123-691: The Royal Military College, Duntroon , also known simply as Duntroon , is the Australian Army 's officer training establishment. It was founded at Duntroon , in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory , in 1911 and is at the foot of Mount Pleasant near Lake Burley Griffin , close to the Department of Defence headquarters at Russell Hill. Duntroon is adjacent to the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), which
246-732: 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
369-715: A common foyer with two specific chapels: Anglican/Protestant Denominations and Catholic. Retired Colours are displayed in the foyer. Also in the foyer is a perpetual light that is lit while former cadets are on operations with the ADF. The chapel is also used for the Graduation Church Parade. Beside the main chapel is the Changi Chapel, which was reconstructed on the site and rededicated in August 1988. There are two main awards presented to cadets upon graduation:
492-654: A hospital ship after being wounded by a sniper on the shores of Gallipoli . Under his recommendations the college was modelled on aspects from the Royal Military College of Canada and the military colleges of Britain, and the United States of America. Several British officers, including Lieutenant Colonel Charles Gwynn as Director of Military Art, were assigned as faculty to the newly established college. During Bridges' frequent absences, Gwynn served as acting Commandant. The First World War provided
615-607: 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
738-604: A part-time band was established from volunteers drawn from the riding staff. Nevertheless, it was not until 1954 that they were officially established, when a band formed from members of the Regular Army was established at the college. In 1968 it became part of the Australian Army Band Corps and since then it has become a regular feature of the ceremonies and parades conducted at the college, as well as at other events around Australia and overseas. Perhaps
861-473: 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
984-532: A single company, however, in 1922 the decline in the number of cadets being admitted meant that in reality only two platoons existed. Nevertheless, since then the Corps has largely increased. In 1947, when the four-year course was re-established following its suspension during the Second World War, the Corps was organised into two companies that were designated alphabetically 'A' and 'B'. In 1950, however, as
1107-551: A small number of officer cadets from New Zealand also attend the college, while since 1967 there has been a steady number of foreign cadets attending the college from nations in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. While at the college, officer cadets are referred to by the honorary title of 'staff cadet', which is used as a substitute for the cadet's rank which is technically ' Officer Cadet '. This title came about due to
1230-708: 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
1353-505: A victim and perpetrator of bullying while at Duntroon. In 2011, the college celebrated its centenary (1911–2011); as part of the celebrations, Queen Elizabeth II presented the college with new colours. A series of twenty-eight-gram (one-ounce) silver dollar coins were also minted. The majority of the cadets at Duntroon are members of the Australian Army, although the college also trains some Royal Australian Air Force personnel who are training to become Ground Defence Officers . By tradition
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#17327762637211476-771: Is Australian Defence Force's tri-service military academy that provides military and tertiary academic education for junior officers of the Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal Australian Navy . The Royal Military College, Duntroon, was opened on 27 June 1911 by the Governor-General , Lord Dudley . Situated on the Campbell family homestead in Canberra , which had been named " Duntroon " (1833) after Duntrune Castle —their ancestral home on Loch Crinan in Argyll , Scotland —the college
1599-675: 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
1722-478: Is awarded to the cadet who displays "exemplary conduct and performance of duty" throughout their course. In 1997 the Royal Military College took responsibility for overseeing the training provided to Reserve officer cadets and as a result in 1998 the Royal Military College of Australia was established as a formation. As a part of this formation, the following University Regiments were placed under
1845-601: 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. Percy Deane Percival Edgar Deane CMG (10 August 1890–17 August 1946) was an Australian public servant . Deane
1968-520: 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
2091-498: Is open to the general public, consisting of a large area of land incorporating a golf course, a library, a residential area for Defence members and their families, various area logistics and infrastructure units, a military hospital, a retail area, vast sporting facilities and the Australian Defence Force Academy. The ship's bell from MV Duntroon (which served as a troopship from 1942 to 1949)
2214-649: Is the officers' mess, known as 'Duntroon House', which is an imposing stone building, that was actually built as the Campbell family's house before the land was purchased by the Crown. The Majura Training Area is located nearby and is currently where cadets from the College undertake the majority of their basic field training in III Class. The Anzac Memorial Chapel of St Paul was opened on 30 April 1966. The chapel has
2337-503: 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
