Army 125: Australian Army Anniversary 2026

In 2026, Australia marks a significant national milestone: Army 125, the 125th anniversary of the Australian Army. This landmark year recognises more than a century of service, sacrifice and professionalism since the Army’s establishment in 1901, following the Federation of Australia. From its earliest formations to today’s modern force, the Australian Army has played a vital role in defending the nation, supporting allies, assisting communities and upholding Australia’s values at home and abroad.

As the Army commemorates 125 years of service, the entire community is encouraged to take part in anniversaries that honour the past and help shape a future built on shared values and collective respect.  It is a moment for reflection, recognition and participation, inviting veterans, serving members, families, and the wider public to acknowledge the enduring contribution of the Army to Australia’s history and future. 

What Is Army 125?

Army 125 commemorates 125 years of continuous service by the Australian Army, dating back to 1 March 1901. Over this period, the Army has evolved from colonial defence forces into a highly capable, professional land force operating as part of the Australian Defence Force.

The formation of the Australian Army marked a critical step in nation-building. Bringing together disparate colonial forces into a unified national Army symbolised Australia’s emergence as a sovereign nation capable of defending its interests. Since then, the Army has continuously adapted its structure, doctrine and capabilities to meet changing strategic demands.

The Australian Army Anniversary in 2026 highlights the breadth of roles the Army has undertaken across generations. These include major conflicts such as the First and Second World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as peacekeeping missions, humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Beyond these headline operations, Army service has also included training partner forces, stabilisation missions, and long-term commitments that rarely capture public attention but remain essential to regional security. Army 125 acknowledges the full spectrum of service, from frontline combat to sustained, behind-the-scenes contributions.

Army 125 recognises not only those who served in combat, but also the countless individuals who supported operations through logistics, engineering, medical care, training and leadership. It is a tribute to service in all its forms—past, present and future. This page provides guidance on using the Army 125 brandmark.

Celebrating 125 Years of Australian Army

The Army 125 anniversary year will be marked through ceremonies, educational initiatives, exhibitions and community engagement activities across Australia. These events aim to strengthen the connection between the Army and the Australian people while recognising the shared history that binds them.

Public commemorations provide an opportunity for learning and connection. Through exhibitions, talks, school programs and community events, Australians can engage with Army history in ways that are accessible, informative and meaningful. These activities ensure that the lessons and values of service are passed on to future generations.

Throughout its 125 years, the Australian Army has been shaped by values that resonate deeply within Australian society: courage, mateship, resilience, integrity and service. These values have defined the Army’s culture across generations, whether on overseas deployments or in domestic operations supporting communities during bushfires, floods and national emergencies.

In times of crisis at home, the Army has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to supporting the Australian community. From disaster relief to emergency logistics, Army personnel have assisted civil authorities when communities needed help most, reinforcing the Army’s role as a trusted national institution.

Army 125 also serves as an opportunity to look forward. As the strategic environment continues to evolve, the Army is adapting through modernisation, technological innovation and workforce development. The anniversary is therefore both a commemoration of history and a statement of readiness for the future.

How You Can Participate

Army 125 is designed to be inclusive, with opportunities for Australians from all walks of life to engage in meaningful ways. Participation can be as simple or as involved as you choose:

• Attend local or national ceremonies and public events

• Visit military museums or heritage displays highlighting Australian Army history

• Share stories of service from your family or community

• Support veteran organisations and commemorative initiatives

• Wear or display commemorative items that mark the anniversary

Each form of participation helps reinforce a culture of remembrance and respect. Even small acts, such as learning about Army history or sharing a family story, contribute to keeping the legacy of service alive.

By participating, we as Australians help ensure that the legacy of service is remembered, respected and passed on to future generations.

This collective engagement ensures that Army 125 becomes more than a date on the calendar, transforming it into a shared national experience rooted in understanding and appreciation.

Show Support Through the Army 125th Anniversary Collection

One meaningful way to mark the Australian Army Anniversary is by showing visible support through commemorative items. The Army 125th Anniversary Collection offers officially themed products designed to honour this historic milestone.

The collection includes commemorative apparel, keepsakes and display pieces that recognise 125 years of Army service. These items are ideal for veterans, serving members, families and supporters who want to acknowledge Army 125 in a tangible and respectful way.

Commemorative items play an important role in national milestones, providing lasting symbols of remembrance that spark conversation and awareness. Displaying or wearing Army 125 items helps keep the significance of the anniversary visible within the community.

The Australian Army Legacy

More than an anniversary, this milestone is a national moment of reflection, pride and participation. As Australia marks the 125th anniversary of the Australian Army in 2026, all Australians are invited to honour service, acknowledge sacrifice and support a future shaped by shared values and collective respect.

Through remembrance, participation and visible support, the legacy of the Australian Army continues to be recognised, not only for what it has achieved, but for what it represents.

Army 125 ultimately reminds Australians that the Army’s legacy is not confined to the past. It is a living legacy, carried forward by those who serve today and by a community that understands, respects and supports the role of service in safeguarding the nation’s future.