Editing Australian Defence Force (section)

==Structure==
The Australian Defence Force and Department of Defence make up the [[Australian Defence Organisation]] (ADO), which is often referred to as "Defence".<ref>{{cite web|title=Who we are and what we do|url=http://www.defence.gov.au/AboutUs.asp|publisher=Department of Defence|access-date=14 January 2018|archive-date=11 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111060554/http://www.defence.gov.au/AboutUs.asp|url-status=live}}</ref> A [[diarchy]] of the [[Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)|Chief of the Defence Force]] (CDF) and the Secretary of the Department of Defence administers the ADO.{{sfn|Khosa|2011|pp=2–3}} The Department of Defence is staffed by both civilian and military personnel, and includes agencies such as the [[Defence Intelligence Organisation]] (DIO) and [[Defence Science and Technology Group]] (DST Group).{{sfn|Khosa|2010|pp=50–51}}

===Command arrangements===
{{See also|Current senior Australian Defence Organisation personnel|Senior Australian Defence Organisation Positions}}
The ADF's command arrangements are set out in the ''Defence Act 1903'' and subordinate legislation.{{sfn|Khosa|2011|p=2}} The act refers to the [[Australian Constitution|constitution]], which vests the governor-general with the command-in-chief of the Defence Force.<ref>''Australian Constitution'' [https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/cth/consol_act/coaca430/s68.html s 68].</ref> This power is only exercised on the [[Advice (constitutional law)|advice]] of government ministers.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Moore |first=Cameron |url=https://press-files.anu.edu.au/downloads/press/n3911/pdf/book.pdf |title=Crown and Sword: Executive Power and the Use of Force by the Australian Defence Force |date=2018 |publisher=ANU Press |isbn=978-1-76046-155-3 |location= |pages=92–6 |language=en}}</ref> The act also states that the Minister for Defence "has general control and administration of the Defence Force" and that the CDF and the Secretary of the Department of Defence must "comply with any directions of the Minister".<ref>{{Cite Legislation AU|Cth|act|da190356|Defence Act 1903|8}}</ref> The leaders of the ADO are also responsible to the junior ministers who are appointed to manage specific elements of the defence portfolio.{{sfn|Khosa|2011|p=2}} Under the [[First Albanese ministry|Albanese Ministry]] two cabinet-level ministers have been responsible for the Defence portfolio since May 2022: the position of Minister for Defence held by the [[Deputy Prime Minister of Australia|Deputy Prime Minister]] [[Richard Marles]], and [[Matt Keogh]] is the [[Minister for Defence Personnel]] and the [[Minister for Veterans' Affairs]]. In addition, there are two junior ministers: [[Matt Thistlethwaite]] is the Assistant Minister for Defence and Assistant Minister for Veterans' Affairs and [[Pat Conroy (politician)|Pat Conroy]] is the [[Minister for Defence Industry]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Department of Defence Ministers |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310102102/https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/ |archive-date=10 March 2020 |access-date=8 January 2023 |publisher=Department of Defence}}</ref>

The CDF is the most senior appointment in the ADF and commands the force.{{sfn|Khosa|2011|p=2}} The CDF is the only four-star officer in the ADF and is a [[General (Australia)|general]], [[Admiral (Australia)|admiral]] or [[Air chief marshal (Australia)|air chief marshal]]. As well as having command responsibilities, the CDF is the Minister for Defence's principal military adviser.{{sfn|Khosa|2011|p=3}} [[Admiral (Australia)|Admiral]][[David Johnston (admiral)| David Johnston]] is the current CDF, and assumed this position on 10 July 2024.<ref>{{cite press release |author1=Minister for Defence Richard Marles |author2=Prime Minister Anthony Albanese |title=Appointment of Australian Defence Force senior leadership |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2024-04-09/appointment-australian-defence-force-senior-leadership |website=Department of Defence Ministers |date=9 April 2024 |access-date=12 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Admiral David Lance Johnston |url=https://seapower.navy.gov.au/biography/admiral-david-lance-johnston |website=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=12 February 2025}}</ref> [[Hugh White (strategist)|Hugh White]], a prominent academic and former Deputy Secretary in the Department of Defence, has criticised the ADF's current command structure. White argues that the Minister plays too large a role in military decision-making and does not provide the CDF and Secretary of Defence with necessary and sufficient authority to manage the ADO effectively.<ref>{{cite news |first=Hugh |last=White |title=The real battle is far from the battlefield |url=https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/pubfiles/White%2C_The_real_battle_1.pdf |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=25 May 2006 |access-date=8 January 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108175620/https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/pubfiles/White%2C_The_real_battle_1.pdf |archive-date=8 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

