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Abstract
The aim of this thesis is to examine the decisions that impacted upon the structure and organisation of the militia (also commonly later known as the Citizens Military Forces (CMF)) during the Second World War against a backdrop of the general history of the organisation. Such an aim is achieved by discussing the political and military decisions that impacted upon it within military circles, particularly in comparison to the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF). During the Second World War, the militia underwent numerous organisational and structural changes that impacted upon its role and responsibilities. Through the analysis encapsulated in this thesis, a number of constant themes will repeatedly surface. These themes - financial, social and historical - form the fundamental basis on which the militia was organised during the war.
For completeness and ease of analysis, the thesis commences prior to the Second World War and ends with a reference to the influential Millar Report of 1971. By doing so, the thesis traces the development of the militia from its historical predecessors and identifies issues relating to the organisation that were to constantly feature during the Second World War and beyond. By examining the various command, enlistment and training techniques used during the war, the thesis will also discuss how the 'one Army' concept conveyed at that time was little more than a public perception as pre-existing policy differences between the militia and 2nd AIF still existed.