 Australia 's armed forces — the Australian Defence Force ( ADF ) — comprise the Royal Australian Navy ( RAN ) , the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force ( RAAF ) , in total numbering 81 @,@ 214 personnel ( including 57 @,@ 982 regulars and 23 @,@ 232 reservists ) as of November 2015 . The titular role of Commander @-@ in @-@ Chief is vested in the Governor @-@ General , who appoints a Chief of the Defence Force from one of the armed services on the advice of the government . Day @-@ to @-@ day force operations are under the command of the Chief , while broader administration and the formulation of defence policy is undertaken by the Minister and Department of Defence . 
