The Adelaide-based brigade has welcomed a host of new units to its fold, becoming Australia’s first fully integrated combat brigade.
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The 1st Armoured Regiment, the 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, the Adelaide-based elements of the 1st Combat Service Support Battalion, and the 144th Signal Squadron have been incorporated into the Australian Army’s 9th Brigade.
This was marked by a transition of authority parade held at RAAF Base Edinburgh, which also marked the 9th Brigade’s transfer from the 2nd Division to Forces Command.
The parade was attended by Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, AO, DSC, who said the transition forms part of the Army’s broader modernisation plan.
“These changes ensure our Army continues to adapt to meet the challenges of the day and set the best possible conditions to ensure success in the future,” LTGEN Stuart said.
“Tonight, we formalise adjustments to the 9th Brigade that simplify command arrangements and strengthen Army’s presence here in South Australia.”
Commander of the 9th Brigade Brigadier Graham Goodwin, CSC, welcomed the integration of the units.
“The transformation of the 9th Brigade is the cornerstone of the combat brigade restructure,” BRIG Goodwin said.
“These changes ensure we are able to contribute critical land power capabilities to the Joint Force — in times of peace and war.”
The 9th Brigade is expected to leverage the Army’s flexible employment arrangements, building relationships with industry, academia, and sovereign-owned capability providers.
“I am excited about the opportunities that a fully integrated combat brigade offers to both our full and part-time workforce,” BRIG Goodwin added.
“Adelaide-based units already have strong relationships with South Australians and local industry — bringing everyone under the same brigade will strengthen these ties further.”
Commander of the 1st Brigade Brigadier Nick Foxall, AM, DSM, said the restructure would enable the 1st Brigade to focus on littoral manoeuvre capability out of the Top End.
“The transfer places the Adelaide-based units closer to their higher headquarters, as opposed to being separated by thousands of kilometres as they previously were and enables a more agile 1st Brigade to focus on delivering the Australian Army’s littoral manoeuvre centre of excellence,” BRIG Foxall said.
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