The
Airfield Defence Guard (ADG) mustering of the
Royal Australian Air ForceThe Royal Australian Air Force is the Air Force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF began in March 1912 as the Australian Flying Corps making it the second oldest air force in the world...
(RAAF) performs specialist ground defence tasks to protect air power assets from hostile ground action. The mustering is composed of non-commissioned members, commonly called 'ADGies,' most of whom are employed within an Airfield Defence Squadron (AFDS). Their primary role is the protection of RAAF equipment, personnel, assets and facilities during operations. While ADGs train to counter
special forcesSpecial forces and special operations forces are generic terms for elite highly-trained military teams/units that conduct specialized operations such as reconnaissance, unconventional warfare, direct action and counter-terrorism actions.In the United States, the term special operations forces is...
as the primary ground threat to the projection of air power, ADGs are themselves conventional forces. Other duties include training RAAF personnel in weapons handling and basic ground defence tactics.
ADGs are commanded by commissioned officers known as Ground Defence Officers (GRDEFO) who receive initial training at the
Australian ArmyThe Australian Army is Australia's military land force. It is part of the Australian Defence Force along with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. While the Chief of Defence commands the Australian Defence Force , the Army is commanded by the Chief of Army...
's
Royal Military College (RMC), DuntroonThe Royal Military College, Duntroon is the Australian Army's officer training establishment.It was founded at Duntroon, in the Australian Capital Territory, in 1911...
. Following graduation from RMC, GRDEFOs undertake the Army Regimental Officer Basic Course (Infantry) prior to RAAF-specific training at the RAAF Security and Fire School (RAAFSFS),
RAAF Base AmberleyRAAF Base Amberley is a Royal Australian Air Force base located southwest of Ipswich, Queensland and southwest of Brisbane, Queensland. It is currently home to No. 1 and No. 6 Squadrons and No. 36 Squadron . Amberley's largest squadron in terms of personnel is No...
.
ADGs do not operate
anti-aircraft weaponsAnti-aircraft warfare, or air defence, is any method of engaging hostile military aircraft in defence of ground objectives, ground or naval forces or denial of passage through a specific airspace region, area or anti-aircraft combat zone...
, which are the responsibility of the Army's
Royal Regiment of Australian ArtilleryThe Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery, normally referred to as the Royal Australian Artillery , is descended from the original colonial artillery units prior to Australia's federation. Australia’s first guns were landed from HMS Sirius and a small earthen redoubt built, near the present day...
. They are comparable to the
BritishThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a sovereign state located off the northwestern coast of continental Europe. It is an island country, spanning an archipelago including Great Britain, the northeastern part of Ireland, and many small islands...
Royal Air Force RegimentThe Royal Air Force Regiment is a specialist airfield defence Corps founded by Royal Warrant in 1942. After a 29 week trainee gunner course its members are trained and equipped to prevent a successful enemy attack in the first instance; minimise the damage caused by a successful attack; and ensure...
, or the
United States Air Force Security ForcesUnited States Air Force Security Forces , formerly named Air Police , then Security Police are the military police and the air base ground defense forces of the United States Air Force...
.
Current structure
The ADG mustering may be broadly divided into those positions contained within an AFDS and those within other units. Within
Combat Support Group,
No. 395 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing (395ECSW) commands the two Airfield Defence Squadrons.
- No. 1 Airfield Defence Squadron
No 1 Airfield Defence Squadron is an Royal Australian Air Force military unit whose primary role is to protect and defend airfields, buildings, equipment, and personnel.-History:...
(1AFDS)—RAAF Base EdinburghRAAF Base Edinburgh is located 25km north of the centre of Adelaide. It is primarily home to No 92 Wing's AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft that conduct surveillance operations throughout Australia's airspace. Aerospace Operational Support Group conducts research and development on aircraft...
- No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron
No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron is an Australian military unit whose primary role is to protect and defend airfields, buildings, equipment, and personnel. The unit was formed on 7 April 1945 in Morotai. It was originally designated as "2 Aerodrome Defence Squadron"...
(2AFDS)—RAAF Base AmberleyRAAF Base Amberley is a Royal Australian Air Force base located southwest of Ipswich, Queensland and southwest of Brisbane, Queensland. It is currently home to No. 1 and No. 6 Squadrons and No. 36 Squadron . Amberley's largest squadron in terms of personnel is No...
