7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
The 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (7 RAR) is a regular infantry battalion of the Australian Army. It was originally raised in 1965 as part of Australia's commitment to the Vietnam War and it eventually served two tours in Vietnam in 1967 and 1971. In 1973, following Australia's withdrawal from the conflict, the battalion was amalgamated with the 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment to form the 5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (5/7 RAR).
| 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment | |
|---|---|
Badge of the Royal Australian Regiment | |
| Active | 1965–1973 2007–present |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Australian Army |
| Type | Mechanised infantry |
| Part of | 9th Brigade |
| Garrison/HQ | RAAF Base Edinburgh, Adelaide |
| Nickname(s) | The Pigs Porky Seven |
| Motto(s) | Duty First |
| Colours | Maroon |
| March | Quick – Australaise (band); Cock o' the North (pipes and drums) Slow – My Home |
| Mascot(s) | Pig (unofficial) |
| Engagements | Vietnam War
|
| Decorations | Gallantry Cross Unit Citation (South Vietnam) |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Lieutenant Colonel Levon Lambert |
| Insignia | |
| Unit colour patch | |
| Tartan | Gordon (pipes and drums) |
These two units remained linked until 2007, during which time they served together in the mechanised infantry role in East Timor and Iraq. In December 2006 – early January 2007, 5/7 RAR was delinked and 7 RAR was re-raised. In January 2009, 7 RAR achieved operational status, a year ahead of schedule. The battalion deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Slipper in 2008–09 and 2012–13. Following its return in 2013 it was converted into a standard infantry battalion. As of late October 2022 it forms part of the 9th "Heavy" Brigade (Australia) and is based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in Adelaide with the 1st Armoured Regiment.