The battalion can trace its lineage back to many units that existed prior to Federation, as well as units that fought during World War I and World War II and the battalion carries the battle honours of these units as a mark of respect.
5/6 RVR is part of the 4th Brigade, 2nd Division and is based at various depots around Melbourne, Victoria.
The battalion is organised as a standard light infantry battalion, with its respective sub-units situated throughout metropolitan Melbourne.
The battalion currently is comprised of the following sub-units::
• Battalion Headquarters
• Support Company
• Alpha Company
• Bravo Company
• Charlie Company
Recently, members from the battalion have been involved in deployments to East Timor, the Solomon Islands and Malaysia as part of Rifle Company Butterworth.