Still serving those who serve
We support members and their families according to their needs
Our representatives, often known as Sallyman and Sallyma'am, provide the Australian Defence Forces with practical, emotional, spiritual and pastoral support in the everyday moments, and in difficult times, such as grief.
Whether it be a chat over a cuppa, a referral or a prayer, we want to be there. We support Australian Defence Force members, veterans, and their families — both in everyday life and during times of stress, crisis, training, deployment and recovery.
Since 1899 right through to East Timor and today, Salvation Army officers go to war with Australian troops. Our history has been providing support for whoever needs it. From the ‘Sallymen’ in the Second Boer War to Chaplain-Major William ‘Fighting Mac’ McKenzie at Gallipoli, spiritual and emotional support, and acts of kindness and bravery, have characterised the Red Shield Defence Services.
For more than 125 years, RSDS has served Australian troops — from Gallipoli to today — quietly and faithfully supporting those who serve our nation.
How we support the defence services
- We are present on bases and in the field, alongside defence personnel
- We offer a safe, confidential space outside the chain of command
- We provide pastoral care and spiritual support (conversation, prayer, listening)
- We offer support for people’s mental, emotional, and moral wellbeing
- We respond to critical incidents alongside defence chaplains
- We build trusted relationships with chaplains, commanders and units
- We provide practical support — often as simple as a cuppa, food, and a friendly safe face
- We support veterans and defence families, especially during transition and hardship
RSDS is about presence.
Field work with the ‘Sallyman’
Explosive detection dogs
The Sallyman catching up with members of the 1st Combat Engineering Regiment at Cultana Training Area in South Australia.
While the dogs are training as bomb sniffers, they get to join the troops for a well-earned break around the Sallyman's truck.
High-range training area
The Sallyman fords a creek near Townsville in Queensland to deliver much enjoyed refreshments to those training.
A M113 APC watches and waits as the Sallyman crosses the river. It is not uncommon for Sallyman to be escorted to different locations during exercises.
A break from training
Soldiers from the 1st Armoured Regiment and 1st Combat Support Supply Battalion partake in a break from training, enjoying a refreshing drink and a chat.
Wherever Sallyman is, troops will soon gather.
Soothe a parched dry throat
The Sallyman with members of 5 RAR at Cultana Field Training Area in South Australia.
The soldiers really appreciate a hot or cold beverage from the Sallyman to soothe a parched dry throat and wash some of that red bulldust down.
Our bases
Headquarters: Led by Chief Commissioner — Aux-Lieutenant Vaughan Agnew
Adelaide
Edinburgh Defence Precinct
A key national defence research, manufacturing and sustainment hub housing RAAF Base Edinburgh, Defence Science and Technology and major defence companies.
Brisbane
Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera
A long history, having been in existence officially since 1908, although the wider area has been used for military purposes since 1855.
Canberra
Royal Military College Duntroon
An institution which, trains and equips future officers and commanders of the Australian Army.
Darwin
Robertson Barracks
A major Australian Army base located in the Northern Territory of Australia within the suburb of Holtze, in the Municipality of Litchfield about 15 kilometres east of the Darwin city centre.
Seymour
Puckapunyal Military Area
One of the best-known military camps in Australia, widely known as "Pucka", opened in November 1939 to accommodate troops of the 17th Brigade of the 6th Australian Division.
Singleton
School of Infantry
In October 1973 the Infantry Centre moved from Ingleburn to Singleton in the Hunter Valley.
Sydney
Holsworthy Barracks
An Australian Army military barracks, located in the Heathcote National Park in Holsworthy, approximately 25 kilometres from the central business district, in south-western Sydney.
Townsville
Lavarack Barracks
The Barracks is situated under Mount Stuart, on the southwest edge of Townsville.
It was originally formed in 1914, and reformed in 1967 for Vietnam.
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