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Understanding Military Structure

Many records in the Memorial's collection contain reference to military units and/or formations. Having some basic knowledge of military structure can help you understand the collection better and help with your research.

The following guides provide an easy-to-understand overview of military structure that will help to provide context when you come across references to military structure in the collection.

Australian military patch

Rank

The most basic organisation in the armed forces is that of rank. This guide will help you understand the hierarchy of rank and the relationship of different ranks across the services.

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Soldiers stand by a helicopter in Vietnam

Army

The Australian Army is comprised of many different 'corps', each with a specific role. This guide will help you understand the where each corps fits into the organisation.

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Sailors sit behind a sign that reads "Signal & Wireless Ratings North Sea Draft, Royal Australian Navy, 1918

Royal Australian Navy

The Royal Australian Navy has a rich history dating back to the late 1850's.

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Pilots stand in front of a plane

Royal Australian Air Force

From the First World War through to today, Australian men and women have served in the skies above conflict zones around the world.

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Last updated: 3 August 2021

1 The Donations and bequests

Donations & Bequests

Your generous donation will be used to ensure the memory of our Defence Forces and what they have done for us, and what they continue to do for our freedom remains – today and into the future.

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2 Visit Transcribe.awm.gov.au

Transcribe

Help preserve Australia's history by transcribing records from the National Collection. Enhance accessibility and discoverability for all Australians.

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The placesofpride

Places of Pride

Places of Pride, the National Register of War Memorials, is a new initiative designed to record the locations and photographs of every publicly accessible memorial across Australia.

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Visit the Australian War Memorial

Visit the Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial is open for visitors as we work to expand our galleries. Entry is free and tickets are not required.

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Canberra Highlands in Grayscale

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF
TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS

The Australian War Memorial acknowledges the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, sea and waters. We pay our respects to elders past and present.
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The Australian War Memorial building

The Australian War Memorial

Fairbairn Avenue
Campbell ACT 2612
Australia
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The Australian War Memorial

Fairbairn Avenue

Campbell ACT 2612

Australia

 

Opening Hours

10 am to 4 pm daily (except Christmas Day)

 

In preparation for the daily Last Post Ceremony,

galleries are progressively closed from 3:40 pm.

 

Public entrance via Fairbairn Avenue, Campbell ACT 2612

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