulder title "Australia". The Non-Commissioned Officer insignia are the same up until Warrant Officer , where they are stylised for Australia (for example, using the Australian, rather than the British coat of arms). The ranks of the Australian Army are as follows: (or equivalent) The Australian Army uniforms are detailed in
13728-575: The request of the British government. The Defence Act 1903 , established the operation and command structure of the Australian Army. In 1911, the Universal Service Scheme was implemented, introducing conscription for the first time in Australia, with males aged 14–26 assigned into cadet and CMF units; though the scheme did not prescribe or allow overseas service outside the states and territories of Australia . This restriction would be primarily, and continually, bypassed through
13860-418: The same year, the commander of II Corps , Lieutenant-General Stanley Savige , began an offensive to retake the island with the 3rd Division alongside the 11th and 23rd Brigades. The campaign lasted until the Japanese surrender , with controversy surrounding its little apparent significance to the war's conclusion, and the number of casualties incurred; this was one of Australia's most costliest campaigns in
13992-481: The school, parents or community organisations such as the RSL. As a result, most government school based cadet units closed between 1984 and 1986. Instead, full military support was provided to cadet units based at existing Army depots, now classified as regional cadet Units (RCU). Some school based units in disadvantaged areas or located some distance from a military depot were given RCU status. Many RCUs attracted cadets from
14124-529: The seat of Hotham against Minister Don Chipp . Australian government cabinet documents released by Australian National Archives in 2001 show that in 1970, the conservative government was initially concerned about the growth of conscientious objection and of outright opposition to the National Service Act . Reportedly, the cabinet considered instituting an option of alternative civilian work program for conscientious objectors in an attempt to reduce
14256-411: The six, disbanded and separate, colonial military forces' land components. Due to the Army being continuation of the colonial armies, it became immediately embroiled in conflict as contingents had been committed to fight for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in the Second Boer War . The Army gained command of these contingents and even supplied federal units to reinforce their commitment at
14388-424: The specific items of clothing, embellishment and accoutrements, i.e. Dress Order No. 1A - 'Ceremonial Parade Service Dress', Dress Order No. 2G - 'General Duty Office Dress', Dress Order No 4C 'Combat Dress ( AMCU )' . The slouch hat or beret are the regular service and general duties hat, while the field hat , or combat helmet is for use in the field while training, on exercise, or on operations. In December 2013
14520-765: The split, Labor stayed out of office for ten years. After the first referendum, the government used the War Precautions Act and the Unlawful Associations Act to arrest and prosecute anti-conscriptionists such as Tom Barker , the editor of Direct Action and many other members of the Industrial Workers of the World and E. H. Coombe , who had three sons at the front, of the Daily Herald . The young John Curtin , then
14652-525: The start of the rain and subsequent muddying of the fields. On 21 March 1918, the Germans attempted a breakout through the Michael Offensive , which was part of the much larger German spring offensive ; the AIF suffered 15,000 casualties due to this effort. During this operation, Australian troops conducted a series of local defences and offensives to hold and retake Villers–Brettoneux over
14784-511: The street was a surging area of humanity". An anti-conscription stop work meeting called by five trade unions held on the Yarra Bank mid-week on 4 October attracted 15,000 people. It was passed on 21 September 1916, and mandatory registration and enrolment commenced while the first referendum campaign was underway. By 5 October, The Age reported that of 11607 men examined, 4581 were found fit, approximately 40 percent. The Age noted in
14916-595: The term of this War, outside the Commonwealth, as it now has in regard to military service within the Commonwealth? A second referendum was held on 20 December 1917 and defeated by 46% for and 54% against. This question was put to Australians: Are you in favour of the proposal of the Commonwealth Government for reinforcing the Commonwealth Forces overseas? After the failure of the first referendum, Billy Hughes and his supporters left