.
These are deployable tactical units, broadly comparable in size and structure to an infantry independent rifle company, which can provide force protection either for RAAF elements or other formations. 2AFDS comprises four Rifle Flights and a Support Flight; each Rifle Flight consists of four 10-man Sections and a Headquarters element of one GRDEFO, a SGT and a signaller. Support Flight contains communications, signals, field engineering and reconnaissance elements (including snipers) and is commanded by a GRDEFO and an ADG Flight Sergeant. 1AFDS is an integrated unit of permanent and reserve members; while it is headquartered at RAAF Base Edinburgh,
South AustraliaSouth Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of , it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories....
, it has reserve Rifle Flights located in
New South WalesNew South Wales is Australia's most populous state, located in the south-east of the country, north of Victoria, south of Queensland and east of South Australia...
, South Australia,
TasmaniaTasmania is an Australian island and state. It is located south of the eastern side of the continent, from which it is separated by Bass Strait. The state includes the island of Tasmania – the 26th largest island in the world – and the surrounding islands. The state has a population of 500,000 ,...
,
VictoriaVictoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales to the north, South Australia to the west, and Tasmania to the south, across the Bass Strait. Victoria is the most densely populated state, with over 70% of...
and
Western AustraliaWestern Australia is a state of Australia, occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. Australia's largest state and the second largest subnational entity in the world, it has 2.2 million inhabitants , 85% of whom live in the south-west corner of the state.The state's capital...
.
Permanent Air Force NCOs may be a posted to a Ground Defence Training Section (GDTS) at any major RAAF base in Australia or to certain training units within Air Force Training Group. GDTS staff undertake both a training role and provide specialist advice to unit commanders. Reserve NCOs may be posted to an AFDS, an instructional post within a Reserve Training Wing squadron or to a Reserve Airbase Protection Flight within a Combat Support Unit or Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron. ADG Warrant Officers (WOFFs) may be posted to staff or policy positions within a higher headquarters.
Second World War
While the RAAF did not face a significant ground threat in the first years of
World War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including all great powers, organized into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, an Air Force Guard mustering was proposed in 1940. This mustering was to receive training in infantry tactics to defend RAAF bases against attack and would be modelled on the Royal Air Force Regiment. The idea never progressed and those recruited for the task were assigned to other musterings. Following the bombing of Darwin in 1942 and ground attacks on Allied air bases, it was realised that the RAAF needed to defend its own airfields and that ground defence training was required for RAAF personnel. Following a request to the Army, Lieutenant Colonel H.H. Carr was seconded to the RAAF from 2/22 Battalion AIF in May 1942. Further secondments of infantry officers and NCOs followed and the RAAF Defence School was established at Hamilton, Victoria in September of that year. The school commenced training Army and RAAF officers and NCOs as Aerodrome Defence Officers and Aerodrome Defence Instructors, who were then posted to RAAF units to deliver ground defence training.
In October 1942 the
Security Guards UnitNo 1 Airfield Defence Squadron is an Royal Australian Air Force military unit whose primary role is to protect and defend airfields, buildings, equipment, and personnel.-History:...
was formed at
Livingstone FieldLivingstone Airfield was an airfield at Livingstone, Northern Territory, Australia during World War II.The airfield was built by the 808th Engineer Aviation Battalion, less Company A and HQ Detachment, between 16 March 1942 until 13 April 1942. The runway was long and wide...
,
Northern TerritoryThe Northern Territory is a federal territory of Australia, occupying much of the centre of the mainland continent, as well as the central northern regions...
. All RAAF guards were posted to this unit, irrespective of where they were serving. The Security Guards Unit was charged with providing guards for operational bases both within Australia and overseas. Trainees were instructed in the employment of
anti-aircraft gunAnti-aircraft warfare, or air defence, is any method of engaging hostile military aircraft in defence of ground objectives, ground or naval forces or denial of passage through a specific airspace region, area or anti-aircraft combat zone...
s, ground patrolling, scouting and hand to hand combat. At first the unit had a strength of 567 personnel, increasing to 943 by July 1943; in that year the unit moved to Darwin. The unit was renamed
No. 1 Airfield Defence SquadronNo 1 Airfield Defence Squadron is an Royal Australian Air Force military unit whose primary role is to protect and defend airfields, buildings, equipment, and personnel.-History:...
in April 1945.
