a short notice deployment to the fractured isle. A significant number of soldiers from 1 RAR bolstered 2/4 RAR for the possible deployment. This deployment did not occur, however. Domestic operations 1949 Australian coal strike Soldiers from 1 RAR assisted the Commonwealth Government in breaking the coal miners strike. It was the first time the army had been used in peacetime to break such an activity. 2019 Townsville flood In 2019, a monsoonal trough caused significant flooding in the Townsville area. 1 RAR was rapidly deployed to assist the local community, using their Protected Mobility Vehicles to evacuate people through flood waters, and checking for people trapped in their homes. COVID-19 In September 2020, A Company was deployed to Perth, Western Australia, to support the COVID-19 response in the state as part of Operation COVID-19 Assist. The company worked with WA Police and State Government. 1 RAR troops returned to Townsville in December 2020. The unit has continued to support the COVID Task Force by providing personnel in 2021 to assist at hotel quarantine for the returning Afghan NEO personnel as well as assisting with managing the QLD and NSW border from the Gold Coast to the QLD, SA, NSW border. 2022 eastern Australia floods Widespread flooding on the east coast, particularly in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales, has left large scale devastation to the region. The ADF response includes elements from 1 RAR Current role & composition In 2017 the battalion commenced the transition to the motorised role with the adoption of the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle. In 2020, the battalion commenced using the Hawkei Protected Mobility Vehicle - Light, and converting a rifle company from motorised to air-mobile light company. 1 RAR currently consists of: Battalion Headquarters 3 Rifle Companies – 'A', 'B', 'C' D Company continues with a rehabilitation and transitions function Support Company Administration (Logistic Support) Company 1RAR also features its own battalion band, which consists of Australian Army Band Corps (AABC) Musicians providing general and ceremonial support functions. Battle and Theatre honours Korea: Korea 1950–53. Vietnam: Vietnam 1965–72, Coral–Balmoral, Hat Dich, Bien Hoa. East Timor: East Timor 1999-2003. Iraq: Iraq 2003-11. Commanding officers The following table lists the Commanding Officers of 1 RAR: Alliances United Kingdom – Grenadier Guards. Affiliations Papua New Guinea – 1st Battalion, Royal Pacific Islands Regiment Freedoms 1 RAR has been granted the following freedoms: City of Normanton,