2460-677: 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
2583-575: The 1974–75 Australian Film Institute Awards . In February 1921 he was appointed Secretary of the Prime Minister's Department and in 1929 Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs until its abolition in 1932. From 1932 until his retirement on medical grounds (with myocarditis ) in 1936, he was a member of the War Pensions Entitlement Appeals Tribunal. In his retirement, Deane broke his hip in
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#17327762637212706-585: 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
2829-830: 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
2952-767: 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
3075-624: 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
3198-537: 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
3321-574: 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
3444-672: The First World War in 1914 he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force and was posted to the 1st Australian General Hospital in Egypt , where he was commissioned Lieutenant and Quartermaster . In April 1916 he was invalided back to Australia suffering from overstrain. In November 1916 Deane was appointed private secretary to Prime Minister Billy Hughes . He was secretary to the Australian delegation to
3567-593: The Great Depression . The commandant at the time, Brigadier-General E.F. Harrison considered the move of the college, a severe blow to the 'Duntroon spirit', suggested to the Minister for Home Affairs, Arthur Blakely , that the name "Duntroon" move with the college to Sydney, and the local area in Canberra be changed to "Campbell". The proposal for the name moving to Sydney was, supported by Percy Deane ,
3690-543: 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
3813-612: 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
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3936-810: 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
4059-789: 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
4182-554: 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
4305-608: The Versailles Conference , for which he was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the 1920 New Year Honours, and to the Australian delegations to the Imperial Conferences of 1921 and 1926 . His relationship with Hughes was dramatised in the 1974 ABC docudrama Billy and Percy , which won "Best Dramatised Documentary" at the 1975 Logies and the "Golden Reel" prize at
4428-427: 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,
4551-412: The 1980s the band began performing shows for local charities, known as the "Strike up the Band" shows and this continues today, albeit under the guise of the "Music at Midday" shows which the band performs six times a year, with proceeds going to local charities. The College itself is situated at the foot of Mount Pleasant on the Duntroon estate. The base is one of the only military bases in Australia that
4674-407: 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
4797-410: 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
4920-476: 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
5043-439: 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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5166-401: 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
5289-462: The Army by promoting leadership and integrity; by promoting high ideals and the pursuit of excellence, and by inculcating a sense of duty , loyalty and service to the nation". The current full-time program is a course of 18 months in duration, broken into three distinct classes, numbered as III, II and I Class. Each class lasts six months in duration and cadets must successfully complete each component to graduate and receive their commission. Throughout
5412-411: 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
5535-410: 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
5658-488: 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
5781-454: The Australian Army. As one of the first institutions to be established in Canberra, RMC has been integral to the life of the ACT. The RMC Band regularly performs at ceremonial and community events. Since its establishment, RMC graduates have served in every military conflict in which Australia has been involved. [REDACTED] Media related to Royal Military College, Duntroon at Wikimedia Commons Australian Army The Australian Army
5904-448: The Australian Defence Force Academy and those that enter through the direct entry method. Direct Entry cadets complete the eighteen-month course, whilst cadets from ADFA join Duntroon in II Class, combining with the Direct Entry cadets and completing twelve months at the college. The leadership and military training provided at ADFA during the three years of training is considered the equivalent of III Class at RMC. The college also oversees
6027-457: The Australian Regular Army, while they study. During their tertiary study, they train with the applicable University Regiment as reservists and conduct modules of training as they are able to fit in around their studies. At the conclusion of their study (provided they have completed the necessary modules) they enroll at Duntroon in II Class. The Band of the Royal Military College , Duntroon has been in existence in some shape or form since 1916 when
6150-428: 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