A second unit, the Defence Pool, was established at
NoemfoorNoemfoor is one of the Biak Islands in Papua province, Indonesia. It was the site of conflict between Japanese and the Allied forces during World War II, and was major airbase for both sides.-Geography:The island is situated just north of the large Cenderawasih Bay...
in December 1944. It is believed that guards may have been trained at the Security Guards Unit and then posted to the Defence Pool for operational deployment. A detachment of the Defence Pool was deployed to
MorotaiMorotai Island is an island located in the Halmahera group of eastern Indonesia's Maluku Islands . It is governed as a regency called Morotai Island Regency Kabupaten Pulau Morotai until October 2008 when it was split into 5 regencies, of North Maluku province, and is one of Indonesia's most...
island in early 1945 in order to prepare a camp for the arrival of the main party of the unit. The Defence Pool was subsequently ordered to be disbanded on March 28, 1945; however a reconsideration led to the establishment of No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron. By May of that year ADGs had participated in a number of operations, including the recapture of
TarakanTarakan is an island off the coast of East Kalimantan, Indonesia. It is a marshy island situated in the eastern Celebes Sea, off the northeastern coast of Borneo. The island occupies an area of 117 square miles ....
,
BruneiBrunei , officially the State of Brunei Darussalam or the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace , is a country located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia...
and
BalikpapanBalikpapan is a seaport city on the eastern coast of Borneo island, Indonesia in the East Kalimantan province, a resource-rich region well known for its timber, mining and petroleum export products...
. They had also suffered casualties, among them Leading Aircraftman Thomas Irvine and Corporal Clarence Tully who were killed during Japanese raids on
Tarakan airfieldJuwata Airport is an airport in Tarakan, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. It is located on the island of Tarakan which is off the coast of Borneo. The airport was the main Allied objective during the Battle of Tarakan .-Airlines and destinations:...
. LAC Irvine died on May 5, 1945 and is believed to be the first ADG killed by enemy action; he is buried in the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery on Labuan Island.
1945-1965
Following the end of hostilities, both Airfield Defence Squadrons were disbanded on November 19, 1945. Aerodrome Defence Officers (ADOs) and Aerodrome Defence Instructors (ADIs) were retained to deliver basic ground defence instruction to RAAF members during initial and continuation training. A significant proportion of RAAF National Service recruits received training in ground defence techniques. This included the use of the .303 rifle, Thompson Sub-Machine Gun, Bren Light Machine Gun and hand grenades, in addition to fieldcraft skills. No. 1 Airfield Defence Squadron was re-established at Mallala, South Australia as a National Service unit in 1951, then once again disbanded in 1952. There is evidence to suggest that the RAAF considered the introduction of an armoured car capability in the 1950s, with ADIs attending training on
StaghoundThe T17 and the T17E1 were American armored cars produced during the Second World War. They did not see service with frontline US forces but the latter was supplied via the United Kingdom to British and Commonwealth forces during the war and received the service name Staghound.-History:In July...
vehicles with the Army at
PuckapunyalPuckapunyal is an Australian Army base in north central Victoria.The base was established in 1939 during World War II and for many years was the largest Army Camp in Australia...
; this project was never brought to fruition.
In June 1965 a submission to the Air Board requested the establishment of 455 positions to provide for the defence of the eleven major RAAF bases in Australia, as well as overseas bases in Malaysia, Thailand and South Vietnam. In the end, the ADG mustering was re-established in October 1965 with an authorised strength of 220 new positions in addition to the remustering of all Drill Instructors and ADIs. After the outbreak of the
Vietnam WarThe Vietnam War or the Second Indochina War was a Cold War military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1959 to 30 April 1975...
, Australia was asked to increase its level of commitment. To meet these new demands, the RAAF deployed a number of aircraft to Phan Rang Airbase, South Vietnam, in 1966. The USAF Security Force unit assigned to the base, asked the RAAF to contribute to the defence of the base.
