Australia has a long and proud history of helping to keep peace in many of the world's trouble spots and, since the end of the Second World War, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has contributed to over thirty peace operations. This contribution, and the professionalism of the ADF, has earned the respect and admiration of Governments and individuals throughout the world.

In 1992, the Australian Department of Defence acknowledged the increasing complexity of peace operations and identified a need to provide additional doctrine and training. Consequently, on 25 January 1993, the ADF Peace Operations Training Centre was established as part of the Australin Defence Force Warfare Centre (ADFWC) at RAAF Base Williamtown thirty five kilometres north of Newcastle, New South Wales.