Regional Force Surveillance Units (RFSU) operate in remote areas of Northern Australia. Patrolmen in this unique unit are part of a high priority team responsible for Army reconnaissance and surveillance operations in the vast areas of North Queensland, Northern Territory and the Gasgoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia.

The role of the RFSU patrol is to gain information by observation and to maintain situational awareness within their respective Areas of Responsibility. By their very nature these patrols operate by stealth. Under most circumstances, hostile detection would be handed off to another Australian Defence Force (ADF) component or government agency. Their ability to conduct surveillance operations contributes to an effective defence surveillance network in Northern Australia. To carry out this role the patrol relies heavily on skilled small patrol tactics, effective teamwork and an intimate knowledge of their local infrastructure and area of responsibility. The inherent regional specialisation reduces the need for acclimatisation during mobilisation and provides an important link between the ADF and many of Australia's remote communities.

RFSUs are comprised substantially of Army Reservists recruited from local communities - including indigenous populations. These personnel live, train and conduct activities and patrols in the areas to which they would normally deploy for operations.

Patrol Organisation

The RFSU patrol will normally consist of six members commanded by selected Officers or Sergeants. This is the optimum size, but may be reduced to a minimum of two men depending on the task.

A full six man patrol is organised as follows:

• Patrol Commander - Commands the patrol;
• Patrol 2IC - Carries out the administration and logistics of the patrol;
• Patrol Signaller - Responsible for the communications and signal equipment of the patrol;
• Patrol Medic - Responsible for the health of the patrol members;
• Patrol Scout - Responsible for clearing the patrol route by visual search; and
• Patrolman - Responsible for all additional tasks required by the patrol commander.

Patrolmen are equipped with the F88 AUSTEYR Individual Weapon, a light robust and effective rifle and the patrol may carry the F89 Minimi Light Support Weapon. The patrol is also equipped with Night Viewing Goggles (NVG) and other specialist surveillance equipment.

Main Job Function

An RFSU patrol is capable of performing the following tasks:

• Conduct surveillance and reconnaissance operations, including route reconnaissance;
• Acquire and verify military geographic information within assigned Areas of Operations;
• Locate and report on enemy positions;
• Conduct Observation Posts in tactically suited areas; and
• Conduct surveillance tasks in conjunction with Federal and State Government authorities when authorised.

Most patrol members are trained drivers of the unit's specialised regional force surveillance vehicle and are trained in the operation of small water craft. Patrols may deploy by RAAF aircraft, army aviation, navy patrol boat, small water craft, vehicle or by foot. The majority of missions generally concentrate on an observation post monitoring and reporting activities however patrols can also operate in a mobile role whilst looking for signs or liaising with the local community. Irrespective of the mode used, patrols will operate independently and have to rely on their ability to see without being seen for their protection.

During any move towards conflict the RFSU Patrolman would be an integral element of the first of three types of land defence (detection, protection and response). The unit's observation posts or reconnaissance patrols may provide the initial information on a situation and together with information gathered by air and naval forces in the sea-air-land gap provide early warning of an incursion.

Because of the unique requirements of an RFSU Patrolman, special consideration is given to those personnel who do not meet the normal Army Reserve (GRes) conditions of entry and service, but who are otherwise suitable for service in an RFSU.

Note: Due to the Direct Combat exclusion, women are not permitted to perform the Patrolman role. However, females are employed within the RFSU to perform support roles.