Vietnam War
ADG Flights were deployed to South Vietnam with 2 Squadron at
Phan Rang Air BasePhan Rang Air Base is a Vietnam People's Air Force military airfield located in the central coastal area, near the city of Phan Rang-Thap Cham within Ninh Thuan Province, about 50 miles south of Nha Trang in Southern Vietnam...
and No. 1 Operational Support Unit (1OSU) at
Vung TauVũng Tàu is a city in southern Vietnam. Its population in 2005 was 240,000. The city area is 140 km² including 13 urban wards and one village...
. ADGs were also deployed to Ubon Air Base,
ThailandThe Kingdom of Thailand is an independent country that lies in the heart of Southeast Asia.It is bordered to the north by Laos and Burma, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and Burma...
to protect the RAAF detachment based there, including 79 Squadron flying Sabre jets. In Vietnam ADGs conducted both static security tasks and security patrols outside the base perimeter, thus distrupting the Viet Cong ability to conduct stand-off attacks against the bases. Corporal N.E. Power became the first airman to win the
Military MedalThe Military Medal was a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army and other services, and formerly also to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for bravery in battle on land....
since the Second World War for a night action on February 11, 1970, during which an enemy reconnaissance party was successfully ambushed near the perimeter of the Phan Rang base. Airfield Defence Guards also provided most of the door gunners on
UH-1 IroquoisThe UH-1 Iroquois is a multipurpose military helicopter, famous for its use in the Vietnam War. It is commonly known as the "Huey"....
helicopters with
No. 9 SquadronNo. 9 Squadron was a Royal Australian Air Force squadron. The Squadron saw active service in World War II and the Vietnam War before being disbanded in 1989.-Fleet co-operation:...
during the war.
When the government of South Vietnam collapsed in 1975, Australia ordered the evacuation of its embassy in Saigon. The final mission undertaken by ADGs in Vietnam was to provide security for the evacuation. The "last" evacuation aircraft was severely overloaded and four ADGs were left on the tarmac at Tan Son Nhut airfield, each armed with a pistol and four rounds of ammunition; a C-130 was diverted from Thailand to evacuate them later in the day. Over 350 ADGs served in Vietnam, six being killed in the conflict. In addition to the MM awarded to CPL Powers, GRDEFOs and ADGs were awarded an
MBEMBE can stand for:* Mail Boxes Etc.* Management by exception* Master of Bioethics* Master of Bioscience Enterprise* Master of Business and Engineering* Mean Biased Error...
, eight mentions in dispatches and four
Distinguished Flying MedalThe Distinguished Flying Medal was a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Royal Air Force and the other services, and formerly also to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active...
s of the ten awarded to RAAF members.
1972-1999
After withdrawal from Vietnam the ADG mustering was reduced in numbers, with Rifle Flights posted to RAAF Bases Amberley, Fairbairn, Richmond and Williamtown and ADGs manning instructional posts at other establishments.
Although the RAAF contemplated disbanding the mustering in the mid-1980s, the years between the Vietnam War and the 1999 deployment to East Timor were spent consolidating tactics and techniques such as reconnaissance skills and Quick Reaction Force (QRF) operations. 2AFDS was reformed on March 17, 1983 with the headquarters located at RAAF Base Richmond and the Rifle Flights remaining dispersed; the unit was eventually consolidated at RAAF Base Amberley in January 1989. It
regularly deployed on RAAF and joint exercises such as those in the Kangaroo series and undertook occasional deployments to New Zealand.
New capabilities were trialled, such as scout dogs to aid in detection and tracking of enemy parties and the employment on Exercise Pitch Black 1990 of M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers from the Army's 2nd Cavalry Regiment to provide armoured mobility for the QRF. Both capabilities may be considered to have matured in recent years with the attachment of Security Police (SECPOL) Military Working Dog (MWD) teams to ADG patrols and the introduction into RAAF service of the
BushmasterThe Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle or Infantry Mobility Vehicle is an Australian-built wheeled armoured vehicle. It was originally designed by Irish company Timoney Technology Ltd under a licence agreement with Perry Engineering in Adelaide; that licence was sold, with permission granted by...
Infantry Mobility Vehicles. In 1992 2AFDS became the first non-flying unit to be awarded the
Duke of Gloucester Cup.
