Australian Forces in the cold war

The Australian Army played a significant role during the Cold War (1947–1991), reflecting Australia's strategic alignment with Western powers, especially the United States and the United Kingdom. Here's a summary of its activities, roles, and significance during this era:

1. Strategic Context

Alliance with the West: Australia was a staunch ally of the United States and the United Kingdom during the Cold War. It was part of the Western bloc that sought to counter the spread of communism. Australia's position in the Asia-Pacific made it a key player in regional defense, especially in the context of the decolonization of Asia and the rise of communist movements in Southeast Asia. Australia adopted a forward defense strategy, committing to defend allies and combat threats overseas before they reached Australia's shores.

2. Key Conflicts and Deployments

Korean War (1950–1953):

Australia was one of the first nations to commit troops under the United Nations Command. The Australian Army's 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), distinguished itself, particularly in battles such as Kapyong and Maryang San.

Malayan Emergency (1948–1960):

The Australian Army supported British-led operations to combat the communist insurgency in Malaya. Australian troops were involved in jungle warfare, contributing to the defeat of communist forces.

Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation (1963–1966):

During the Konfrontasi, Australian forces helped defend Malaysia against Indonesian aggression. The Army engaged in cross-border operations in Borneo, including jungle patrols and small-scale engagements.

Vietnam War (1962–1975):

The Vietnam War was Australia's largest Cold War military commitment. Australian forces, including the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) and the 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF), operated in South Vietnam, engaging in counterinsurgency operations, training South Vietnamese troops, and fighting alongside U.S. forces. Key battles included Long Tan (1966) and Coral-Balmoral (1968).

3. Domestic Roles

National Service:

The Australian government introduced conscription during the Vietnam War, leading to significant public debate and protests. National servicemen were deployed alongside regular forces in Vietnam.

Cold War Preparedness:

The Army maintained readiness for potential Soviet influence or communist insurgencies in the Asia-Pacific. Australia strengthened its military infrastructure and invested in modernizing its forces.

4. Alliances and Agreements

ANZUS Treaty (1951):

The security treaty between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States underscored Australia's strategic reliance on American support during the Cold War.

SEATO (1954–1977):

Australia was a founding member of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization, a collective defense pact aimed at containing communism in Southeast Asia.

3. Modernization and Challenges

Army Modernization:

The Cold War prompted significant investment in the Australian Army, including the acquisition of modern weapons, vehicles, and aircraft, such as the M113 armored personnel carriers and Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopters.

Economic and Social Impact:

The Cold War-era conflicts, particularly the Vietnam War, led to domestic political and social upheaval. Anti-war protests, especially against conscription, became a defining feature of Australian society during the 1960s and 1970s.

6. Transition Post-Cold War

As the Cold War ended, Australia shifted its focus to regional peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. However, its Cold War experiences significantly shaped its defense policies and alliances, particularly its close military ties with the United States. The Australian Army during the Cold War was a versatile and active force, contributing to the global fight against communism while maintaining regional stability in Southeast Asia. Its legacy during this period continues to influence Australia's military and strategic policies.

Royal Australian Armoured Corps

The Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) is a key component of the Australian Army, specializing in armored warfare, reconnaissance, and mechanized operations. Established in 1941, the RAAC has evolved significantly over the decades, playing important roles in both wartime and peacetime operations. Formation and History: The RAAC originated in 1941, July, formed as a consolidation of Australia's existing tank units. This reflected the increasing importance of armored vehicles in modern warfare, particularly during World War II. RAAC units, such as the 1st Armoured Division, were established to support Australia's defense and offensive operations. They operated Matilda infantry tanks and other vehicles in the Pacific campaigns, including in New Guinea and Borneo.


Centurions at Vung Tau: Soldiers of the 1st Armoured Regiment are briefed while sitting in front of their Centurion tanks at Vung Tau in South Vietnam during 1968

The RAAC's primary roles included the Operation of main battle tanks and other armored vehicles to engage enemy forces in conventional conflicts, Conducting reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence on enemy movements and terrain, Providing firepower and mobility to support infantry units in combined arms operations. It was also called upon Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Assistance, United Nations missions and disaster relief efforts.

During the Cold War, the RAAC played a vital role in maintaining Australia’s defense posture, particularly within the framework of forward defense in Southeast Asia. The RAAC introduced new vehicles to replace older World War II-era equipment. This included the British Centurion main battle tank (acquired in the 1950s), which became the backbone of Australian armored forces for decades. The M113 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) was introduced in the 1960s, providing increased mobility and protection for troops.

The RAAC played a crucial role in Australia's operations in Vietnam. Centurion Tanks were deployed in 1967, and were highly effective in supporting infantry and engaging enemy forces in Vietnam’s challenging jungle terrain. M113 APCs were widely used for troop transport, reconnaissance, and fire support from 1966. The RAAC's armored cavalry squadrons employed these vehicles to great effect during operations such as the battles of Coral and Balmoral.

RAAC units participated in regional training exercises with allied forces, particularly under the ANZUS Treaty and SEATO frameworks. These exercises focused on improving interoperability and readiness for potential conflicts in Southeast Asia.


