The responsibility for maintaining the Airborne Insertion (Parachute) Capability has transferred from Army Forces Command to Special Operations Command.
The transfer marks a significant milestone in the history of Army’s parachute capability.
The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, recognised that the Army has raised, developed and maintained a conventional parachute capability over the past 31 years.
“I acknowledge the fine efforts of all those who have served as part of, and in support of the parachute capability,” he said.
Initially raised and based on a company in the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) in 1980, the parachute capability was enhanced and the responsibility transferred to the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) in 1983.
During its time as a Parachute Battalion, 3RAR was ably supported by a wide range of units from the 1st and 3rd Brigades, the Parachute Training School and 176th Air Dispatch Squadron.
“I also acknowledge the ongoing support of the Royal Australian Air Force in maintaining the parachute capability.”
“The parachute capability has been important part of the AD F’s contingency force since its inception, and will continue to be into the future,” LTGEN Morrison said.
“However, times have changed and there is a need to re-balance Army to meet the challenges of the future.”
“3RAR now faces many new challenges including the move to Townsville, deployment to Afghanistan and playing its part in Army’s future.”
The transfer of the parachute capability to Special Operations Command means that the ADF maintains a robust and flexible entry capability while ensuring that Army is better able to meet the challenges of the future.