The period saw a generational change in weapons and equipment on issue to ADGs; jungle green uniforms were replaced by the Disruptive Pattern Combat Uniform (DPCU), the L1A1 Self Loading Rifle (SLR), M16 and F1 Sub-Machine Gun were replaced by the F88 Austeyr assault rifle and Vietnam-era radios were replaced with the Raven series of VHF and HF sets. ADGs continued to deliver weapon and ground defence training to RAAF personnel and provided the majority of instructors for recruit, apprentice and initial officer training. The scope of this role, the longest and most continuous of the ADG mustering and its predecessors, may be gauged by the delivery of conversion training from the L1A1 SLR to the F88 rifle for every member of the RAAF; at the same time the Ground Defence Training Sections, manned on each base by 3-5 ADGs and GRDEFOs, commenced delivery of additional ground defence training for all RAAF members as the service transitioned to an expeditionary role.
In 1992 1AFDS was reformed at
RAAF Base TindalRAAF Base Tindal is a Royal Australian Air Force air base located near the town of Katherine in the Northern Territory. The base is currently home to No. 75 Squadron and a number of non-flying units.-History:...
,
Northern TerritoryThe Northern Territory is a federal territory of Australia, occupying much of the centre of the mainland continent, as well as the central northern regions...
as a Ready Reserve unit. The Ready Reserve Scheme involved recruits enlisting for 12 months full-time service, completing identical recruit and trade training to that undertaken by regular airmen, followed by 4 years part-time service. The cadre staff of 1AFDS consisted of Permanent Air Force (PAF) GRDEFOs and ADG NCOs; while the Ready Reserve Scheme was abolished in 1996, the RAAF implemented the Ground Defence Reserve Group based upon a similar concept, although with the full-time service commitment reduced to 9 months. This scheme is still in operation.
As individuals or in small groups, ADGs and GREDFOs deployed on peacekeeping operations in the Sinai and
BougainvilleThe Autonomous Region of Bougainville, also known as North Solomons, is an autonomous region in Papua New Guinea and is the largest of the Solomon Islands group. The largest island is Bougainville Island, and the province also includes the adjacent island of Buka and assorted outlying islands...
, were attached to Army units providing
Rifle Company ButterworthRifle Company Butterworth is an Australian Army infantry company based at RMAF Base Butterworth in Butterworth, Penang, Malaysia. Rifle Company Butterworth was established in 1970 to provide a protective and quick-reaction force for RAAF Base Butterworth during a resurgence of the Communist...
rotations and deployed to the Middle East with
No. 33 SquadronNo. 33 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force transport squadron. It was formed in 1942 and is currently based at RAAF Base Richmond.-World War II:...
in 1998. 2AFDS also deployed a Rifle Flight to assist with the evacuation of civilians from
CambodiaThe Kingdom of Cambodia , formerly known as Kampuchea , is a country in South East Asia with a population of over 14 million people. The kingdom's capital and largest city is Phnom Penh...
in 1997 as part of Operation Vista.
East Timor
Whilst preparing for deployment to Exercise Crocodile 99, 2AFDS, along with No. 381 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron (381ECSS) and 382ECSS, were warned out for duty in East Timor on Operation Warden. Both 381ECSS and 382ECSS had ADGs and GRDEFOs on strength. 2AFDS and 381ECSS commenced deployment to Comoro Airfield, Dili, on September 20, 1999; 381ECSS began arriving at Cakung Airfield, Baucau on October 11, 1999. 2AFDS undertook static security, access control and reconnaissance patrol tasks, in addition to establishing observation posts and providing a Quick Reaction Force (QRF). Reinforcements arrived on November 4, 1999 comprising 37 members of 3AFDS, an integrated permanent and reserve squadron headquartered at RAAF Base Amberley (subsequently disbanded in December 2006). The additional manpower also allowed the squadron to assume responsibility for the Dili heliport in December.
2AFDS was awarded a Meritorious Unit Citation and the Commanding Officer, Squadron Leader J.D. Leo, received the Distinguished Service Medal for performance during Operation Warden.
Solomon Islands
ADGs and GRDEFOs deployed to Henderson Field, Honiara as part of the RAAF component of Joint Task Force 635 on Operation Anode, the ADF contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). Following severe rioting in April 2006, members of 2AFDS were deployed as part of the ADF response to support police in reestablishing law and order. A further link with the Solomon Islands exists via Protective Service Officer Adam Dunning of the Australian Federal Police, who was shot and killed in Honiara in December 2004. Although deployed to the Solomon Islands in his civilian role, Dunning was a reservist ADG and had previously served with 2AFDS in East Timor.
