Australia's Federation Guard

Mission

Australia's Federation Guard (AFG) provides a Tri-Service ceremonial capability in order to promote the standards, values, traditions and ethos of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Australia.

History

Australia's Federation Guard was officially launched on 07 March 2000 at Parliament House in Canberra for the INTERFET welcome home parade. Since that time it has gained a reputation as Australia's premier ceremonial unit both within Australia and internationally.

Australia's Federation Guard is a Tri-Service unit, comprising of members from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the Australian Regular Army (ARA) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). In total, 160 service personnel form what is locally known as 'The Guard'. The members of Australia's Federation Guard possess a wide range of qualifications and experience. They all enlisted into the Service for a specific trade and have been tasked or volunteered to put those trades on hold for one or two years while they showcase the talents of the Australian Defence Force in a ceremonial capacity.

Australia's Federation Guard was initially formed to provide ceremonial Guards for functions associated with the Centenary of Federation in 2001 (hence the name). However, the range of duties and the standard of performance the unit's members have displayed to date have helped Australia's Federation Guard to become recognised as an integral part of military service that has continued beyond our Centenary of Federation.

Since the Guard's inception, unit personnel have performed a range of ceremonial duties around the world and within Australia.

Australia's Federation Guard Website: http://www.defence.gov.au/afg