After the Cold War, the RAAC underwent significant transformation to meet new challenges as the Centurion tanks were replaced by the Leopard 1 main battle tank in the late 1970s, and later by the more advanced M1A1 Abrams tanks in the early 2000s. Continued use of the M113 APCs, though later upgraded with better armor and weaponry. The RAAC shifted focus from Cold War-era conventional warfare to peacekeeping, counterinsurgency, and disaster relief operations. This included deployments to East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Current Structure

The RAAC is organized into several regiments, divided into two main types:
Armored Regiments: Main battle tanks, such as the M1A1 Abrams.
Cavalry Regiments: Focused on reconnaissance and equipped with vehicles like the ASLAV (Australian Light Armored Vehicle) and Bushmaster PMVs.

Notable regiments include:

• 1st Armoured Regiment (MBT-focused)
• 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) (Cavalry/reconnaissance)
• 2nd Cavalry Regiment

The RAAC has been pivotal to the Australian Army's ability to project power, support allies, and safeguard regional security. Its contributions during the Cold War—particularly in Vietnam—and its evolution in the post-Cold War era demonstrate its adaptability and enduring significance in Australia's military strategy.

Cold War Australian AFVs

The Yeramba was a self-propelled artillery vehicle built in Australia after the end of the Second World War. They were produced by mounting the 25 pounder gun howitzer on an American M3A5 Grant tank hull, converted by the Ordnance Factory Bendigo from 1950 to 1952. Along with most other WWII era tanks in Australia they were disposed of in 1956. Surviving Yerambas can be seen at the RAAC tank museum at Puckapunyal, Victoria, and at the Melbourne Tank Museum in Narre Warren.

Australia fielded Centurions with the 1st Armored Regiment (1949), based at Puckapunyal, Victoria. They replaced aging Churchills in 1952. They began their engagement with the 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF) arrived in 1967 at Nui Dat (Phuoc Tuy province). The first tank unit, C Squadron, arrived in February 1968, equipped with eight tanks, two dozer and two bridgelayer versions. Until August the squadron was reinforced until it reached a strength of 20 tanks, with some modifications. Until 1971 they had been heavily engaged, described by the troops and officers alike to be "worth their weight in gold". It should be noted that a single Mk.3 was tested in the 1953 nuclear test, now preserved at the Robertson Barracks in Palmerston as the "atomic tank".

A squadron of Centurion tanks was added to the 1st Australian Task Force established in Phước Tuy Province with three infantry batallions in December 1967. The requirement for tanks to support the infantry challenged the conventional wisdom of Australian counter-revolutionary warfare doctrine which was at first allotted only a minor role to armour. On 7 June 1971 Centurions saw action at the Battle of Long Khánh when 3rd Battalion and support Centurions were pressed to attack a heavily fortified base camp in Operation Overlord.


Australian M113A1 in Vietnam, 1970.


Australian M113A1 FSV/Alvis Saladin turret


Australian M113A1 LRV/APC with the V150 Cadillac-Gage T-50 turret


Australian M113A1 MRV in the 1980s (Scorpion Turret)

The Australian called it the "bucket" and "Bush taxi". The Australian Forces were among the first users of the M113A1, rapidly bringing them into action in Vietnam in the early 1960s. Modernization and improvement packages were quickly applied to the series, like the addition of a AN/VIC-1 com set, large dust filters, removal of crew compartment heaters, 600 kgs of belly armour added for mine protection, and heavy steel tracks. Also, most turned out as heavily armed APCs, with the addition of the Cadillac-Gage T-50 turret (cal.50 +cal.30 or twin .30), or heavier turrets in the case of the following variants such as the M113A1 FSV (Fire Support Vehicle) with an Alvis Saladin turre.

The M113A1 LRV/APC light reconnaissance vehicle had a V150 Cadillac-Gage T-50 turret and were used in Vietnam, some equipped with the Model 74C Cupola/Command Station. The M113A1 MRV (Medium Reconnaissance Vehicle) was an IFV fitted with the Alvis Scorpion turret with a night sight and with better amphibious characteristics, new drivers hatch. They worked with Cavalry medium reconnaissance regiments, still operational by the late 1980s.

A squadron of armoured personnel carriers from the 1st Armoured Personnel Carrier Squadron was sent at Nui Dat, Phước Tuy in 1967. It was was involved in the Battle of Long Tan in 1966.

Modern Australian Forces

• 59 M1A1 AIM SA Main Battle Tanks
• 257 ASLAV (to be replaced: Land 400 Phase 2)
• 25(186 ordered) Boxer CRV
• 431 M113AS3/AS4
• 13 M88A2 Hercules ARVs
• 763 Bushmaster PMVs
• 330 Hawkei PMV

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Softskin:
• 2,268 G-Wagon
• 3,580 RMMV HX tactical trucks
• 106 HMT Extenda, High Mobility Transporters
• DAGOR Light Assault Vehicles (on order, 2024)
• 8 HMEE engineer excavators
• 12 Husky Mark III minesweepers

(In construction, to be ported on a dedicated modern australian armour page)

Sources/Read More

australiandefence.com.au
ausarmour.com
Tanks in the Australian Army
Australian M113 in Vietnam
Australian Cents in Vietnam
Royal Australian Armoured Corps
1st APC Squadron
Australia_in_the_Vietnam_War
navy.gov.au
awm.gov.au: Korea
Fighting Australia’s Cold War: The Nexus of Strategy and Operations in a Multipolar Asia, 1945–1965. Edited by Peter Dean, Tristan Moss.


wikipedia.org Category:Cold War history of Australia

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