Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian
Air Force, new Special Operations Command (announced
in December 2002)
Military Budget: $14,120.1 million (2003)
Australia's defense system dates from the integration
of the separate colonial forces following the country’s
federation in 1901. Australia's Defense Force consist
of the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, Royal
Australian Air Force, and, the Special Operations
Command. The mission of the Australian Defense Force
is to defend Australia and its national interests.
In fulfilling this mission, the ADF: serves all Australians,
and is accountable to the Commonwealth Parliament,
on behalf of the Australian people, for the efficiency
and effectiveness with which they carry out the Government's
defense policy. Although relatively small, the Australian
armed forces possess some of the most modern weaponry
in the world. Official
Australian Army Web Site
The
Australian Army's Mission is:
To win the land battle through courage, initiative,
and teamwork.
To provide protection for the Australia by securing
its airspace, land, and sea interest and jurisdictions.
To act as an international peacekeeper.
To provide humanitarian aid to governments and
people in need.
To provide support to civil authorities in order
to provide the protection and support needed to
sustain Australia's national interest and stability.
Provide support during national emergencies by
assisting civil authorities in maintaining emergency
preparedness.
The
requirements to enlist in the Australian Army are:
Be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
Have a current Australian address.
Be 17 years of age.
Be healthy and in good physical condition.
To work through the Assessment process.
Be able to get a police clearance.
The
CF supports International security by :
The Australian Defense Force has approximately
2000 personnel deployed on more than 10 operations
that include border protection, United Nations operations,
coalition operations and third country deployments.
The Australian Army has a proud record of service
in Peacekeeping Operations since 1945. Members of
the Australian Army are currently serving in peace
keeping missions in the Balkans, the Middle East,
Africa and South America. Closer to home they are
serving in East Timor, Bougainville and the Solomon
Islands.
Australian forces have taken part with distinction
in the Crimean War (1853-1856), the Sudan Campaign
(1897-1899), the Boer War (1899-1902), World War
I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945), the
Korean War (1950-1953), the Malayan Emergency (1948-1960),
the Vietnam War (1959-1975), the Persian Gulf War
(1991), the UN engagement in East Timor (1999-2002),
and the U.S.-led war on terrorism in Afghanistan
(2001-2002). Conscription was reintroduced for home
defense during World War II, then in the postwar
years until 1960, and again in 1965 to support the
Vietnam effort.
