RAAC Attributes: What we Stand for
The Role of the RAAC hasn’t been changed to encompass the Combat Experimentation Group (CXG), as yet. It is still, therefore, to: “locate, identify, capture and destroy the enemy, by day or night, in combination with other arms, using fire and manoeuvre”.
Given the Corps’ reconnaissance responsibilities, some may think that ‘using fire, manoeuvre, and stealth’ might be more appropriate.
While the Role is one thing, possibly of even more importance are the attributes that define the RAAC. What does the Armoured Corps and its members stand for? Is there anything that sets them apart from the rest of the Army?
Undoubtedly, mobility and firepower provide a unique characteristic, i.e. the capacity to quickly close with the enemy and dominate the battlefield using direct fire. Doing this effectively requires quick thinking and decisiveness. Sustaining it, requires determination and courage. All this has to be underpinned by an aggressive spirit; while esprit-de-corps, pride, and camaraderie, are essential for success.
‘Death before dishonour’ is the tag given to the colours of the RAAC unit vehicle signs; one might think that ‘never give in’ could stand in its place. But the RAAC has given in.
The 2025 RAAC Corps Conference decided to accept the Chief of Army’s decision to strip 1 Armd Regt’s tanks from it and make it a non-combatant (contrary to the recommendations of the 2024 Corps Conference). How did this come about? What changed? It seems that it’s all become too hard.
Determination and all the other Armoured Corps qualities came to nothing in terms of mounting a counter argument to retain 1 Armd Regt as a tank regiment. Of course, the RAAC tried. Or did it? If the truth be known, the RAAC’s appointed leaders did very little. Indeed, the Head of Corps saw his role as being that of supporting the CA.
The new strategy is one of embrace, rather than oppose, the CA’s views. It is hoped that a new RAAC unit will be raised to assume command of the CXG, while RHQ 1 Armd Regt takes command of the tank squadrons in Townsville, with 2 Cav Regt looking after the cavalry squadrons. This could restore 3 Brigade’s combat power and the CA might agree. So far, he’s not accepted any of the arguments put to him in terms of returning 1 Armd Regt to a combat role.
Earlier this year, Maj Gen Michael Krause, AM, the RAAC Representative Honorary Colonel stated that “the HOC, Hon Col 1 Armd Regt and I will find them [i.e. ways of changing the CA’s mind] or die trying”. One hopes that the new strategy works.
The motto of 1 Armd Regt is ‘Paratus’. There is a sense of deep significance in the context of a tank regiment constantly honing its skills and professionalism. It is to be hoped that the CXG will devise a new motto appropriate to its responsibilities.
Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Cameron, MC, RAAC (Ret’d)
FILE PHOTO: An Australian Army soldier from 1st Armoured Regiment demonstrates hyper-teaming with uncrewed aerial systems on Project Convergence Capstone 5 at Fort Irwin, California, on 11 March 2025. Photo by Corporal Nakia Chapman.
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