Description

Description: Barracks Patch – NORFORCE (Current issue)

Condition: Mint

Comments: Barracks Patch – NORFORCE (Current issue). Complete with velcro backing.

The NORFORCE (North-West Mobile Force) is an infantry regiment of the Australian Army Reserve. Formed in 1981, the regiment is one of three Regional Force Surveillance Units (RFSUs) employed in surveillance and reconnaissance of the remote areas of Northern Australia.

NORFORCE was raised for operations in the Northern Territory and the Kimberly region of northern Australia and was originally formed as a company on 1 July 1981, from the 7th Independent Rifle Company, based in Darwin under Lieutenant Colonel John George. This was renamed as the North-West Mobile Force, or NORFORCE, in 1981.

he regiment’s lineage goes back to 2/1st North Australia Observer Unit (also known as the “Nackaroos”), which were formed in 1942 as part of the defence of northern Australia from the Japanese during the Second World War, performing reconnaissance, scouting and coastal surveillance tasks across the Kimberley and the Northern Territory’s sea and air approaches. However, patrols were reduced in July 1943 as the Japanese threat subsided, and the unit was disbanded in 1945.

he regiment is now a fully integrated unit consisting of a cadre of about 65 regular personnel supporting 435 Reservists. It is based at Larrakeyah Barracks in Darwin, while its area of operation covers 1.8 million square kilometres, encompassing the entire Northern Territory and the Kimberley region of Western Australia.