Military Training Exercises - Noosa Region - 1950s

In response to growing Cold War tensions in Europe, the spread of communism in South-East Asia, and the outbreak of the Korean War, the Menzies Government introduced the National Service Act 1951. The legislation re-established compulsory military training in Australia and required all males turning 18 on or after 1 November 1950 to register for national service. Trainees were required to complete 176 days of military training and then remain in the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) Reserve for five years after their initial call-up.

Young men could nominate their preferred service branch. Those choosing the Army completed 98 days with the Australian Regular Army and 78 days with the CMF. Men opting for the Royal Australian Navy or Royal Australian Air Force undertook the full 176 days in one continuous period and were generally required to volunteer for overseas service. The first call-up notice was issued on 12 April 1951.

Between 1951 and 1959, more than 500,000 men registered for National Service. Over this period, 52 intakes were conducted and approximately 227,000 men completed training. The scheme represented the third major system of compulsory military training introduced in Australia since Federation.