Pilbara Regiment

The Pilbara Regiment

Cap Badge of the Pilbara Regiment
Active 26 January 1982 – Present
Country  Australia
Branch Army
Type Line Infantry
Role Regional Force Surveillance
Size One battalion
Part of 6th Brigade
Garrison/HQ Karratha
Motto(s) Mintu Wanta (Always Alert)
March Quick - Always Alert
Commanders
Colonel in Chief HM The Queen
(Royal Australian Infantry Corps)
Insignia
Unit Colour Patch
Area of Operations

The Pilbara Regiment is an infantry regiment of the Australian Army Reserve and is one of three Regional Force Surveillance Units employed in surveillance and reconnaissance of the remote areas of northern Australia. Most elements of the regiment are stationed in Pilbara region of north-west Australia.

History

In the late 1970s and early 1980s the need for a military presence in the north was recognised, with an integrated land, sea and air surveillance network developed in response. Part of this involved the raising of reserve infantry units that would act as "eyes and ears" in the north.[1]

The Pilbara Regiment was raised for operations in the Pilbara region of north-west Australia, whilst others were raised in the Northern Territory and Far North Queensland.[2] The regiment was originally formed as a company on 26 January 1982, as the 5th Independent Rifle Company, The Pilbara Regiment, under Major David Hudson. It was subsequently redesignated as a full regiment in 1985.[2]

Today the regiment's mission is: "To provide the Australian Army with information by conducting surveillance operations to contribute to an effective Australian Defence Force surveillance network in the North West of Australia (Pilbara Region)." It is responsible for an area of 1.3 million square kilometres from Port Hedland to Carnarvon in Western Australia, and from the coast to the border with the Northern Territory; being approximately one-sixth of the total Australia mass.

A detailed knowledge of its Area of Operations is maintained by conducting reconnaissance patrols by foot, vehicle and watercraft; surveillance from static observation posts; and by systematic communication and liaison with police, customs, other regional authorities, and with local landowners.

On 1 March 2010, Pilbara Regiment became part of the re-raised 6th Brigade.[3]

Current organisation

As at 2012, the Pilbara Regiment comprises three surveillance squadrons, a regimental headquarters and two support squadrons. The regiment's sub-units are:[4]

The Regimental Headquarters is located in the town of Karratha and most other elements of the regiment are spread across the Pilbara region. 3 Squadron is located in Perth.[5]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ "History – the Pilbara Regiment". Australian Department of Defence. Retrieved 2009-05-08.
  2. 1 2 Kuring 2004, p. 390.
  3. ↑ Gaze, Jillian (18 March 2010). "Key to Adaptability". Army. Australian Army. Retrieved 20 March 2010.
  4. ↑ Pilbara Regiment (2012), pp. 13–14
  5. ↑ Pilbara Regiment (2012), p. 14

References

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