Under the current ADF command structure the day-to-day management of the ADF is distinct from the command of military operations.{{sfn|Khosa|2011|p=13}} The services are administered through the ADO, with the head of each service (the [[Chief of Navy (Australia)|Chief of Navy]], [[Chief of Army (Australia)|Chief of Army]] and [[Chief of Air Force (Australia)|Chief of Air Force]]) and the service headquarters being responsible for raising, training and sustaining combat forces. Each chief is also the CDF's principal adviser on matters concerning the responsibilities of their service. The CDF chairs the Chiefs of Service Committee which comprises the service chiefs, [[Vice Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)|Vice Chief of the Defence Force]] and the [[Chief of Joint Operations (Australia)|Chief of Joint Operations]] (CJOPS).{{sfn|Khosa|2011|pp=12–13}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/AboutUs.asp |title=Who we are and what we do |author=<!--Not stated--> |publisher=[[Department of Defence (Australia)|Australian Government Department of Defence]] |access-date=7 August 2017 |archive-date=10 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810044711/http://www.defence.gov.au/AboutUs.asp |url-status=live }}</ref> The CDF and service chiefs are supported by an integrated ADF Headquarters, which replaced separate service headquarters on 1 July 2017.<ref>{{cite news|title=Joining the forces|url=http://armynews.realviewdigital.com/?iid=153871#folio=2|access-date=25 January 2018|work=Army|publisher=Department of Defence|date=29 June 2017|page=2|archive-date=26 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126012654/http://armynews.realviewdigital.com/?iid=153871#folio=2|url-status=live}}</ref>

While the individual members of each service ultimately report to their service's Chief, the Chiefs do not control military operations. Control of ADF operations is exercised through a formal command chain headed by the CJOPS, who reports directly to the CDF. The CJOPS commands the [[Headquarters Joint Operations Command (Australia)|Headquarters Joint Operations Command]] (HQJOC) as well as temporary joint task forces. These joint task forces comprise units assigned from their service to participate in operations or training exercises.{{sfn|Khosa|2011|p=14}}{{sfn|Thomson|2017|p=35}}

===Joint forces===
[[File:Soldiers with a LHD Landing Craft in May 2018.jpg|thumb|alt=Colour photograph of three men wearing green military uniforms kneeling on a beach near a grey ship. A green truck is driving off the ship, and a large grey ship is visible on the horizon.|Australian Army soldiers providing security for a RAN [[LCM-1E|LHD Landing Craft]] during a joint exercise in 2018]]
Operational command of the ADF is exercised by HQJOC, which is located at a purpose-built facility near [[Bungendore, New South Wales|Bungendore]], New South Wales. This is a joint headquarters comprising personnel from the three services and includes a continuously manned Joint Control Centre. HQJOC's main role is to "plan, monitor and control" ADF operations and exercises, and it is organised around groups of plans, operations and support staff. HQJOC also monitors the readiness of the ADF units which are not assigned to operations and contributes to developing Australia's military doctrine.{{sfn|Khosa|2011|p=14}}

As well as HQJOC, the ADF has permanent joint operational commands responsible to the CJOPS. Joint Operations Command (JOC) includes the two headquarters responsible for patrolling Australia's maritime borders on a day-to-day basis, [[Northern Command (Australia)|Northern Command]] and [[Maritime Border Command (Australia)|Maritime Border Command]]. Other JOC units include the Joint Movements Group and the Air and Space Operations Centre. Individual ADF units and Joint Task Groups are assigned to JOC during operations, and HQJOC includes officers responsible for submarine and special operations forces.{{sfn|Khosa|2010|pp=13–15}}

