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AFG is a tri-Service unit, comprised of members from the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Regular Army and Royal Australian Air Force. In total, 159 service personnel form what is locally known as 'The Guard'. 

History of the Federation Guard

Australia's Federation Guard (AFG) was officially launched on 07 March 2000 at Parliament House in Canberra for the INTERFET welcome home parade.

Since that time it has gained a reputation as Australia's premier ceremonial unit both within Australia and internationally.

AFG was initially formed to provide ceremonial Guards the Centenary of Federation in 2001.

AFG is also called on to participate in the ceremonial welcoming of foreign dignitaries to Australia and to provide ceremonial support for Australian civil and military events.

AFG is a tri-Service unit, comprising of members from the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Regular Army and the Royal Australian Air Force. In total, 159 service personnel form what is locally known as 'The Guard'. 

The members of AFG possess a wide range of qualifications and experience. They all enlisted into the Service for a specific trade and have been tasked or volunteered to put those trades on hold for one or two years while they showcase the talents of the Australian Defence Force in a ceremonial capacity.

AFG was initially formed to provide ceremonial Guards for functions associated with the Centenary of Federation in 2001 (hence the name). However, the range of duties and the standard of performance the unit's members have displayed to date have helped AFG to become recognised as an integral part of military service that has continued beyond our Centenary of Federation. Since the Guards inception, unit personnel have performed a range of ceremonial duties around the world including:

  • A Royal Guard for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Sydney Opera House and Government House in Canberra in 2000 and in Brisbane and Adelaide in 2002.

  • Ceremonial Support for Gallipoli commemoration services (Turkey 2000 - 2002)

  • Ceremonial Support for Greece & Crete commemoration services. (Greece& Crete 2001)

  • Ceremonial Support for 60th Anniversary of the Fall of Singapore. (Singapore 2002).

  • House Guards at Buckingham Palace, St James Palace and the Tower of London (2000).

  • Centenary of Federation celebrations throughout Australia (2001)

  • State Funeral for the Last ANZAC, Alec Campbell. (Tasmania 2002)

AFG is also called on to participate in the ceremonial welcoming of foreign dignitaries to Australia and to provide ceremonial support for Australian civil and military events, such as the opening of Royal shows and military parades.

L1A1 Self Loading Rifle (SLR)

The rifle used by AFG is the L1A1 Self Loading Rifle, commonly known as the SLR. Unlike some ceremonial units around the world, the SLR has not been structurally modified for ceremonial occasions and weighs approximately 5 kilograms. The magazine and bayonet have been chrome plated to enhance the drill movements performed by members of the unit.

Precision Drill Team

In addition to the extensive drill training that members of the unit undertake, approximately 30 members of the unit take it one step further as part of the Precision Drill Team. These members undertake intensive drill training and present a unique display of precision drill in 5-15 minute procedures which highlight the exceptionally high level of skill and teamwork that epitomise the goals of the Australian Defence Force.

http://www.defence.gov.au/afg/default.htm

AFG baseball cap 

These caps are only available through the Federation Guard and are only issued to members of the Guard.

This cap is Royal Blue in colour and has the Australian Defence Force Crest professionally embroidered at the front with the initials AFG below. 

It is manufactured from 100% cotton and also has an adjustable strap at the back of the cap.

 

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Digger History:  an unofficial history of the Australian & New Zealand Armed Forces