Welcome

Welcome to the 21st Construction Regiment

Welcome to the 21st Construction Regiment, part of 5 Brigade. The Regiment is an Army Reserve unit which provides specialist deployable force elements from construction engineering, hydrographic survey and CIMIC in order to contribute to ADF operational capability.

Reservists at The Regiment come from all regions of New South Wales and Victoria and deploy on a range of operations and exercies.

We welcome both unit personnel and members of the public to our website. We hope you find it interesting and informative.

Commanding Officer's Words - LTCOL Brendan Casey

Welcome to the internet site of the 21st Construction Regiment. This site is primarily aimed at current serving members of the unit with the objective of facilitating communication by providing relevant and current unclassified information. However, it will also provide some interesting background information for members of the public who are interested in the regiment and its activities.

The 21st Construction Regiment was founded in August 1950 and has served Australia now for six decades. It has deployed members to all operational theatres and in support of numerous domestic operations.

In 2009 alone the unit deployed 40% of its personnel on operations or major exercises for an average length of 3 months in places such as:

  • the Solomon Islands;
  • Timor;
  • the Pacific;
  • Afghanistan;
  • Sumatra;
  • the ASEAN Regional Forum Disaster Relief Exercise in the Philippines;
  • Ex OLGETTA WARRIOR in Papua New Guinea;
  • Ex Bersama Lima in Malaysia;
  • Ex TALISMAN SABRE 2009 in Hawaii;
  • Rotation Company Butterworth in Malaysia; and
  • running a CIMIC Course in New Zealand.

Members deployed on domestic operations:

  • on Op VIC FIRES ASSIST; and
  • on the Australian Aboriginal Community Assistance Program 2009.

Our members, comprising combat engineers, engineer advisors, and civil-military operators, also participated on the major domestic exercise Ex TALISMAN SABRE 2009.

The 21st Construction Regiment has a bright and vibrant future and is always keen to hear from civilians with construction or surveying experience who wish to serve their country as a part of its Army reserve.

"Acknowledging and Rewarding Soldiers' Achievements is the best part of my job"
LTCOL Casey's Command Philosophy Open in new window

Unit Themes

Five broad themes will provide focus for the detailed planning required to execute the overall strategy for the Regiment.

  1. Soldiers First. In everything we do we should ensure that we are putting soldiers first. Not only are they the primary way that we achieve battlefield effects but we have a command responsibility to care for our personnel as our first priority. This theme of Soldiers First applies in all aspects including deployment opportunities, training, administration, pay, welfare and safety.

  2. Family. This broad theme refers to the Regimental Family and includes members' direct families, employers and the Regimental Association. It is critical that every member has the full support of their family IOT allow them to continue to serve and, in particular, to deploy on operations. Employers must, at a minimum, tolerate Reserve service and accept the need for their employees to deploy. The 21 Construction Regiment Association plays a vital role in sustaining the Regimental Family's esprit de corps, heritage and sense of self.

  3. Readiness. Under the Chief of Army's Hardened and Networked Army - Reserve (HNA-R) the Reserve has a well-defined role of providing deployable force elements at a high state of readiness for reinforcement, round out and rotation. This new focus means that 21 Construction Regiment must concentrate its very limited training time on military skills, whilst relying on members to bring their construction skills from their civilian workplace, IOT adequately prepare our soldiers to be deployed on operations in hostile environments. As a readiness enabler, all sub-units are required to maintain their AIRN compliance over 80% at all times.

  4. Commitment. For a reserve unit, in particular, to function effectively it is vital that every member can be relied upon for their commitment. Commitment is a combination of ownership and responsibility. Commanders at all levels must assume ownership of their people and hold themselves accountable for the performance of their team - I will empower them to do so. Responsibility requires every individual to personally ensure that they are fully committed. This does not mean fully available but it does mean that, within each individual's personal circumstances, a member determines what time they can contribute each year and then honours that commitment.

  5. Communication. Communication is always extremely important and, in a Reserve unit such as 21 Construction Regiment whose members are geographically spread out, it requires constant effort to ensure communication is effective. A multi-pronged strategy of broadcasts (via the Bullsheet, web site and emails), verbal presentations, emails, phone calls, formal and informal discussions is required.

Contact details

Name 21st Construction Regiment
Postal Address Gallipoli Lines
Holsworthy Barracks
Liverpool Military Area
NSW 2173
Toll free number 1800 625 632
Orderly Room 02) 8782 2798
Unit Fax 02) 8782 2470
E-mail 21const.regt@defence.gov.au
Website www.defence.gov.au/army/21Const