Iraq
As part of Operation Catalyst, ADGs provided force protection to the RAAF air traffic control detachment at Baghdad International Airport, during 2003-04. Thirteen ADGs from 2AFDS deployed to Baghdad with Security Detachment (SECDET) 13, the Australian combat team providing security for the Australian Embassy. The ADGs were integrated within the infantry component of SECDET 13, drawn from the
7th Battalion, Royal Australian RegimentThe 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment is a regular infantry battalion of the Australian Army. The battalion was formed on the 1st September 1965 at Puckapunyal in Victoria during the expansion of the regular infantry that occurred because of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War...
(7RAR). Interestingly, the Commanding Officer 7RAR, Lieutenant Colonel Shane Gabriel, commenced his military career as a RAAF GRDEFO, serving with 2AFDS and as Base Ground Defence Officer, RAAF Base Tindal; he has also served with the RAF Regiment.
Afghanistan
The RAAF Control and Reporting Centre, based at Kandahar airport, included an embedded ground defence element which provided specialist force protection advice. This deployment formed part of
Operation SlipperOperation Slipper is the Australian Defence Force contribution to the war in Afghanistan. The operation commenced in late 2001 and is ongoing...
, the ADF contribution to the International Security Assistance Force.
Other operations
In addition to the major campaigns listed above, in recent years ADGs have been involved in a range of smaller scale operations. These have included
Operation GoldOperation Gold was a joint operation conducted by the American CIA and the British Secret Intelligence Service in the 1950s to tap into landline communication of the Soviet Army headquarters in Berlin using a tunnel into the Soviet-occupied zone...
, the provision of ADF support to the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000; Operation Deluge, the provision of security to the 2007 Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Forum meetings in Sydney; and
Operation RampOperation Ramp was the name given to an Australian Defence Force operation to support the evacuation of over 5,300 Australians and over 1,300 foreign nationals from the Lebanese ports of Beirut and Tyre during the 2006 Lebanon War....
, the evacuation of Australian and foreign nationals from
LebanonLebanon , officially the Republic of Lebanon
[Republic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies...]
in 2006 during the conflict between Israeli forces and
HezbollahHezbollah is a Shi'a Islamist political and paramilitary organisation based in Lebanon. Hezbollah is now also a major provider of social services, which operate schools, hospitals, and agricultural services for thousands of Lebanese Shiites, and plays a significant force in Lebanese politics...
.
Selection, training and conditions
Members are enlisted as ADGs in the permanent air force for an initial period of service of four years; those joining the Ground Defence Reserve Group are employed on full-time service for 11 months, followed by 4 years part-time service. Once a candidate has successfully completed RAAF recruit training they attend the 15 week ADG Basic course at the RAAF Security and Fire School (RAAFSFS) RAAF Amberley, Queensland. Airfield Defence Guard Basic Course. Upon completion of trade training ADGs may wear the blue-grey beret which identifies them as a ground defence specialist.
Airmen graduate from ADG Basic course with the rank of Aircraftman (AC) and are posted to either 1AFDS or 2AFDS. Following a further 12 months service and favourable reporting, ADGs are reclassified to the rank of Leading Aircraftman (LAC). Post-graduate training may be undertaken to qualify in communications, field engineering/assault pioneer, direct fire support weapons, close personal protection and sniping; the majority of these courses being undertaken at Army training establishments. Further promotion is based upon minimum periods in rank, successful completion of appropriate trade and promotion courses, performance reporting and availability of positions. All ADGs must qualify as weapon instructors prior to promotion to NCO rank. Out of mustering postings may be available, with ADGs having served within
Australia's Federation GuardThe Federation Guard is a tri-service ceremonial unit made up of members from the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force...
, as career advisers within a Defence Recruiting Centre and as Military Skills Instructors (MSIs) at No. 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU),
RAAF Base Wagga WaggaRAAF Base Wagga is located in the New South Wales town of Wagga Wagga, in the suburb of Forest Hill.The RAAF no longer owns the airfield, which is now called Wagga Wagga Airport, although military aircraft still use it....
and Officer Training School (OTS),
RAAF Base East SaleRAAF Base East Sale is one of the main training establishments of the Royal Australian Air Force. It is home to the Roulettes aerobatic team. It is also now the home of the RAAF's Officers' Training School following its relocation from Point Cook Base...
