Table of ranks
| Royal Australian Navy | Australian Army | Royal Australian Air Force |
| Admiral of the Fleet | Field Marshal | Marshal of the Air Force |
| Admiral | General | Air Chief Marshal |
| Vice Admiral | Lieutenant General | Air Marshal |
| Rear Admiral | Major General | Air Vice Marshal |
What is the highest rank in the Australian Army?
The rank is also held when an Army Officer is the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, the Chief of Joint Operations, or the Chief of Capability Development. The rank of Lieutenant General is referred to as ‘three star’ rank. General is the highest active rank of the Australian Army.
What is a two-star rank in the Australian Defence Force?
In the Australian Defence Force, guided by the Defence Force Regulations 1952, the level of two-star rank is that of commissioned officer O-8 in the Australian Defence Force ranks code. This means the Australian Army rank of Major General, the Royal Australian Navy rank of rear admiral, and the Royal Australian Air Force rank of Air Vice Marshal.
How many units are in the Australian Defence Force?
It consists of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and several "tri-service" units. The ADF has a strength of just over 85,000 full-time personnel and active reservists and is supported by the Department of Defence and several other civilian agencies.
Who is the head of the Australian Defence Force?
In practice, the Governor-General is the ceremonial head of the Australian Defence Force and command and control power is delegated to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Defence.
What are the ranks in the Australian Defence force?
ADF Ranks and APS classificationsAPS 1. Private. Lance Corporal.APS 2. Corporal.APS 3. Sergeant. Staff Sergeant.APS 4. Warrant Officer, Class 2. Warrant Officer, Class 1. 2nd Lieutenant. Lieutenant.APS 5. Captain.APS 6. Major.Executive Level 1. Lieutenant Colonel.Executive Level 2. Colonel.More items...
What is the most elite military unit in Australia?
Special Air Service RegimentSpecial Air Service Regiment (SASR), also called Special Air Service (SAS), Australian special forces unit that exists within Australia's Special Operations Command.
What is the highest rank in the RAAF?
Air MarshalThe most senior active rank of the RAAF, Air Marshal – a three-star rank, is held by the Chief of Air Force. On the occasions that the Chief of the Defence Force is an officer of the RAAF, the rank of Air Chief Marshal is awarded.
Does Australia have 5star generals?
Currently the five-star level is not an active serving rank in the Australian Defence Force. Australia has only had one active serving five-star rank officer within the armed forces of the Commonwealth of Australia.
What rank is an SAS patrol commander?
A troop comprises four patrols with five or six operators in each patrol, and is commanded by a captain with each patrol commanded by a sergeant.
How much do Australian SAS soldiers get paid?
The average salary for a special forces operator is $82,815 per year in Australia.
Who is the head of the Australian Army?
Lieutenant General Simon StuartChief of Army: Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, AO, DSC Lieutenant General Stuart assumed command of the Australian Army on 02 July 2022. Enlisting as a soldier in 1987, Lieutenant General Stuart was commissioned into the Royal Australian Infantry Corps in 1990.
What are the top 3 ranks in the army?
Army officer ranks are in three tiers: company grade, field grade and general. Commissioned officers are the highest ranks in the Army.
What order is military rank?
There are 13 enlisted Army ranks: private, private second class, private first class, specialist, corporal, sergeant, staff sergeant, sergeant first class, master sergeant, first sergeant, sergeant major, command sergeant major and sergeant major of the Army.
Who is the only 6 star general?
So yes, there is an equivalent of a six-star general rank on the books in the US Military, but it has only been given to two people in history: John J. Pershing and George Washington, Generals of the Armies of the United States of America.
What is a 7 star general?
No person have ever been awarded or promoted to a seven-star rank, although some commentators might argue that General George Washington posthumously became a seven-star general in 1976 (see Part Seven).
Who is the youngest general today?
He may be the youngest person to hold the rank of brigadier general in the US Army; at the age of 20, he remains the only general too young to vote for the president who appointed him....Galusha PennypackerPlace of burialPhiladelphia National Cemetery, Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAllegianceUnited States of America Union10 more rows
Who are the most elite military units?
SEAL Team 6, officially known as United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), and Delta Force, officially known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), are the most highly trained elite forces in the U.S. military.
What is the most elite military unit in the world?
United States Navy SEALs are perhaps the finest special operations forces in the world.
Does Australia have a powerful military?
The ADF is technologically sophisticated but relatively small. Although the ADF's 60,330 full-time active-duty personnel and 29,560 active reservists as of June 30th 2021 make it the largest military in Oceania, it is smaller than most Asian military forces.
Who is the No 1 Commando in the world?
