How was the Decision Made That Stripped 1st Armoured Regiment of its Tanks?

Dear All,

Did it just happen? Did the Chief of Army suddenly have a vision and tell the RAAC Head of Corps to direct 1 Armd Regt to ditch its heritage and become a non-combatant? Of course not.

The time has now come to reveal all; to share how it was that a unit with 75-years’ service to the nation, developing the skills and expertise needed to crew tanks, was chosen to give it all up and become the CA’s technology test-bed instead.

For those not part of the inner circle, the decision came ‘out of the blue’ following the Defence Strategic Review (DSR). But, if truth be known, it was something planned well beforehand. When the news leaked, as it had to…it was simply dismissed. Who would credit such a thing? A unit awarded first a Guidon and then a Standard, a unit with three battle-honours and a Unit Citation for Gallantry … surely it would continue for at least the next 75 years.

But it turned out to be true.

At the time, the RAAC comprised three ARA units. One whose heritage dated back to 1949, a mere six months after the formation of the RAAC; another formed in 1970; and the third, just 20 years ago. So how did it happen that the Australian Army’s senior-most unit was designated to be stripped of its tanks, and, on top of this, be given a non-RAAC role? Cost cutting is known to be involved, but how and to what degree did this influence the decision?

What discussions took place? What were the options considered … surely there were alternatives? Who influenced the discussions the most and what were the reasons for this? Was everything openly discussed and records kept, or were outside influences involved?

These are the questions to be answered and recorded in the history of the RAAC (the most recent pages of which are presently ‘locked’).

Any input which helps bring the truth to light, would be appreciated. Let’s hope for openness and transparency…as the saying goes: “Sunlight is the best disinfectant”.

Many thanks,

Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Cameron, MC, RAAC (Ret’d)

 

FILE PHOTO (March 2025): An Australian Army soldier from 1st Armoured Regiment demonstrates hyper-teaming with uncrewed aerial systems on Project Convergence Capstone 5 at Fort Irwin, California. Photo by Corporal Nakia Chapman.

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