The ADF includes a number of joint operational and training units. These include the [[Joint Military Police Unit (Australia)|Joint Military Police Unit]] and the [[Joint Helicopter Aircrew Training School]].<ref>{{cite news|title=ADF Joint Helicopter Aircrew Training School commences training|url=http://australianaviation.com.au/2018/01/adf-joint-helicopter-aircrew-training-school-commences-training/|access-date=24 February 2018|work=Australian Aviation|date=17 January 2018|archive-date=5 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205160156/http://australianaviation.com.au/2018/01/adf-joint-helicopter-aircrew-training-school-commences-training/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Devlin |first1=Dave |title=Joint Service Police Group launched |url=https://news.navy.gov.au/en/Jun2017/Events/3794/Joint-Service-Police-Group-launched.htm |website=Navy Daily |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=27 July 2020 |date=17 June 2017 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727105823/https://news.navy.gov.au/en/Jun2017/Events/3794/Joint-Service-Police-Group-launched.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2023, after the release of the [[Defence Strategic Review (DSR)]] and a recommendation to consolidate the ADF's guided weapons and explosive ordnance (GWEO) across the services, leading to the creation of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Group (GWEOG), and the appointment of Air Marshal Leon Phillips, OAM as its head. This moved the responsibility of acquisition and sustainment of the ADF's explosive materiel from CASG to the newly formed GWEOG.

===Royal Australian Navy===
{{Main|Royal Australian Navy}}
The Royal Australian Navy is the [[navy|naval branch]] of the Australian Defence Force. The RAN operates just under 50 [[Ship commissioning|commissioned warships]], including [[destroyer]]s, [[frigate]]s, [[submarine]]s, [[patrol boat]]s and auxiliary ships, as well as a number of non-commissioned vessels. In addition, the RAN maintains a force of combat, logistics and training helicopters.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Fleet|url=http://www.navy.gov.au/fleet|publisher=Royal Australian Navy|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-date=20 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171220222249/http://www.navy.gov.au/fleet|url-status=live}}</ref>

There are two parts to the RAN's structure. One is an operational command, [[Fleet Command (Australia)|Fleet Command]], and the other is a support command, [[Navy Strategic Command]].{{sfn|Chief of Navy|2017|pp=9–11}} The Navy's assets are administered by five "forces" which report to the [[Commander Australian Fleet]]. These are the [[Fleet Air Arm (RAN)|Fleet Air Arm]], the Mine Warfare, Clearance Diving, Hydrographic, Meteorological and Patrol Force, Shore Force, [[Royal Australian Navy Submarine Service|Submarine Force]] and Surface Force.{{sfn|Chief of Navy|2017|p=13}}

===Australian Army===
[[File:Australian Army organization 2025.png|thumb|right|640px|Australian Army organisation 2025 (click to enlarge)]]

{{Main|Australian Army}}
The Army is organised into three main elements which report to the Chief of Army; the Headquarters of the [[1st Division (Australia)|1st Division]], [[Special Operations Command (Australia)|Special Operations Command]] and [[Forces Command (Australia)|Forces Command]].<ref name="Army orbat Dec 2017">{{cite web|title=Army Order of Battle|url=https://www.army.gov.au/our-people/army-order-of-battle|publisher=Australian Army|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-date=31 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231103814/https://www.army.gov.au/our-people/army-order-of-battle|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2017, approximately 85% of Army personnel were in units assigned to Forces Command, which is responsible for preparing units and individuals for operations. Headquarters 1st Division is responsible for high-level training activities and is capable of being deployed to command large scale ground operations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Units|url=https://www.army.gov.au/our-people/units|publisher=Australian Army|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-date=8 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208085752/https://www.army.gov.au/our-people/units|url-status=live}}</ref> Only a small number of units are permanently assigned to the 1st Division; these include the [[2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment]] which forms the pre-landing force for the Australian Amphibious Force, a signals regiment and three training and personnel support units.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Doran|first1=Mark|title=Amphibious Display|url=http://armynews.realviewdigital.com/?iid=154755#folio=12|work=Army|publisher=Department of Defence|page=12|access-date=26 December 2017|archive-date=26 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726170201/http://armynews.realviewdigital.com/?iid=154755#folio=12|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Army orbat Dec 2017" />