1. MARCOS, India. MARCOS is the short name for 'Marine Commandos'. Trained in HALO and HAHO, equipped with the best assault rifles, sniper rifles and real-time war equipment, Indian MARCOS are one of the deadliest Special Forces in the world.
What is the highest rank in the Australian military?
The highest active rank in the Australian Defence Force is reserved for the Chief of the Defence Force. This is a four-star rank and the CDF is the only Australian military officer at that level. As a result of the diarchy, the Secretary of the Department of Defence is of the equivalent civilian four-star level in the Senior Executive Service ...
What is the Australian Defence Force?
The Australian Defence Organisation (ADO) is composed of the armed forces of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Australian Defence Force (ADF), and the Australian Public Service government department, the Department of Defence which is composed of a range of civilian support organisations. The Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) ...
What is the rank of a 3 star?
This means the Australian Army rank of lieutenant general, the Royal Australian Navy rank of vice admiral, and the Royal Australian Air Force rank of air marshal .
What is the 4 star rank in the Australian Army?
In the Australian Defence Force, guided by the Defence Force Regulations 1952, the level of four-star rank is that of commissioned officer O-10 in the Australian Defence Force ranks code. This means the Australian Army rank of general, the Royal Australian Navy rank of admiral, and the Royal Australian Air Force rank of air chief marshal .
How many five star officers are there in Australia?
Australia has only had one active serving five- star rank officer within the armed forces of the Commonwealth of Australia. This was Sir Thomas Blamey who was appointed Field Marshal in the Australian Army in 1950 and presented his field marshal's baton by the then Governor-General William McKell.
What is the 2 star rank?
In the Australian Defence Force, guided by the Defence Force Regulations 1952, the level of two-star rank is that of commissioned officer O-8 in the Australian Defence Force ranks code . This means the Australian Army rank of major general, the Royal Australian Navy rank of rear admiral, and the Royal Australian Air Force rank ...
What is the Australian rank system?
Ranks. The rank system forms the backbone of the Australian Army’s structure and defines a soldier or officer’s role and degree of responsibility. The ranks are based upon those of the British Army, although there are some differences in the way they are displayed.
Who signed the commission for the Australian Army?
Australian Army officers receive a commission that is personally signed by the Minister for Defence and the Governor-General of Australia, acting for the Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, of Australia.
What is the highest rank in the Australian army?
General is the highest active rank of the Australian Army. The rank of General is only held when an Army Officer is appointed as the Chief of the Defence Force. The rank of General is referred to as ‘four star’ rank.
What is the rank of a brigadier?
They are responsible for branches within the headquarters such as Personnel, Operations and Career Management. The rank of Brigadier is referred to as ‘one star’ rank.
What is the rank of an officer cadet?
Officer Cadet (OCDT) The rank of Officer Cadet is given to those who are studying at the Australian Defence Force Academy. Their rank is then changed to Staff Cadet upon entry to the Royal Military College, Duntroon (RMC-D) where they become a part of the Corps of Staff Cadets. Officer cadets wear a 10mm wide white stripe, ...
What is the rank of second lieutenant?
The rank of Second Lieutenant is reserved for new officers and officers in special appointments such as university regiments, training institutions or under probation during training. They may undertake or have responsibilities similar to that of a Lieutenant.
What is the rank of Lieutenant General?
The rank is also held when an Army Officer is the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, the Chief of Joint Operations, or the Chief of Capability Development. The rank of Lieutenant General is referred to as ‘three star’ rank.
What is the rank of a Major General?
The rank of Major General is referred to as ‘two star’ rank.
What is a captain in military?
Captain (CAPT) Insignia. Captains are normally second-in-command of a sub-unit of up to 120 soldiers. They are key players in the planning and decision-making process within tactical level units, with responsibility for operations on the ground as well as equipment maintenance, logistical support and manpower.
Notes
MANPOWER - Values partly derived from the CIA World Factbook. Some values may be estimated.
Comparable Powers
Entries below showcase broadly similar fighting capabilities according to the GFP formula.
Neighboring Powers
Entries below are selected based on geographic proximity to host nation, typically a shared border.
What is the Australian Defence Force?
The Australian Defence Force ( ADF) is the military organisation responsible for the defence of Australia and its national interests. It consists of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and several "tri-service" units. The ADF has a strength of just over 85,000 full-time personnel ...
Who has the general control of the Defence Force?
This act states that the Minister for Defence "shall have the general control and administration of the Defence Force" and that the CDF, the Secretary of the Department of Defence and the chiefs of the three services must act "in accordance with any directions of the Minister".
What are the main elements of the Army?