15048-591: The time of their deployment. All three original Royal Australian Regiment battalions would complete at least one tour before the end of operations. In August 1963, Australia ended deployments to Malaya, three years after the emergency's official end. In 1962, the Borneo Confrontation began, due to Indonesia's opposition to the formation of Malaysia . It was an undeclared war that entailed a series of border conflicts between Indonesian-backed forces and British–Malaysian allies. Initial Australian support in
15180-765: The units of 41 state schools, 11 independent or private schools and one Catholic school were inspected by the governor. In 1910, the Universal Training Scheme was introduced. Under the scheme, all medically fit males 14–20 years of age had to serve in cadets. Boys who did not comply were charged and dealt with by the courts. Training cadets were divided into two groups. Senior cadets between 16 and 18 years of age were attached to militia units (now known as Army reserve units), called regimental detachments, while students between 14 and 16 years of age remained as school cadets. Officers came from teaching staff, and selected cadets were made "Cadet Lieutenants". In 1939,
15312-479: The upper hoist. The reverse bears the Rising Sun badge of the Australian Army, flanked by seven campaign honours on small gold-edged scrolls: South Africa , World War I , World War II , Korea , Malaya-Borneo , South Vietnam , and Peacekeeping. The banner is trimmed with gold fringe, has gold and crimson cords and tassels, and is mounted on a pike with the usual British royal crest finial. As of June 2022
15444-507: The war in November 1918, a total of 416,809 men had voluntarily enlisted in the Army, representing 38.7 percent of the white male population aged between 18 and 44. On 1 November 1929, the mandatory service provisions of the Defence Act were suspended, ending 18 years of conscription for home defence. In 1939, at the start of World War II , all unmarried men aged 21 were to be called up for three months' military training. The men could serve only in Australia or its territories. Conscription
15576-695: The year. Items to be discussed are compiled previous to the meeting by the NCUO and NCDT ADJT. Minutes from each meeting are recorded by the NCDT ADJT and distributed. The SCLG is chaired by the National Cadet Under Officer, with the National Cadet Adjutant as Secretary. The Regional Cadet Under Officer and Regional Cadet RSM of each AAC region make up the council, alongside any other regional appointments for which there
15708-534: Was attempted during the First World War in two referendums . The first referendum was held on 28 October 1916 and narrowly rejected conscription with a margin of 49% for and 51% against. The referendum of 28 October 1916 asked Australians: Are you in favour of the Government having, in this grave emergency, the same compulsory powers over citizens in regard to requiring their military service, for
15840-442: Was augmented with the reintroduction of conscription , which was based on a 'birthday ballot' selection process for all registered 20-year-old males. These men were required to register, unless they gave a legitimate reason for their exemption, else they faced penalties. This scheme would prove to be one of the most controversial implementations of conscription in Australia, with large protests against its adoption. In March 1966,
15972-717: Was concluded with the release of the Brereton Report . The report identified 25 ADF personnel that were involved directly or indirectly in the murder of 39 civilians and prisoners, with 19 referred to the Australian Federal Police to be criminally investigated. A 'warrior culture' in the SAS was specifically criticised with investigators 'frustrated by outright deceit by those who knew the truth and, not infrequently, misguided resistance to inquiries and investigations by their superiors'. Beginning 1 July 2023,
16104-819: Was effectively introduced in mid-1942, when all men aged 18–35 and single men aged 35–45 were required to join the Citizen Military Forces (CMF). Volunteers with the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) scorned CMF conscripts as " chocolate soldiers ", or "chockos", because they were believed to melt under the conditions of battle, or it might be an allusion to George Bernard Shaw 's Arms and the Man in which Bluntschli filled his backpack with chocolate bars, rather than ammunition. However, several CMF Militia units fought under difficult conditions, suffered extremely high casualties in 1942 and slowed
