The NORFORCE (North-West Mobile Force) is an infantry regiment of the Australian Army Reserve. Formed in 1981, the regiment is one of three Regional Force Surveillance Units (RFSUs) employed in surveillance and reconnaissance of the remote areas of Northern Australia. It consists of a regimental headquarters, four surveillance squadrons, and an operational support squadron and training squadron.
History
In the late 1970s and early 1980s the need for a military presence in the north of Australia was recognised, with an integrated land, sea and air surveillance network developed in response. Part of this involved the raising of Australian Army Reserve infantry units known as Regional Force Surveillance Units (RFSUs) that would act as "eyes and ears" in the north. NORFORCE was raised for operations in the Northern Territory and the Kimberley region of Northern Australia and was formed as an independent company on 1 July 1981, from the 7th Independent Rifle Company, and was based in Darwin under the command of Lieutenant Colonel John George. This unit was renamed as the North-West Mobile Force, or NORFORCE, in 1981. Meanwhile, in 1985 two more RFSUs were raised, with the Pilbara Regiment established in Western Australia, and the 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment established in Far North Queensland.
The regiment's lineage goes back to 2/1st North Australia Observer Unit (2/1 NAOU) (also known as the "Nackaroos"), which were formed in 1942 as part of the defence of northern Australia from the Japanese during the Second World War, performing reconnaissance, scouting and coastal surveillance tasks across the Kimberley and the Northern Territory's sea and air approaches. Patrols were reduced in July 1943 as the Japanese threat subsided, and the unit was disbanded in 1945. Due to the similarities between the two units and in order to give NORFORCE an identity it was decided that it would perpetuate the 2/1 NAOU traditions, and as such NORFORCE officially adopted the 2/1 NAOU's orange and green 'double diamond' colour patch and its unit heritage upon formation.
Borrowing the concept of different "skin" groups to differentiate clans, members of NORFORCE are also known as "Green skins". The primary role of the regiment is reconnaissance, observation and the collection of military intelligence. In the event of an invasion of northern Australia, NORFORCE and the other RFSUs would operate in a "stay-behind" capacity. Sixty percent of NORFORCE personnel are Aboriginal soldiers, recruited mainly from the area they patrol in order to draw upon local knowledge. motorcycles, Zodiac inflatable boats, and Regional Patrol Craft (aluminium boats).
NORFORCE has the distinction of being granted the Freedom of Entry to a city or town on ten occasions, the most of any unit, ship or establishment in the Australian Defence Force. Freedoms of Entry have been granted for Darwin in 1982, Derby in 1983, Alice Springs in 1984, Katherine in 1986, Wyndham in 1986, Broome in 1987, Kununurra in 1990, Tennant Creek in 1994, Darwin again in 2016 and most recently Alice Springs again in 2023. In 2006, the regiment celebrated its 25th birthday by being presented with its first stand of colours.
Operation Resolute
NORFORCE has continuously contributed Force Elements to Operation Resolute as part of the wider Whole of Government response to border protection. As one of three RFSUs involved, NORFORCE routinely trains and certifies personnel for the Australian Defence Force's contribution to patrolling Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone and coastline. On 1 March 2010, NORFORCE became part of the re-raised 6th Brigade.
On 1 September 2014, NORFORCE came under the command of the 2nd Division. On 4 October 2018, all three RFSUs were grouped together as part of a new formation headquarters, the Regional Force Surveillance Group. The new formation came into being at a parade held at Larrakeyah Barracks in Darwin.
Current organisation
As of 2021, NORFORCE comprised:
- 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
Freedoms of Entry
NORFORCE has the distinction of being granted the Freedom of Entry to a city or town on ten occasions, the most of any unit, ship or establishment in the Australian Defence Force.