Structure of the Australian Defence Force

Abstract

Introduction <br/> Understanding military law in Australia requires an understanding of the structure of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). It is the structure of the ADF itself which actually vests and limits the scope of the authority of particular officers within the ADE In most cases the commanding officers of units, together with their subordinate and superior commanders, do not exercise authority by virtue of statutory delegations of power. More often, the authority to exercise command and administrative power arises by virtue of rank and appointment to a particular command or staff position. Command and administrative power in the ADF therefore follows from its structure; and it is through this structure that the executive power which authorises so many of the actions of the ADF can be understood. This chapter seeks to illustrate that structure and the key components and office holders within it.