Australian Defence Force

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Active
Disbanded
Country	Australia
Allegiance
Branch
Type	Military
Role	Defence of Australia and its national interests
Size
Part of
Garrison/HQ

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is the military organisation responsible for the defence of Australia and its national interests. It consists of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the Australian Army, and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The ADF is supported by a number of integrated and joint units and commands, such as the Special Operations Command and the Joint Operations Command.

History

The ADF was formed in 1976, bringing together the three separate services under a single command structure. This reorganisation aimed to improve coordination and efficiency. The ADF has since participated in various international conflicts and peacekeeping missions, including the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Structure

The ADF is headed by the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF), who is the principal military adviser to the Minister for Defence. The CDF is supported by the Vice Chief of the Defence Force (VCDF) and the service chiefs of the Navy, Army, and Air Force.

Royal Australian Navy

The Royal Australian Navy is responsible for maritime operations and includes a fleet of ships, submarines, and aircraft. It is headed by the Chief of Navy.

Australian Army

The Australian Army is the land warfare branch of the ADF. It includes regular and reserve units and is headed by the Chief of Army.

Royal Australian Air Force

The Royal Australian Air Force is responsible for air and space operations. It operates a range of aircraft and is headed by the Chief of Air Force.

Roles and Responsibilities

The primary role of the ADF is to defend Australia and its national interests. This includes protecting the nation's borders, supporting civil authorities in times of emergency, and contributing to international peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.

Operations

The ADF has been involved in numerous operations both domestically and internationally. Some notable operations include:

• Operation Slipper - Australia's military contribution to the war in Afghanistan.
• Operation Sovereign Borders - A border protection operation aimed at combating maritime people smuggling.
• Operation Bushfire Assist - A domestic operation providing support during the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season.

Training and Education

The ADF places a strong emphasis on training and education. It operates several training establishments, including the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and the Royal Military College, Duntroon.

See also

• Australian Defence Force ranks
• Australian Defence Force Academy
• Royal Australian Navy
• Australian Army
• Royal Australian Air Force
• Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)
• Minister for Defence (Australia)

Related pages

• Australian Defence Force ranks
• Australian Defence Force Academy
• Royal Australian Navy
• Australian Army
• Royal Australian Air Force
• Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)
• Minister for Defence (Australia)

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