6273-449: The Campbell family, where ADFA and RMC-D reside. During the Second World War short courses of between six months and a year were run, and ultimately 696 graduates of the College undertook active service overseas in either the Australian, British or New Zealand armed forces, while a further 122 former cadets who had not graduated served in varying capacities. Of these 122, three went on to have quite distinguished careers, with one rising to
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#17327762637216396-434: 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,
6519-494: 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,
6642-413: The College in Sydney being called Duntroon, the Military Board has, "recommended in view of the tradition established by the Royal Military College and its association with the name "Duntroon" that the name be retained for use on transfer of the Royal Military College to Paddington". The area would remain to be called Duntroon until 1956 when the suburb of Campbell was created named after Robert Campbell of
6765-399: The Corps is in barracks, albeit with guidance and supervision from training staff. Field training, however, is delivered by the non-commissioned officers and commissioned officers of the training staff and during this phase the cadets are separated into their distinct class groups. Since its inception, the size of the Corps of Staff Cadets has fluctuated. Initially the Corps was organised into
6888-459: The Corps, these are: Long Tan, Alamein, Gallipoli, Kapyong and Kokoda. The sixth company, Romani, is used for Reserve officers who come to the College in January and July to complete the final module of their training. There is also a rehabilitation and administration company known as Bridges Company, established in October 1989. Over the course of the training semester the five full-time companies compete through sporting events and academic studies for
7011-435: 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
7134-416: The King's Medal and the Sword of Honour. The King's Medal is awarded to the cadet graduating top of their class academically. It was originally instituted in 1919, and all cadets, including foreign cadets attending the college, are eligible. Indeed, Singaporean cadets established a long tradition of receiving this honour, doing so in 1975, 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1982 according to a 1986 source. The Sword of Honour
7257-480: 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
7380-405: 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,
7503-495: The Reserve officer course is conducted at Duntroon. In January 2008, the Part-time Officers course was shortened to a duration of 104 days, with further employment training, specific to Corps allocation, conducted thereafter. In 2003, the Officer Tertiary Recruitment Scheme (OTRS) was introduced, which involves the recruitment of officers enrolled in tertiary study. Essentially, this program involves undergraduate sponsorship of university students, who are appointed as Officer Cadets in
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#17327762637217626-438: 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
7749-462: 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,
7872-422: 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
7995-399: 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
8118-405: The auspices of Romani Company, as well as the delivery of the final module of the Reserve officer training continuum. For a brief period, under the Ready Reserve Scheme, Reserve officers attended the college for a cut-down six-month version of the full-time course. For full-time General Service Officer cadets though, the program remained essentially unchanged from that which had been established after
8241-417: 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,
8364-449: The cadets are organised into a nominal infantry battalion structure, which is known internally as the 11th Infantry Battalion, with companies , platoons and sections which form the Corps of Staff Cadets . Within each of these formations there are cadets from all three classes (levels of training), who are organised into an internal hierarchy that gives the cadets themselves responsibility for looking after their own administration while
8487-400: 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
8610-418: The closure of the Women's Officer Training Wing at Georges Heights, Sydney, in December 1984, the Royal Military College, Duntroon became the sole General Service Officer training institute in the Australian Army, as all Regular Army officers serving in combat, combat support or service support Corps were required to attend Duntroon to be commissioned. Shortly after this, the role of the college changed again with
8733-470: The college with its first chance to demonstrate its worth. However, when the war broke out in August 1914, there had not been enough time for the first class to complete the full Duntroon course. Nevertheless, it was decided to graduate the class early so that they could be sent over to Gallipoli, where General Sir Ian Hamilton , commander of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, said that "...each Duntroon educated officer was...worth his weight in gold". During
8856-558: The college's command: In July 2008, however, responsibility for Reserve officer training was taken away from Duntroon, and these units were placed under the command of the 2nd Division , with each regiment reporting directly to its parent brigade unit. Nevertheless, they continue to follow the Duntroon curriculum in modularised format, and Reserve officer cadets attend the college for their final four-week training block prior to commissioning. The following officers served as commandants of
