| Australian Defence Force
|
| Military manpower
|
| Military age
| 16 years of age for voluntary service (2001)
|
| Availability
| males age 15-49: 5,061,810 (2004 est.)
|
| Fit for military service
| males age 15-49: 4,356,671 (2004 est.)
|
| Reaching military age annually
| males: 140,182 (2004 est.)
|
| Military expenditures
|
| Amount (USD)
| $14,120.1 million (2003)
|
| Percent of GDP
| 2.8% (2003)
|
The Australian Defence Force numbers about 53,000 active duty personnel. This exceeds the current target of 50,000 personnel because of short-term increases necessary to fulfill Australia's commitment in East Timor. The military although small numerically is technologically sophisticated. It also plays a significant role in peacekeeping operations around the world, and is the most powerful in Oceania.
It is composed of the Australian Army, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
Chiefs of the Australian Defence Force
Chief of the Defence Force (CDF)
The position of Chief of the Defence Force was created after amending Defence legislation and came into effect on 25 October 1984.
- General Peter Cosgrove, AC, MC 4 July 2002 to 3 July 2005
- Admiral Chris Barrie, AC, RAN 4 July 1998 to 3 July 2002
- General John Baker, AC, DSM 7 July 1995 to 3 July 1998
- Admiral Alan Beaumont, AC, RAN 17 July 1993 to 6 1995
- General Peter Gration, AC, OBE 13 April 1987 to 16 April 1993
- General Sir Phillip Bennett, AC, KBE, DSO 16 October 1984 to 12 April 1987
Chief of Defence Force Staff (CDFS)
The position of Chief of Defence Force Staff was created after amending Defence legislation and came into effect on 9 February 1976.
- General Sir Phillip Bennett, KBE, AO, DSO 13 April 1984 to 25 October 1984
- Air Chief Marshal Sir Neville McNamarra, KBE, AO, AFC, AE 21 April 1982 to 12 April 1984
- Admiral Sir Anthony Synnot, KBE, AO 21 April 1979 to 20 April 1982
- General Sir Arthur MacDonald, KBE, CB 21 April 1977 to 20 April 1979
- General Sir Francis Hassett, AC, KBE, CB, DSO, MVO 9 February 1976 to 20 April 1977
Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee
- General Sir Francis Hassett, AC, CB, CBE, DSO, MVO 24 November 1975 to 8 February 1976
- Admiral Sir Victor Smith, AC, KBE, CB, DSC 23 November 1970 to 23 November 1975
- General Sir John Wilton, KBE, CB, DSO 19 May 1966 to 22 November 1970
- Air Chief Marshal Sir Frederick Scherger, KBE, CB, DSO, AFC 28 May 1961 to 18 May 1966
- Vice Admiral Sir Roy Dowling, KBE, CB, DSO 23 March 1959 to 27 May 1961
- Lieutenant General Sir Henry Wells, KBE, CB, DSO 23 March 1958 to 22 March 1959
Reference
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