History
Formation of ADGs
The origins of the Airfield Defence Guard mustering lie in the
Second World War with the first Security Guard Unit (No 1 Airfield
Defence Squadron), formed at Livingston Airfield, Northern Territory,
on 1 October 1942.
The ADGs (then known as Aerodrome Defence Guards) role was to
provide a mobile body of guards that would be available in any
emergency. The ADGs were essentially responsible for providing the
operational air bases in Australia and in the South Pacific with
trained and competent guards that could defend the bases against
Japanese attacks.
Since the creation of the ADG mustering, ADGs have been deployed on
active service throughout many parts of the world, such as Afghanistan,
Cambodia, East Timor, Iraq, Kuwait, Vietnam, the Solomon Islands and
Thailand (Ubon). The most recent deployment has been to the Middle East
Area of Operations (MEAO) from 2003.
ADGs in World War 2
From 1942–45 Airfield Defence Guards were responsible for the
defence of operational air bases within Australia and throughout the
South Pacific, in places such as Kiriwina, the Trobrian Islands and
Papua. Of significant note was that ADGs supported a special task force
that served under the command of Z Force
ADGs in the Vietnam War
From 1966–75 Airfield Defence Guards assisted American base security
forces to provide security for both American and Australian aircraft at
Vung Tau and Phan Rang airfields, as well as undertaking other
specialised tasks such as VIP escorts.
ADG Door Gunners in the Vietnam War
Because of their specialised training, Airfield Defence Guards
provided most of the door gunners for No 9 Squadron Iroquois
helicopters during the Vietnam War. In 1986 this role transfered to the
Army.
ADGs in East Timor
In 1999 Airfeld Defence Guards from No 2 Airfield Defence Squadron
(2AFDS) were deployed to East Timor as part of the United Nations'
International Force East Timor (InterFET), charged with the
responsibility of protecting and securing both Komoro and Baucau
airfields to ensure uninterrupted air operations. Later, ADG Reservists
from both Nos 1 and 3 Airfield Defence Squadrons were also deployed,
forming one integrated unit.
As result of operations in East Timor, 2AFDS was awarded a
Meritorious Unit Citation for outstanding service in warlike operations
in support of InterFET.
Related links
Operation Astute: East Timor (Department of Defence)
ADGs in the Middle East Area of Operations
As part of the ongoing commitment to the International Coalition
Against Terror, Airfield Defence Guards have deployed throughout the
Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) with duties ranging from
providing security for the Air Traffic Control Detachment at Baghdad
International Airport, Iraq, to providing security for deployed Air
Force assets throughout the region.
Related links
