7RAR, 1st ARMD to be disbanded, media reports

The DSR, released in April, has previously advocated for strengthening Australia’s northern bases against emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as the optimisation of long-range strike capability and littoral operations for the Australian Army.

7RAR is currently headquartered at Horseshoe Barracks in Edinburgh, South Australia, while the 1ARMD is also based at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

Australian Army Major General (Ret’d) Fergus “Gus” McLachlan, AO, said it seemed likely the units would be disbanded.

“I don’t think this will be the biggest story in Canberra today but it seems 7RAR and 1ARMD will be effectively disbanded,” he stated on social media platform X on 25 September.

“Missile forces were already planned but now taken from hide. Missile force for Adelaide as combat troops go north.

“Speculation around veteran circles suggest 7RAR is to be closed down as part of the Army response to the DSR. In a very small Army with a handful of battalions I hope these rumours are not true. Perhaps a few less headquarters first.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.