Military of Australia

The Australian Defence Force numbers about 53,000 active duty personnel. This exceeds the current target of 50,000 personnel because of short-term increases necessary to fulfill Australia's commitment in East Timor. The military although small numerically is technologically sophisticated.

It is composed of the Australian Army, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

Military manpower - military age (minimum age at which an individual may volunteer for military service): 17 years of age

Military manpower - availability Australia no longer has conscription, and is unlikely to reintroduce it at any point in the future, so this is rather theoretical):
Citizens aged 15-49: 10,000,000 (approx.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:
Citizens aged 15-49: As above.

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:
260,000 (approx.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure: $6.9 billion (FY98/99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.9% (FY98/99)

Reference Much of the material in this article comes from the CIA World Factbook 2000.

See also : Australia

Website: http://www.defence.gov.au