8979-519: The college's programs. This culminated in 1967 when the college affiliated with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to offer bachelor's courses in Arts, Science or Engineering, commencing in the 1968 academic year. Under this program, the first degrees from RMC were awarded in 1971. To graduate, cadets had to achieve passes in both military and academic studies and leadership . The link with UNSW
9102-600: The college: In 2010, a plaque dedicated to RMC graduates was placed on the ACT Honour Walk. It reads: Situated at the former Campbell homestead at Duntroon, the RMC was opened on 27 June 1911 by the Governor-General, Lord Dudley. The first Commandant was Colonel (later Major-General) William Throsby Bridges, who was killed at Gallipoli. RMC was created to oversee the initial military training of all officers in
9225-563: 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
9348-577: 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,
9471-568: 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
9594-597: 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
9717-536: The course, cadets receive training in leadership, tactics, weapons systems, military law, military accounting systems, corporate governance and military history. The course is designed to test the cadets physically and mentally and graduation is by no means guaranteed. Upon graduating, cadets are promoted to the rank of lieutenant and receive a Diploma in Military Leadership. Within the full-time course, there are two streams of cadets, those that enter from
9840-574: 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
9963-578: 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
10086-401: 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
10209-558: 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
10332-482: The entire course, however, there was military specific training, including physical training, drill, signalling and weapon handling. Over the years, however, with the impact of the two World Wars, the duration and focus of the course changed as the requirements of the Army dictated. The college was forced to relocate to the Victoria Barracks, Sydney between 1931 and 1936 due to the economic downturn caused by
10455-424: 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
10578-487: The establishment of the Australian Defence Force Academy in 1986. As a result of this change, Duntroon ceased to offer university degrees as ADFA became responsible for the academic training of Army cadets, as well as those from the Air Force and Navy. The same year, the college celebrated its 75th anniversary (1911–1986). As an acknowledgement of this, 33-cent stamps featuring the head of a male officer cadet were printed;
10701-557: The fact that originally graduates entered the Staff Officer Corps of the Australian Army. After the late 1940s, however, graduates were assigned different corps upon graduation and were no longer posted to the Staff Corps. The title was kept on as a tradition at Duntroon, however, although officer trainees at all other Australian Army officer training establishments are referred to as 'officer cadets'. Administratively,
10824-434: The first day of issue was 27 June 1986. RMC's purview was expanded in 1995 as it "became responsible for the initial military training of all full-time, part-time and specialist service officers in the Australian Army". This resulted in the centralisation of all officer training courses under the college's auspices; this included short courses for specialist service officers such as doctors, nurses, lawyers and chaplains, under
10947-464: The formation of ADFA, when the course had been reduced to 18 months, and broken up into three distinct classes—III (third), II (second) and I (first) Class. Under this program, which has been maintained since 1986, cadets who wish to pursue a degree attend ADFA for three years upon appointment, before going to Duntroon for 12 months, and starting the course in II Class. This is referred to as "going over
11070-478: The head of the Department of Home Affairs (1929–32) in an official memorandum stating that the heritage of Duntroon had become so great that "As a matter of fact, "Duntroon" is as well known in military circles as " Sandhurst "", however he later stated it was proposed that the area in Canberra retain its name Duntroon. In a letter to Blakeley, Albert Ernest Green the Minister for Defence stated that in relation to
11193-532: The hill", as cadets are marched in formation over a spur of Mt. Pleasant that divides the ADFA and RMC campuses. For those cadets who pursue a four-year bachelors degree (such as Engineering or Hons), they come back to ADFA for their final year as a Lieutenant, graduating with their degree after five years after starting. Anonymous reviews of officer training in 2007 brought to light racism and harassment of female recruits. In 2011, Andrew Wilkie admitted to being both
11316-632: The honour of carrying the Sovereign's Banner on parade, with the first placed company taking the title of 'Sovereign's Company' for the next semester and taking their place on the right flank when the Corps is on parade. The charter of the Royal Military College, Duntroon is "to produce officers capable of commanding platoon -sized elements in the Hardened and Networked Army concept, and to prepare specialist candidates for commissioning. The College prepares cadets and other selected candidates for careers in
11439-573: 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
11562-580: 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
11685-737: 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
