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The announcement by Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO, DSC was made during a ceremonial parade at the Anzac Memorial in Sydney’s Hyde Park.
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Chief of Army LTGEN Simon Stuart recently announced (16 July 2022) the enhancement of the 2nd Division, which would see it operate as an independent functional command.
Practically, this would see the 2nd Division reporting to the Chief of Army as opposed to Forces Command.
According to the Chief of Army, the enhancement would support the Australian Defence Force, improving the readiness of the Australian Army.
“The enhancement of 2nd Division helps prepare our Army, as part of the joint force, to better respond to our contemporary and potential future demands,” LTGEN Stuart said.
“The command will improve Army’s responsiveness, resilience and ability to rapidly scale to do what only an Army can do.
“The unity, a sense of purpose and focus by a single command will support our land forces to achieve the tasks that are asked of us by government.”
The Chief of Army’s remarks were reiterated by Commander 2nd Division Major General David Thomae who noted that the independent functional command will reinforce the division’s contribution to Australia’s national resilience.
“Second Division is conducting operations and training for contingencies every day but is uniquely made up of predominantly a part-time workforce,” MAJGEN Thomae said.
“These members often balance commitments to a civilian job while dedicating their time and skills to ensure Australia’s interests are supported at home and abroad.”
According to Defence, the 2nd Division’s role in the Australian Defence Force has been especially highlighted with the recent domestic operations as well as the ongoing patrolling of Australia’s northern border. Their mission is to continue generating land capabilities, while overseeing assigned domestic operations.
The announcement forms part of the Army’s response to the 2020 Defence Strategic Update.
[Related: Albanese, Ardern commit to annual defence and foreign affairs meetings]