The Army is organised into three main elements which report to the Chief of Army; the Headquarters of the 1st Division, Special Operations Command and Forces Command. As of 2017, approximately 85% of Army personnel were in units assigned to Forces Command, which is responsible for preparing units and individuals for operations. Headquarters 1st Division is responsible for high-level training activities and is capable of being deployed to command large scale ground operations. Only a small number of units are permanently assigned to the 1st Division; these include the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment which forms the pre-landing force for the Australian Amphibious Force, a signals regiment and three training and personnel support units.
What is the CDF in the ADF?
The CDF is the most senior appointment in the ADF and commands the force. The CDF is the only four-star officer in the ADF and is a general, admiral or air chief marshal. As well as having command responsibilities, the CDF is the Minister for Defence's principal military adviser.
What is the ADF command arrangement?
The ADF's command arrangements are specified in the Defence Act (1903) and subordinate legislation. This act states that the Minister for Defence "shall have the general control and administration of the Defence Force" and that the CDF, the Secretary of the Department of Defence and the chiefs of the three services must act "in accordance with any directions of the Minister". The leaders of the ADO are also responsible to the junior ministers who are appointed to manage specific elements of the defence portfolio. Under the Morrison Ministry two cabinet-level ministers have been responsible for the Defence portfolio since August 2018: the position of Minister for Defence held by Linda Reynolds, and Darren Chester is the Minister for Defence Personnel and the Minister for Veterans' Affairs. In addition, there are two junior ministers: Alex Hawke is the Assistant Defence Minister and Melissa Price is the Minister for Defence Industry.
What are the threats to Australia's security?
Although it is not expected that Australia will face any threat of direct attack from another country, terrorist groups and tensions between nations in East Asia pose threats to Australian security. More broadly, the Australian Government believes that it needs to make a contribution to maintaining the rules-based order globally. There is also a risk that climate change, weak economic growth and social factors could cause instability in South Pacific countries.
What is the ADF?
The ADF's legal standing draws on the executive government sections of the Australian Constitution. Section 51 (vi) gives the Commonwealth Government the power to make laws regarding Australia's defence and defence forces. Section 114 of the Constitution prevents the States from raising armed forces without the permission of the Commonwealth and Section 119 gives the Commonwealth responsibility for defending Australia from invasion and sets out the conditions under which the government can deploy the defence force domestically.
Overview
The Australian Defence Organisation (ADO) is composed of the armed forces of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Australian Defence Force (ADF), and the Australian Public Service government department, the Department of Defence which is composed of a range of civilian support organisations.
The Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) leads the Australian Defence Force and the Secretary of Def…
Command and Control
The Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force is set out under Section 68 of the Constitution of Australia, stating "the command in chief of the naval and military forces of the Commonwealth is vested in the Governor-General as the Queen's representative".
In practice, the Governor-General is the ceremonial head of the Australian Defence Force and command and control power is delegated to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Defence. The National …
Five-star level
Currently the five-star level is not an active serving rank in the Australian Defence Force. Australia has only had one active serving five-star rank officer within the armed forces of the Commonwealth of Australia. This was Sir Thomas Blamey who was appointed Field Marshal in the Australian Army in 1950 and presented his field marshal's baton by the then Governor-General William McKell. Blamey was seriously ill at the time and died three months later.
Four-star level
In the Australian Defence Force, guided by the Defence Force Regulations 1952, the level of four-star rank is that of commissioned officer O-10 in the Australian Defence Force ranks code. This means the Australian Army rank of general, the Royal Australian Navy rank of admiral, and the Royal Australian Air Force rank of air chief marshal.
In the Australian Public Service, guided by the Public Service Act 1999, the level of four-star rank i…
Three-star level
In the Australian Defence Force, guided by the Defence Force Regulations 1952, the level of three-star rank is that of commissioned officer O-9 in the Australian Defence Force ranks code. This means the Australian Army rank of lieutenant general, the Royal Australian Navy rank of vice admiral, and the Royal Australian Air Force rank of air marshal.
In the Australian Public Service, guided by the Public Service Act 1999, the level of three-star rank is …
Two-star level
In the Australian Defence Force, guided by the Defence Force Regulations 1952, the level of two-star rank is that of commissioned officer O-8 in the Australian Defence Force ranks code. This means the Australian Army rank of major general, the Royal Australian Navy rank of rear admiral, and the Royal Australian Air Force rank of air vice marshal.
In the Australian Public Service, guided by the Public Service Act 1999, the level of two-star rank i…
See also
• Senior Australian Defence Organisation Positions
External links
• Defence leaders: high-profile senior personnel
• Australian Defence Organisation website