Australian Defence Terminology vs Civilian Terminology
Australian Defence Terminology | Civilian Equivalent | Description |
ADF (Australian Defence Force) | Military / Armed Forces | Refers to the combined military forces of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. |
Tactical Exercise | Practice / Drill | A training exercise simulating real-life situations for operational readiness. |
Op (Operation) | Mission / Project | A specific military operation or mission with a defined objective. |
Squadron | Unit / Division | A group of aircraft, ships, or vehicles under a single command, or an Air Force unit. |
Platoon | Team / Group | A subunit of a military company, typically consisting of 20-40 soldiers. |
CIS (Combat Information System) | Data System / Communications System | Supports command, control, and intelligence in military operations. |
Regiment | Large Team / Department | A military unit composed of multiple battalions. |
Force Protection | Security / Safety Measures | Measures to protect military personnel and assets from threats. |
RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) | Air Force | The branch of the ADF responsible for air operations. |
Logistics | Supply Chain / Operations Management | Planning and managing resources for military operations. |
Field Service | On-site Service / Remote Service | Military service performed in operational environments away from base. |
Briefing | Meeting / Presentation | A formal presentation of information, often about upcoming operations. |
Weapon Systems | Tools / Equipment | Devices and equipment used for combat, such as firearms and artillery. |
Deployment | Assignment / Relocation | The movement of personnel to a location for a mission or operation. |
Commanding Officer (CO) | Manager / Supervisor | The officer in charge of a military unit or base. |
Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO) | National Intelligence Agency / Security Service | Provides military intelligence to the government and Defence Force. |
Reserve | Part-time Worker / Backup Team | Part-time ADF members available for mobilisation during times of need. |
Task Force | Work Group / Special Project Team | A temporary group assembled for a specific task. |
Corps | Specialised Department / Division | A branch specialising in specific functions (e.g., engineers, medical). |
Duty Watch | On-call / On Duty | Personnel on standby to respond to incidents or emergencies. |
Field Marshal | Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Highest Rank | The highest rank in the military, rarely used in Australia. |
Combat Service Support | Operations Support / Supply Services | Services supporting combat, such as transport, medical, and logistics. |
R&R (Rest and Recuperation) | Time Off / Holiday | A break from military duties for personal or health reasons. |
Warrant Officer | Senior Manager / Lead Technician | A senior non-commissioned officer with leadership responsibilities. |
Defence White Paper | National Defence Strategy / Policy Framework | Outlines the nation's defence strategy and priorities. |
Advance Party | Pre-deployment Team / Setup Crew | A group preparing for deployment or securing a location ahead of the main force. |
Combat Ready | Fully Prepared / Ready to Perform | A state of full preparedness for combat operations. |
Defence Force Recruiting | Job Recruitment / Hiring Campaign | The process of attracting and selecting personnel to join the ADF. |
Base Command | Facility Management / Campus Leadership | Authority managing a military base or installation. |
Operational Level | Intermediate Management / Tactical Planning | The level of military operations between strategic and tactical plans. |