Conclusion: from operational deployment force to Timor-Leste

Beginning with the risky deployment of an infantry company group to the waters off Fiji in 1987, 3rd Brigade was Australia's 'go to' formation for short-notice, often politically-sensitive and dangerous, deployments nationally and internationally until a year of turmoil in the near region in 2006. These operations required improvisation, agility, flexibility and resilience because the ADF was still developing the organisational muscle groups for military force projection. 3rd Brigade overcame system weaknesses and delivered outstanding operational results with minimal casualties.