Nothing like a cracked record

The Central Army Records Office (CARO) has been recording and providing information about Australian soldiers for 88 years.

Established in 1914, the organisation has been a constant within the Australian soldier’s life.

Initially charged with recording, maintaining and releasing information, its focus gradually shifted towards to career management and the provision of information for soldiers and discharged personnel.

The organisation was also responsible for the assessment and issue of Army campaign and service medals, this function being transferred to the Honours and Awards Directorate in 1998.

In 1972 the role of CARO shifted from records keeping to that of executive action with an emphasis on implementation of Army personnel management policies, with particular responsibilities for promotion, posting, discharge, re-engagement and provision of data for the Army Pay Centre.

In December 1989 the unit took over the career management functions for soldiers up to the rank of WO1. At the same time the unit underwent a name change to Soldier Career Management Agency (SCMA).

The historical title of CARO was retained for the ex-service element within SCMA.

Simplistically CARO may be considered responsible for all administrative inquiries for discharged Army personnel.

However, CARO also deals with many non-career matters affecting serving soldiers, for example inquiries on compensation matters from legal firms and Veterans Affairs. CARO has transferred its WW2 records to the National Archives of Australia (NAA).

This was made possible by the Department of Veteran’s decision to construct a nominal roll of all who served in the Australian Forces during WW2.

While CARO continues to meet the needs of its ex-service community, other members of the public will benefit from the accessibility of records through the NAA.

CARO continues to provide information to its ex-service community and where necessary interprets the records for ex-service and members of the public.

Apart from holding and maintaining the records for discharged personnel, CARO also produces statements and certificates of service.

It confirms individual’s military service for a range of organisations from the DVA to the Ex-service Community. CARO also prepares information for eulogies as well as responding to request for information from security and civil policing organisations.

CARO is undertaking a review of its activities in an endeavour to take advantage of modern technologies such as the Defence Records Management System and maintain its relevance to its discharged personnel.

• For CARO information phone (03) 9282 6235 or (03) 9282 5393

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