NORFORCE facts for kids
Quick facts for kids North-West Mobile Force |
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Cap badge of the North-West Mobile Force
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| Active | 1 July 1981 – present |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Army |
| Role | Regional force surveillance |
| Size | One battalion |
| Part of | Regional Force Surveillance Group |
| Garrison/HQ | Larrakeyah |
| Nickname(s) | Nackaroos Green skins |
| Motto(s) | Ever Vigilant |
| March | Quick – The Vedette Slow – The Never-Never |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
LTCOL Gavin Ware |
| Insignia | |
| Unit colour patch |  |
| Abbreviation | NORFORCE |
The NORFORCE (North-West Mobile Force) is a special infantry group in the Australian Army Reserve. It was started in 1981. This group is one of three Regional Force Surveillance Units (RFSUs). Their main job is to watch and explore the huge, remote areas of Northern Australia. NORFORCE has a main office, four surveillance squadrons (smaller groups), and teams for support and training.
Contents
History of NORFORCE
Why NORFORCE Was Formed
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Australia realized it needed to protect its northern areas. So, they created a plan to watch the land, sea, and air. Part of this plan was to create special Australian Army Reserve infantry units. These units were called Regional Force Surveillance Units (RFSUs). They were meant to be the "eyes and ears" of the army in the north.
NORFORCE was created to work in the Northern Territory and the Kimberley region. It officially started on July 1, 1981. It was based in Darwin. Later, in 1985, two more RFSUs were formed: the Pilbara Regiment in Western Australia and the 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment in Far North Queensland.
NORFORCE's Roots
NORFORCE has a strong connection to an older unit called the 2/1st North Australia Observer Unit (2/1 NAOU). This unit was also known as the "Nackaroos." They were formed in 1942 during the Second World War. Their job was to scout and watch the coast of northern Australia for the Japanese. NORFORCE proudly carries on the traditions of the 2/1 NAOU. They even use the same orange and green 'double diamond' patch.
NORFORCE also shares history with other World War II units. One was the Darwin Mobile Force, which gave NORFORCE its name. Another was the Northern Territory Special Reconnaissance Unit. This unit was special because it was one of the first to train and enlist local Aboriginal soldiers. This helped NORFORCE later on.
Growing the Force
Between 1981 and 1985, NORFORCE had two main reconnaissance squadrons. The 1st Squadron covered the Northern Territory. The 2nd Squadron covered the Kimberley region in Western Australia. In 1986, these squadrons got new names based on their areas. 1 Squadron became Darwin Squadron, and 2 Squadron became Kimberley Squadron. Later that year, Centre Squadron and Arnhem Squadron were also created. Each squadron has its own area to watch. They are further divided into smaller "troops" and "patrols."
- Darwin Squadron is based in Darwin. It has teams in places like Daly River, Katherine, and on Melville Island.
- Kimberley Squadron is based in Broome. Its teams are in areas like Kununurra and Wyndham.
- Arnhem Squadron covers the eastern Northern Territory from Nhulunbuy. Its teams are in places like Milingimbi and on Elcho Island.
- Centre Squadron works from the South Australian border northwards. This includes Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.
Today, NORFORCE has about 65 full-time soldiers and 435 part-time Reservists. Their area of operation (AO) is huge, covering 1.8 million square kilometers. This makes it the largest area for any military unit in the world! An Operational Support Squadron and Training Squadron are also based in Darwin.
The "Green Skins"
NORFORCE members are sometimes called "Green skins." This name comes from the idea of different "skin" groups that Aboriginal people use to identify clans. The main job of NORFORCE is to scout, observe, and gather military information. If northern Australia were ever invaded, NORFORCE would stay behind enemy lines to gather information. About 60% of NORFORCE soldiers are Aboriginal. They are often recruited from the areas they patrol. This helps them use local knowledge and builds strong trust with Aboriginal communities.
Equipment and Operations
NORFORCE patrols can travel in many ways. They use small boats, helicopters, light aircraft, or special vehicles. They can also travel on foot. Because their job is so important, they get good equipment. This includes modern rifles, light support weapons, grenades, and special anti-personnel mines. They also use radios, binoculars, night vision gear, cameras, and advanced GPS systems. Their vehicles include Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon 6x6 Surveillance Reconnaissance Vehicles, motorcycles, and special inflatable boats.
Freedom of Entry
NORFORCE has been given the Freedom of Entry to a city or town nine times. This is more than any other unit in the Australian Defence Force. This special honor allows them to march through the city with their weapons. They received this honor in:
- Alice Springs: 1984
- Broome: 1987
- Darwin: 1982 and 2016
- Derby: 1983
- Katherine: 1986
- Kununurra: 1990
- Tennant Creek: 1994
- Wyndham: 1986
In 2006, NORFORCE celebrated its 25th birthday. They were given their first official "colours," which are special flags representing the unit.
Operation Resolute
NORFORCE helps with Operation Resolute. This is a big effort by the Australian government to protect Australia's borders. NORFORCE trains its soldiers to help patrol Australia's coastline and its special economic zone (the waters where Australia has rights). On March 1, 2010, NORFORCE became part of the re-formed 6th Brigade.
Later, on September 1, 2014, NORFORCE joined the 2nd Division. Then, on October 4, 2018, all three RFSUs (NORFORCE, Pilbara Regiment, and 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment) were grouped together. They formed a new headquarters called the Regional Force Surveillance Group.
Current Organisation
As of 2021, NORFORCE is made up of:
- Regimental Headquarters – Larrakeyah Barracks, Darwin, NT
- Arnhem Squadron – Nhulunbuy, NT
- Centre Squadron – Alice Springs, NT
- Darwin Squadron – Larrakeyah Barracks, Darwin, NT
- Kimberley Squadron – Broome, WA
- Training Support Squadron – Larrakeyah Barracks, Darwin, NT
- Operational Support Squadron – Larrakeyah Barracks, Darwin, NT
See also
- Northern Command (Australia)