.
Duties and mission roles
ADGs form the basis of the Air Force's ground combat force, protecting Base assets, infrastructure and personnel against attack by enemy ground forces. For planning purposes, a nominal Are of Operations (AO) for RAAF ground defence is usually extends to five kilometres from the airfield
perimeter fenceA perimeter fence is a structure that circles the perimeter of an area to prevent access. These fences are frequently made out of single vertical metal bars connected at the top and bottom with a horizontal bar. They often have spikes on the top to prevent climbing. Residential perimeter fences are...
; in practice, however, the AO assigned to ADGs is determined by variables such as available forces, terrain, vegetation etc. ADGs are trained and equipped to locate, fix and destroy enemy ground forces, ideally during the reconnaissance phase of any intended attack on RAAF assets. This is achieved by the deployment of multiple patrol teams, usually consisting of 4-5 members, undertaking reconnaissance patrols, observation and listening posts. These teams are supported by specialist elements including snipers operating in a counter-sniper role. Once the enemy are located, forces are concentrated to engage and destroy their capability to complete their task. ADGs also provide a Base Commander with a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) mounted in wheeled vehicles. QRF teams are heavily armed and act as a mobile reserve to provide a counter-attack or counter-penetration capability should an enemy evade the patrol screen.
In addition to their operational role, ADGs provide essential ground defence training to the remainder of the RAAF. This includes instruction in weapon handling, ground defence and security tactics and Chemical, Biological, Radiologican and Nuclear (CBRN) defence. Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) may be posted to instructional positions at 1RTU; OTS; the
Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)The Australian Defence Force Academy is a tri-service military Academy that provides military and tertiary academic education for junior officers of the Australian Defence Force in the Royal Australian Navy , Australian Regular Army and Royal Australian Air Force .ADFA also provides post-graduate...
,
CanberraCanberra is the capital city of Australia. With a population of over 345,000, it is Australia's largest inland city and the eighth largest Australian city overall. The city is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory, south-west of Sydney, and north-east of Melbourne...
;
Combat Survival Training SchoolCombat Survival Training School RAAF is a combat survival training school for the Royal Australian Air Force. Its base is at RAAF Base Townsville. Its motto is "Adapt and Return"....
(CSTS, also known as COMSURV),
RAAF Base TownsvilleRAAF Base Townsville is, along with RAAF Tindal and RAAF Darwin, one of northern Australia's primary defence installations...
; RAAF Security & Fire School, RAAF Base Amberley or a Ground Defence Training Section (GDTS) at any RAAF Base in Australia.
Tasks performed by ADGs
- patrolling over extended periods over arduous terrain and in extreme climatic conditions carrying a specified load necessary to accomplish the mission;
- foot and vehicle patrolling by day and by night in and around both established and bare base airfields and through vegetated or urban environments in all extremities of weather conditions and locations within or outside of Australia;
- manning of Observation Posts (OPs), Listening Posts (LPs) and standing patrols to detect and interdict enemy movement
- Quick Reaction Force (QRF) duties in response to identified threats;
- Aircraft Security Operations providing protection to both aircraft and infrastructure;
- construction of field defences and obstacles such as weapon pits and bunkers, fences and vehicle check points (VCPs);
- search and clearance operations;
- manning of crew served weapons such as machine guns and anti-armour weapons;
- security for special events;
- instruction on small arms including pistols, rifles, shotguns and Light Support Weapons (LSWs);
- instruction in Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) defence; and
- instruction in individual and unit ground defence tactics and techniques.
Equipment
The weapons and equipment issued to ADGs are similar to standard
Australian infantryThe Royal Australian Infantry Corps is the parent corps for all infantry regiments of the Australian Army. Major components of the RA Inf include the various battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment and Army Reserve regiments eg. Royal New South Wales Regiment...
equipment-Armoured Vehicles: M1A1 Abrams - 59 M1A1 Abrams have been purchased to equip the 1st Armoured Regiment. The first M1 equipped sub-units of the regiment became operational in mid-2007. The Abrams is the most powerful vehicle in the Australian inventory...
