Airfield Defence Guards - Current Structure

Current Structure

The ADG mustering may be broadly divided into those positions contained within an AFDS and those within other units. Within Combat Support Group, No. 395 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing (395ECSW) commands the two Airfield Defence Squadrons.

• No. 1 Airfield Defence Squadron (1AFDS)—RAAF Base Amberley
• No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron (2AFDS)—RAAF Base Amberley.

A third unit, No. 3 Airfield Defence Squadron, and a higher headquarters (the Airfield Defence Wing) were disbanded following a reorganisation in 2006.

Airfield Defence Squadrons are deployable tactical units, broadly comparable in size and structure to an infantry independent rifle company, capable of providing force protection for RAAF elements or other formations. 2AFDS comprises four Rifle Flights and a Support Flight; each Rifle Flight consists of four 10-man Sections and a Headquarters element of one GRDEFO, a SGT and a signaller. Support Flight contains communications, signals, field engineering and reconnaissance elements (including snipers) and is commanded by a GRDEFO and an ADG Flight Sergeant. 1AFDS is an integrated unit of permanent and reserve members; while it is headquartered at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, it has reserve Rifle Flights located in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. In recent history 1AFDS has relocated to Amberley and has gained more permanent members with 3 rifle flights and is working closely with 2AFDS

Permanent Air Force NCOs may be posted to a Ground Defence Training Section (GDTS) at any major RAAF base in Australia or to certain training units within Air Force Training Group. GDTS staff undertake both a training role and provide specialist advice to unit commanders. Reserve NCOs may be posted to an AFDS, or to an instructional post or Reserve Airbase Protection Flight within one of the RAAF's 'City' Squadrons (Nos. 13, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 & 31 SQNs). ADG Warrant Officers (WOFFs) may be posted to staff or policy positions within a higher headquarters.