16236-862: Was followed by a huge pro-conscription meeting at the Melbourne Town Hall on 21 September. Anti-conscriptionists, especially in Melbourne, were also able to mobilise large crowds, with a meeting filling the Exhibition Building on 20 September 1916; 30,000 people on the Yarra bank on Sunday, 15 October, and 25,000 the following week; a "parade of women promoted by the United Women's No-Conscription Committee – an immense crowd of about 60,000 people gathered at Swanston St between Guild Hall and Princes Bridge, and for upwards of an hour
16368-586: Was initially composed almost completely of part-time soldiers, where the vast majority were in units of the Citizens Military Force (CMF or Militia) (1901–1980) during peacetime, with limits set on the regular Army. Since all reservists were barred from forcibly serving overseas, volunteer expeditionary forces ( 1st AIF , ANMEF , 2nd AIF ) were formed to enable the Army to send large numbers of soldiers to serve overseas during periods of war. This period lasted from federation until post-1947, when
16500-482: Was introduced under the National Service Act 1964 . The selection of conscripts was made by a sortition or lottery draw based on date of birth, and conscripts were obligated to give two years of continuous full-time service, followed by a further three years on the active reserve list. The full-time service requirement was reduced to 18 months in October 1971. The Defence Act was amended May 1964 to provide that national servicemen could be obliged to serve overseas,
16632-409: Was less intensive, with the battalion withdrawn in August. This is not to mention the efforts of several other corps and units in the conflict. The Australian Army commenced its involvement in the Vietnam War by sending military advisors in 1962, which was then increased by sending in combat troops, specifically 1RAR, on 27 May 1965. Just before the official start of hostilities, the Australian Army
16764-631: Was re-raised by the Fraser Liberal government on 1 October 1976. By 1981, the ACC had 20,650 cadets. As a result of the Beazley Defence review white paper in 1984, full military support was withdrawn from school based cadet units, now classed as limited support Units (LSU). Military support for LSUs was limited solely to the discretionary loan of equipment for annual camps. Uniforms, transport, rations and personal equipment all had to be funded by
16896-553: Was renamed the Australian Cadet Corps (ACC). On 2 June 1953, The Duke of Edinburgh became the Colonel-in-Chief of the ACC, as a part of the coronation of his wife, Queen Elizabeth II . The Duke of Edinburgh presented his banner as a gift to the Corps on 2 May 1970 at Victoria Barracks , Sydney. At this time, there were 46,000 cadets in Australia. In 1975, the ACC was disbanded by the Whitlam Labor government and
17028-565: Was sent to Singapore . In October 1939, compulsory military training recommenced for unmarried men aged 21, who had to complete three months of training. The 2nd AIF commenced its first operations in North Africa with Operation Compass , that began with the Battle of Bardia . This was followed by supplying Australian units to defend against the Axis in the Battle of Greece . After the evacuation of Greece, Australian troops took part in
17160-945: Was split into two groups and further expanded with reinforcements. This division would see a majority of the Australian Light Horse fight the Ottomans in Arabia and the Levant , whereas the rest of the AIF would go to the Western Front . The AIF arrived in France with the 1st , 2nd , 4th and 5th Divisions; which comprised, in part, I ANZAC Corps and, in full, II ANZAC Corps . The 3rd Division would not arrive until November 1916, as it underwent training in England after its transfer from Australia. In July 1916,
17292-472: Was suspended and reviewed. However, many units continued under private operation. In 2007, a Scotch College Cadet Unit cadet, Nathan Francis, died from an anaphylactic reaction to a combat ration pack, resulting in this particular type of rations being withdrawn from use. The National Cadet Leadership Group (NCLG) are the four most senior cadets in Australia, who provide an experienced Cadet perspective to HQ AAC. These include: The tenure of these appointments
17424-402: Was turning against the war. A Gallup Poll in August showed that 55 percent of those surveyed favoured bringing Australian troops home, and only 40 percent favoured them staying. That was the first poll to show less than 50% approval for the government's policy, and all polls after August 1969 were to reveal a majority in favour of bringing the troops home. In October, during his policy speech for
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