The Australian Army's main combat forces are grouped in brigades. Its main conventional forces are three regular combat brigades which are organised on a common structure; the [[1st Brigade (Australia)|1st]], [[3rd Brigade (Australia)|3rd]] and [[7th Brigade (Australia)|7th Brigades]].{{sfn|Australian Army|2014|pp=9, 16}} Support for the units in these formations is provided by an aviation brigade ([[16th Aviation Brigade (Australia)|16th Aviation Brigade]]), a combat support and [[ISTAR]] brigade ([[6th Brigade (Australia)|6th Brigade]]) and a logistics brigade (the [[17th Sustainment Brigade (Australia)|17th Sustainment Brigade]]).{{sfn|Australian Army|2014|pp=25–30}} Under a restructure of the Army's health capability, a new health brigade, designated the 2nd Health Brigade, will be raised in 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.defence.gov.au/service/boost-army-health |title=A boost for Army health |author=Bickerstaff, Fiona |date=19 November 2021 |publisher=Department of Defence |access-date=11 December 2021}}</ref> In addition, there are six Army Reserve brigades; these brigades are administered by the [[2nd Division (Australia)|2nd Division]] and "paired" with the three regular combat brigades.{{sfn|Australian Army|2014|pp=35–36}} The Army's main tactical formations are [[combined arms]] [[battlegroup (army)|battlegroups]] made up of elements drawn from different units.{{sfn|Davies|2010|p=3}}{{sfn|Australian Army|2014|p=12}}

The Special Operations Command commands the Army's special forces units. It comprises the [[Australian Special Air Service Regiment|Special Air Service Regiment]], the [[2nd Commando Regiment (Australia)|2nd Commando Regiment]], the reserve [[1st Commando Regiment (Australia)|1st Commando Regiment]] and the [[Special Operations Engineer Regiment (Australia)|Special Operations Engineer Regiment]] as well as logistics and training units.{{sfn|Australian Army|2014|p=32}} The Army's special forces units have been expanded since 2001 and are well equipped and capable of being deployed by sea, air or land.{{sfn|Davies|2010|p=6}} As of 2014, Special Operations Command comprised approximately 2,200 personnel.{{sfn|Davies|Jennings|Schreer|2014|p=13}}

===Royal Australian Air Force===
{{Main|Royal Australian Air Force}}
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is the air power branch of the ADF. The RAAF has modern [[Military aircraft|combat]] and [[Cargo aircraft|transport aircraft]] and a network of bases in strategic locations across Australia.{{sfn|Pittaway|2014|pp=76–80}}

The RAAF has a single operational command, [[RAAF Air Command|Air Command]].{{sfn|Air Power Development Centre|2015|p=26}} Air Command is the operational arm of the RAAF and consists of [[Air Combat Group RAAF|Air Combat Group]], [[Air Mobility Group RAAF|Air Mobility Group]], [[Surveillance and Response Group RAAF|Surveillance and Response Group]], [[Combat Support Group RAAF|Combat Support Group]], [[Aerospace Operational Support Group RAAF|Air Warfare Centre]] and [[Air Force Training Group RAAF|Air Force Training Group]].{{sfn|Air Power Development Centre|2015|p=40}} Each group consists of several [[Wing (air force unit)|wings]].{{sfn|Air Power Development Centre|2015|pp=44–45}}

The RAAF has [[List of Royal Australian Air Force aircraft squadrons|nineteen flying squadrons]]; five combat squadrons, two maritime patrol squadrons, six transport squadrons, six training squadrons (including three [[Operational Conversion Unit]]s and a forward air control training squadron) as well as one [[Airborne Early Warning & Control]] squadron and a [[Joint Terminal Attack Controller]] squadron. The ground units supporting these flying squadrons include three expeditionary combat support squadrons, three [[Airfield Defence Guards|security force squadrons]] and a range of intelligence, air traffic control, communications, radar and medical units.{{sfn|Air Power Development Centre|2015|pp=44–45}}{{sfn|Wilson|Pittaway|2017|p=15}}