Airfield Defence Guards

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Royal Australian Air Force

General Informaiton

Current structure of the RAAF
Ranks of the RAAF
List of aircraft
List of bases
List of squadrons
History of the RAAF
Commands
Air Command
Training Command
Current Operations
Operation Astute
Other
Airfield Defence Guards
Air Force memorial

The Airfield Defence Guards (ADG) are the Royal Australian Air Force's ground security force. Similar to the Royal Air Force Regiment or the United States Air Force Security Forces the Airfield Defence Guard's responsibilities include the protection of equipment, personnel, assets and facilities of the RAAF. Other duties include training other RAAF personnel in weapons handling and defensive tactics in order to protect the assets of the RAAF. Ground Defence Officers receive training at the Royal Military College, Duntroon.

The ADG is trained in some limited counter-special forces tactics. The Australian Army's 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment(Commando) (4 RAR [CDO]) and Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) have the responsibility of rescuing aircrew shot down in enemy territory.

The Airfield Defence Guard force was established in 1966. Since then ADG units have served overseas in several countries, including Vietnam, Cambodia, East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq.

The ADGs are currently grouped as No. 1 Airfield Defence Wing (1AFDW). 1AFDW currently commands three operational squadrons:

No. 1 Airfield Defence Squadron (1AFDS) - RAAF Edinburgh
No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron (2AFDS) - RAAF Amberley
No. 3 Airfield Defence Squadron (3AFDS) - RAAF Amberley

1AFDS and 3AFDS are manned by both full-time RAAF and RAAF Active Reserve personnel. No. 2 AFDS is a full-time active unit of the RAAF.

All of the Airfield Defence Squadrons operate in the ground defence role, with Low Level Air Defence being the responsibility of the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery. In addition, 2AFDS and 3AFDS are deployable tactical units that enable the RAAF to maintain ground defence commitments either for itself or other formations. 2AFDS and 3AFDS also operate the Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle.