Australia's Federation Guard
| Australia's Federation Guard | |
|---|---|
L1A1 SLR, M101 105mm Howitzer | |
| Insignia | |
| Unit Colour Patch |  |
Australia's Federation Guard (AFG) is a tri-service ceremonial unit made up of members from the
Composition
The posting strength of AFG varies, although the unit's authorised strength is around 170 personnel of all ranks.
Every member enlists into a specific trade in either the navy, army or air force, but puts those trades on hold for the duration of their service in the Guard. Although formed initially for the celebrations of the centenary, the standard of the Guard was such that it was kept on as a showcase for the ceremonial capabilities of the Australian Defence Force, serving in various public duties capacities.
For administrative purposes the unit is divided into four sub-units, a headquarters element and three single service "divisions". Each division is commanded by an officer from that service.
Roles
Although it is primarily a
AFG also contains a Drum Corps. Made up from volunteers from all three services posted to the unit, Drum Corps members participate in additional training with the majority having no previous musical experience with percussion instruments. Drum Corps members perform their drumming duties in addition to their traditional Guard duties and will often support the Precision Drill Team in their training and performances.
In 2000, AFG provided the
Precision Drill Team
Within AFG is a smaller group who form the Precision Drill Team (PDT). The PDT travel all over Australia performing for events like Careers Expos, charity functions and sporting events. The drills performed by the PDT are a combination of over 300 specific movements without any words of command being given to the Guardsmen. The Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen that make up the PDT require a high level of skill, concentration and teamwork which is perfected through many hours of practice.[4]
Uniforms
Members of the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force posted to the unit perform their ceremonial duties in the standard ceremonial uniforms of their service as the variance between trades is minimal. A notable addition to the uniform is the white "airman's belt" worn by all other ranks.
For members of the
A number of submissions have been made in relation to approving an official unit badge that would be worn on the hats of serving members but at this stage, none have been approved. An unofficial badge has been adopted by the unit and features the ADF tri-service crest in silver against a gold federation star.
Musical support
The Guard has the Australian Defence Force's only dedicated drum corps. However, the Guard does not have its own band. The majority of musical support for ceremonial duties within the Canberra region is provided by the
See also
References
- ^ "Australia's Federation Guard". Department of Defence. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
- ^ "BBC News | UK | Female soldiers guard the palace: Captain Cynthia Anderson led the Buckingham Palace detachment in the morning parade and formally asked permission for the new guard to relieve the old guard". news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
- ^ "Queen's Oz Guard At The Ready". News Shopper. 6 July 2000. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
- ^ "PDT". Retrieved 15 June 2012.
External links