Weapons
- L9A1/L9A3 Self Loading Pistol (Browning Hi-Power)
The Browning Hi-Power is a single-action, 9mm semi-automatic handgun. It is based on a design by American firearms inventor John Browning, and later improved by Dieudonné Saive at Fabrique Nationale of Herstal, Belgium...
- Heckler & Koch MP5 sub-machine gun
The Heckler & Koch MP5 is a 9mm submachine gun of German design, developed in the 1960s by a team of engineers from the German small arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch GmbH of Oberndorf am Neckar.It is currently used by the armed forces and law enforcement units of over 40 countries...
- F88 Austeyr rifle (Steyr AUG)
The AUG is an Austrian bullpup 5.56mm assault rifle, designed in the early 1970s by Steyr Mannlicher GmbH & Co KG . The AUG was adopted by the Austrian Army as the StG 77 in 1977, where it replaced the 7.62mm StG 58 automatic rifle...
- Accuracy International SR-98 sniper rifle
The Accuracy International Arctic Warfare rifle is a family of bolt-action sniper rifles designed and manufactured by the British company Accuracy International...
- F89 Light Support Weapon (Minimi)
The Minimi is a Belgian 5.56mm light machine gun developed by Fabrique Nationale in Herstal by Ernest Vervier. First introduced in 1974, it has entered service with the armed forces of several countries...
- MAG58 General Service Machine Gun
The MAG is a Belgian 7.62 mm general purpose machine gun, designed in the early 1950s at Fabrique Nationale by Ernest Vervier. It is used by almost 70 countries, in 25 of those countries it is a standard-issue support weapon, it was produced locally in eight countries...
- M203 grenade launcher
The M203 is a single shot 40 mm grenade launcher that attaches to many rifles, but was originally designed for the U.S. M16 and its variant, the M4 Carbine. In the U.S. military, when a rifle or carbine is equipped with the launcher, both weapons are collectively referred to as an M203...
(as part of the F88 GLA Austeyr rifle)
- M72 Light Anti-armour Weapon
The M72 LAW is a portable one-shot 66 mm unguided anti-tank weapon, designed in the United States by Paul V. Choate, Charles B. Weeks, and Frank A. Spinale et al...
- Carl Gustav recoilless rifle
The Carl Gustaf is the common name for the 84 mm man-portable multi-role recoilless rifle produced by Saab Bofors Dynamics in Sweden...
- F1 hand grenade
Vehicles
- Land Rover 110 4WD; utility (Truck, utility, lightweight, MC2 (soft-top)) and Fitted For Radio (Truck, utility, lightweight, FFR, MC2 (soft-top))
- Land Rover 6x6
- Mercedes Benz Unimog
Unimog designates a range of multi-purpose four wheel drive medium trucks produced by Mercedes-Benz, a division of Daimler AG. The name Unimog is pronounced in German and is an acronym for the German "UNIversal-MOtor-Gerät", Gerät being the German word for machine or device...
medium truck
- Honda XR250 motorcycle
- Polaris Industries
Polaris Industries is a snowmobile and ATV manufacturer, based in Medina, Minnesota, USA. The company also manufactures motorcycles through its Victory Motorcycles subsidiary....
4WD and 6WD All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)An all-terrain vehicle , informally referred to as a quad bike or quad, is defined by the American National Standards Institute as a vehicle that travels on low pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, along with handlebars for steering control...
- Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle
The Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle or Infantry Mobility Vehicle is an Australian-built wheeled armoured vehicle. It was originally designed by Irish company Timoney Technology Ltd under a licence agreement with Perry Engineering in Adelaide; that licence was sold, with permission granted by...
See also
Fusiliers Commandos de l'AirThe Fusiliers Commandos de l'Air of France's Armée de l'Air are equivalent to the United Kingdom's RAF Regiment, Germany's Objektschutzregiment der Luftwaffe or the United States Air Force's Security Forces...
Objektschutzregiment der Luftwaffe
RAF RegimentThe Royal Air Force Regiment is a specialist airfield defence Corps founded by Royal Warrant in 1942. After a 29 week trainee gunner course its members are trained and equipped to prevent a successful enemy attack in the first instance; minimise the damage caused by a successful attack; and ensure...
United States Air Force Security ForcesUnited States Air Force Security Forces , formerly named Air Police , then Security Police are the military police and the air base ground defense forces of the United States Air Force...
External links