In recent months, the Australian Government has announced significant investments in improving defence capabilities in the north of Australia, as outlined in the 2023 Defence Strategic Review (DSR) and National Defence Strategy. As the Australian Defence Force (ADF) pivots towards a more littoral-focused fighting force, one unit stands out as a critical asset: the Regional Force Surveillance Group (RFSG).

As a member of one of the RFSG units, I believe we play a vital role in Australia's northern defence strategy. Since joining in 2022, I've been part of NORFORCE's Roper Gulf Troop within Arnhem Squadron. Our area of operation (AO) covers a vast 1.8 million square kilometres. It covers the Katherine region, southeast Arnhem Land, up to Nhulunbuy, west to Maningrida, and back to Katherine. It's a landscape of contrasts – rugged bushland, winding rivers, and a coastline that stretches as far as the eye can see. In fact, 60% of our AO is littoral, encompassing major rivers and creeks that are lifelines in this harsh environment.

This isn't just a job for me; it's a way of life. In my civilian role I work as a Pastoral Coordinator for the Northern Land Council, consulting on and ensuring compliance with agriculture and cattle production on Aboriginal land trusts. This work has honed my bush skills, making me intimately familiar with the terrain, weather patterns, and unique challenges of the north. These skills directly translate to my military duties of surveillance and reconnaissance, making NORFORCE a perfect fit for me and many others with similar backgrounds.

The DSR's "Strategy of Denial" aligns perfectly with what we do. NORFORCE, along with the 51st Far North Queensland Regiment (51 FNQR) and the Pilbara Regiment, has been the "eyes and ears" of the Army in northern Australia for over 40 years. We're not warfighters but information gatherers, providing command with real-time intelligence. We patrol, observe, and report any occurrences of interest to command. It might sound simple, but in an age where information is as valuable as ammunition, our role is critical.

However, to fully leverage the RFSG's potential, we need targeted investments:

1. Enhanced Training: Approximately 70% of RFSG members are Indigenous Australians. This is a strength – their connection to country gives unparalleled local knowledge. However, it also presents unique challenges. Some members may have language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) issues. The Army's Regional Training & Education Centre (RTEC) does fantastic work addressing this, but we can go further. More on-country training at Squadron Headquarters or Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) would make learning more culturally appropriate and practically relevant. It would also reduce the "homesickness" many experience during long stays in major townships.

2. Skills Retention: Living in remote areas makes regular skills practice challenging. A soldier might do a course on weapons handling or patrolling tactics, then not use those skills for 12 months or more. It's not like a regular Tuesday night drill for city-based reservists. We need more training days and Continuous Full-Time Service (CFTS) opportunities to keep skills sharp. This isn't just about being proficient; it's about being ready. If we're the first line of defence, we need to be as prepared as any frontline unit.

3. Inter-unit Collaboration: As the ADF increases its northern presence, collaboration is key. Joint exercises, patrols, and training with other units would enhance our understanding of their roles and how we can work together effectively. NORFORCE has been littoral-focused since its inception; we have lessons to share as the wider Army adapts to this environment.

4. Equipment Upgrades: Our effectiveness is only as good as our tools. Investments in the transport section – better boats for our many waterways, robust vehicles for our rugged terrain – would significantly boost our operational capabilities. We should also explore the potential of Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance. In our vast AO, UAVs could be game changers.

5. Infrastructure: The tyranny of distance is real in the north. Investing in regional facilities like fuel storage, maintenance bays, and logistics hubs would improve our sustainability and responsiveness. Imagine being able to refuel, rearm, and redeploy from a FOB rather than having to return to a major base hundreds of kilometres away.

The DSR also highlights the need for "persistent situational awareness" in our primary area of military interest. With the increase in illegal foreign fishing vessels and the growth of defence infrastructure in the north, the RFSG's role becomes even more critical. We can provide early warning of any disturbances to assets and act as a deterrent through our presence in remote areas.

As Australia faces evolving challenges in the Indo-Pacific, the RFSG's experience in littoral operations, local knowledge, and presence on the ground make us an invaluable asset. By investing in our people, skills, and equipment, we can significantly contribute to the defence of Australia's northern approaches and the security of our region.