United States Force Posture Initiatives
United States Force Posture Initiatives
The United States Force Posture Initiatives (USFPI) – which comprises Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) and Enhanced Air Cooperation (EAC) – are an extension of Australia’s existing Defence alliance with the United States (US). The objectives of the Initiatives are to improve interoperability between Australian and US armed forces, provide opportunities to engage with partners in the Indo-Pacific, promote regional stability, and better posture both nations to respond to contingencies such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
Ten Years of USFPI
Last year marked the 10th Anniversary of the announcement of the USFPI, incorporating the 10th rotation of MRF-D and the 5th year of the EAC Initiative. The 70th anniversary of the signing of the ANZUS Treaty was also celebrated on 1 September 2021. The Australia-US Alliance has never been more important as we look ahead to our strategic challenges.
Since the initial announcement of the USFPI, our combined efforts in the region have matured. Relationships in Asia and the Pacific have strengthened and the Initiatives have grown in scope and complexity. The presence of ADF and US forces participating in the initiatives also contribute economic benefits to local economies in Northern Australia. Local industry has successfully won both Australian and US funded contracts for USFPI through competitive processes.
Local communities have also benefited from US Marines volunteering, conducting school visits and hosting community days.
Highlights of the USFPI
Australia’s alliance with the US is our most important Defence relationship and central to Australia’s strategic and security arrangements. The Initiatives are a key component of this alliance.
Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D)
The MRF-D is an annual rotation of US Marines through Darwin during the dry season, along with vehicles, equipment and aviation capabilities.
Enhanced Air Cooperation (EAC)
The EAC builds on the broad range of combined air exercises and training activities already undertaken between the US and Australia to better integrate both militaries.
Industry opportunities
Both the Australian and US governments have agreed to invest in a range of infrastructure and supporting arrangements to implement the Initiatives. The economic benefits of the Initiatives include infrastructure projects and spending associated with supporting and maintaining infrastructure, facilities and equipment.
The Future of USFPI
At AUSMIN last year, the Secretaries and Ministers endorsed the following areas of force posture cooperation:
- Enhanced air cooperation through the rotational deployment of U.S. aircraft of all types in Australia and appropriate aircraft training and exercises.
- Enhanced maritime cooperation by increasing logistics and sustainment capabilities of U.S. surface and subsurface vessels in Australia.
- Enhanced land cooperation by conducting more complex and more integrated exercises and greater combined engagement with Allies and Partners in the region.
- Establish a combined logistics, sustainment, and maintenance enterprise to support high-end warfighting and combined military operations in the region.
News and Events
- 24 March 2022 – $875m Defence base investment to deliver nationwide jobs
- 14 March 2022 – Forces arrive for Marine Rotational Force–Darwin 2022
- 11 February 2022 – US logistics visit reinforces commitment to AUSMIN 2021 outcomes
- 17 November 2021 – Ten year anniversary of the Australia-United States Force Posture Initiatives
- 16 November 2021 – Celebrating expanded defence cooperation
- 16 November 2021 – Ten years of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin
- 16 November 2021 – Enhanced Air Cooperation a core initiative
- 10 November 2021 – US Lancers pierce Top End skies
- 21 October 2021 – Marines rewarded for training commitment
- 17 September 2021 – The Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations Joint Statement: An Unbreakable Alliance for Peace and Prosperity
- 6 September 2021 - Warfighting in the Top End
- 30 August 2021 – Artillery provides close support
- 26 August 2021 - Apt name chosen for exercise
- 19 August 2021 – Forces combine for live-fire mission
- 12 August 2021 – Soldiers and marines prepare for training
- Read more news