11808-753: The most notable of these performances was in 2000, when the Band accompanied a detachment of the Australian Federation Guard to Great Britain where, as part of the celebrations of the centenary of Australia's federation, the AFG mounted the Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace , while the RMC Band provided the Guards Band. Recently the band has also supported Australian troops serving overseas. In
11931-403: The number of cadets had risen further to 260, necessitating the raising of a fifth company and at this stage it was decided to name the companies after famous Australian battles, these names being: Alamein , Gallipoli , Kokoda , Kapyong and Romani . Following this expansion, however, the size of the Corps dropped and in 1958 the number of cadets had fallen to 200 and as a result Romani Company
12054-578: 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
12177-566: 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
12300-462: 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,
12423-550: The program for training officers in the Australian Army Reserve. Upon appointment to the Reserves, members join a University Regiment within their location and then undertake their training over the course of five modules run by the various University Regiments around Australia. Additionally, they are required to parade at their unit one night a week and one weekend a month. The final six-and-a-half-week module of
12546-549: The rank of brigadier in the Australian Army, another to brigadier in the New Zealand Army and a third, R.C. McCay , reaching the rank of lieutenant general and serving in the British Indian Army and then becoming chief-of-staff of the newly formed Pakistan Army . Following the war, the length of the course was set at four years again and efforts were made to increase the level of academic rigour in
12669-587: 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
12792-632: 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
12915-418: 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
13038-411: 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
13161-433: The size of the Corps rose to 190 cadets, a third company, designated 'C' Company was established. These companies were re-organised the following year, however, as the Corps was expanded to 210 cadets and a fourth company raised. At this time the alphabetical designations were replaced with geographical names that were chosen based upon places where Australians had fought: Gallipoli , Bardia , Alamein and Kokoda . By 1954
13284-424: 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
13407-525: 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
13530-591: 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
13653-479: 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
13776-435: The war 158 Duntroon graduates had been sent overseas on active service, of whom 42 were killed or died of wounds and another 58 were wounded. In 1927 the King's Colour was presented to the Corps of Staff Cadets by His Royal Highness, The Duke of York . In the beginning, the college offered a four-year course, during which the first two years focused upon civil subjects and the last two years focused upon military subjects. Over
13899-568: Was almost severed in 1969 when Duntroon was the centre of an inquiry after Gerry Walsh, a member of the academic staff, revealed details of bastardisation passed on to him by a student at the college. The inquiry resulted in at least one army career ending, while other personnel were severely punished. A further bastardisation scandal was exposed in 1983. With the closure of the Officer Cadet School, Portsea , in December 1985, and
14022-442: 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,
14145-462: Was born in Port Melbourne , the son of a carpenter . He won a scholarship to University High School, Melbourne , and then worked as a typewriter salesman, shorthand writer, and clerk at the University of Melbourne , before going into business, becoming part-owner of two companies, and founding and editing Australian Golfer (being an outstanding golfer himself). On the outbreak of
14268-717: 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,
14391-482: Was disbanded. In 1974 a fifth company was raised— Long Tan —while in 1976, a sixth company was raised and Romani Company was re-established. In 1986, as a result of the changing role of Duntroon, the Corps was reduced to four companies again, with Kokoda and Romani Companies being disbanded. Kokoda was reformed in 1987 as the size of the Corps reached 370 cadets, while Long Tan was disbanded in 1991 and reformed in 1995. There are currently five full-time companies making up
14514-586: 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
14637-468: 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
14760-418: Was one of the first Commonwealth facilities established in the newly created capital. The Australian Government first rented the Duntroon homestead for two years (November 1910 – July 1912) and finally acquired the freehold to the estate and 150 hectares (370 acres) after the creation of the federal capital. The first Commandant of the college was Brigadier General William Bridges , who later died on
14883-409: Was removed when the ship was sold by her Australian owners in 1960, and was presented to the College in 1978. It is now positioned at the base of the flag station near the parade ground and is used daily as part of the cadets' flag duties. Many of the original buildings from when the college was first opened in 1911 still stand and continue to be used today, having been heritage listed. An example of this
15006-565: 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
15129-945: 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,
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