5 December 2024
The command of 17th Sustainment Brigade was transferred from Forces Command to the 1st (Australian) Division on November 15.
On November 30, the 2nd Force Support Battalion transitioned from 17th Sustainment Brigade to the 2nd (Australian) Division.
On December 2, the 17th Sustainment Brigade's capacity to deliver sustainment and support effects was enhanced with the transfer of military police and support engineering functions. It absorbed the 1st Military Police Battalion, 6th Engineer Support Regiment, 12th Chief Engineer Works and 19th Chief Engineer Works.
Commander of 17th Sustainment Brigade, Brigadier Natasha Ludwig, said changes to the brigade’s structure were fundamental to enabling the integrated force to train to fight.
“This transition better enables task organisation and the development of habitual relationships, enhancing readiness and capability,” Brigadier Ludwig said.
“The changes are considerate of the future introduction of the Littoral Manoeuvre Group, delivering unity of command across the divisional sustainment and support functions.
“Military police within 17th Sustainment Brigade is not a new concept and is reflective of the divisional and allied approach to warfighting, with the ‘protection’ function synchronised with other support effects.
“Inclusion of support engineering within the brigade will significantly enhance delivery of both logistics and engineering effects, leveraging an obvious symbiotic relationship between the two.
“We have been working collegiately with the 6th Brigade over the past six months in an effort to reduce friction and disruption during transition, and expect to commence 2025 as a new-look brigade in good order.
“Our people are central to our capability and I applaud all their hard work to contribute to the force modernisation of the Australian Army.”
