NORFORCE
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| North-West Mobile Force | |
|---|---|
 Cap Badge of the North-West Mobile Force |
|
| Active | 1 July 1981- |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Regional Force Surveillance |
| Role | Regional Force Surveillance |
| Size | One battalion |
| Part of | Royal Australian Infantry Corps |
| Garrison/HQ | Larrakeyah |
| Nickname | Nackaroos |
| Motto | Ever Vigilant |
| March | Quick - The Vedette Slow - The Never-Never |
| Commanders | |
| Colonel in Chief | HM The Queen (Royal Australian Infantry Corps) |
| Insignia | |
| Unit Colour Patch |  |
The NORFORCE (North-West Mobile Force) is a regiment of the Australian Army. The regiment is one of three Regional Force Surveillance Units employed in the surveillance and reconnaissance mission in the north of Australia.
The regiment's origins go back to 2/1st North Australia Observer Unit (also known as the "Nackaroos"), which was formed in 1942 as part of the defence of northern Australia from the Japanese during the Second World War. The unit was eventually disbanded in 1945.
In the 1970s, the government made the decision to increase the military presence in the far north. As part of this, the Regional Force Surveillance concept was begun, and the first unit was raised from the 7th Independent Rifle Company, based in Darwin. This was renamed as the North-West Mobile Force, or NORFORCE, in 1981. In order to give the regiment an identity, it was decided that, because of the similarities to the NAOU, it would adopt its traditions. NORFORCE's inaugural Commanding Officer was Lieutenant Colonel John George. The NORFORCE's area of operation covers 1.8 million square kilometres, encompassing the entire Northern Territory and the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
In 2006, the regiment celebrated its 25th Anniversary by being presented with its first stand of colours.[1]
