Structure of the Australian Army during World War II

At the outbreak of war the Army comprised a small regular component and a large, but ill-trained and equipped, militia force.

In September 1939 the government authorised the establishment of the Second Australian Imperial Force for overseas service; this force eventually reached a strength of four infantry divisions, an armoured division and various headquarters and support units.

The militia force, which remained in Australia, was neglected until the outbreak of the Pacific War.

[2] At the end of 1943 the Government determined that the Army's strength was to be six infantry divisions and two armoured brigades, though further reductions were ordered in August 1944 and June 1945.

However, the force formed for occupation duties in Australia became the nucleus of the permanent Australian Regular Army, and a large number of militia units continued to be maintained.