| Special Air Service Regiment | |
|---|---|
 Cap badge of the Special Air Service Regiment | |
| Active |
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| Country |  Australia |
| Branch | Australian Army |
| Type | Special forces |
| Role | |
| Size | Oneregiment |
| Part of | Special Forces Group |
| Garrison/HQ | Campbell Barracks,Swanbourne, Western Australia[1] |
| Nicknames | |
| Motto | "Who Dares Wins"[3] |
| March |
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| Engagements | |
| Decorations | |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
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| Insignia | |
| Unit colour patch |  |
| Abbreviation | SASR |
TheSpecial Air Service Regiment, officially abbreviatedSASR though commonly known as theSAS, is aspecial forces unit of theAustralian Army. Formed in 1957 as acompany, it was modelled on theBritish SAS with which it shares the motto, "Who Dares Wins". Expanded to a regiment in August 1964, it is based atCampbell Barracks, inSwanbourne, a suburb ofPerth, Western Australia, and is a direct command unit of theSpecial Operations Command.
The regiment first saw active service inBorneo in 1965 and 1966 during theIndonesian Confrontation, mainly conductingreconnaissance patrols, including secret cross-border operations into Indonesian territory. The regiment's three squadrons were rotated throughVietnam, carrying out tasks included medium-range reconnaissance patrols, observation of enemy troop movements, and long-range offensive operations and ambushing in enemy dominated territory. They also served withUS Army Special Forces, and conducted training missions. The SASR squadrons were highly successful, and were known to theViet Cong asMa Rung or "phantoms of the jungle" due to their stealth.
Following theSydney Hilton bombing of February 1978, the regiment became responsible for developing a military counter-terrorism response force in August 1979, known as the Tactical Assault Group (TAG). SASR troops have also served inSomalia,East Timor,Iraq andAfghanistan, as well as many other peacekeeping missions. The SASR also provides acounter-terrorist capability, and has been involved in a number of domestic security operations. It has been alleged that some SASR personnel committedwar crimes in Afghanistan.
A direct command unit ofSpecial Operations Command,[7] the SASR "is tasked to provide special-operations capabilities in support of the Australian Defence Force. This includes providing unique capabilities to support sensitive strategic operations, special recovery operations, training assistance,special reconnaissance, precision strike anddirect action".[8] The regiment is the Command's Special Missions Unit and the capability lead for special reconnaissance.[9][10] The regiment is primarily structured to conduct covert,long range reconnaissance and surveillance in small teams in enemy-controlled territory (in contrast to Australian commandos, who usually conduct raids in larger groups).[11][12] In addition to war-fighting in conventional conflicts, the SASR has also long maintained a specialistcounter-terrorist capability.[8] The regiment is also trained incounter-insurgency operations.[13] Other capabilities include training local or indigenous forces, recovery of Australian citizens and humanitarian assistance.[11]
In the long-rangereconnaissance role, the SASR typically operates in smallpatrols of between five and six operators with the task of infiltrating enemy-held territory and providingintelligence on enemy activities and capabilities. During such tasks the SASR seeks to evade rather than confront the enemy. SASR soldiers also direct fire support includingair strikes to destroy enemy installations and disrupt or kill enemy forces whenever possible. SASR reconnaissance patrols can be inserted by air (either by helicopter,parachute orhigh altitude parachute), land (on foot or by vehicle) or water (including bysubmarine, small boats, kayaks or diving) and have proved capable of covering long distances and staying concealed in jungle, desert and mountain terrain.[11][14] SASR patrols may also conduct sabotage and short-duration raids on high-value targets, including headquarters, airfields and communications nodes.[13]
One of the primary roles of the regiment is to provide a counter-terrorist capability,[15] with an element of the SASR designated as theTactical Assault Group (West) to respond to domestic incidents on the west coast of Australia and also for international operations.[16][17] TAG (West) maintains a short-notice capability to conduct military operations beyond the scope of state/territory and federalPolice Tactical Groups. Offensive counter-terrorist operations may include direct action and hostage recovery.[18]
A capability to board ships at anchor, ships underway and off-shore gas and oil platforms is also maintained.[19] TAG (West) is kept at high readiness for a period of 12 months, before being replaced by another squadron in this role.[20] The2nd Commando Regiment provides Tactical Assault Group (East) to respond to domestic incidents on the east coast of Australia.[16][17][21]
The SASR draws on the experiences ofZ Special Unit,M Special Unit, theIndependent Companies and theCoastwatchers which operated in theSouth West Pacific Area against the Japanese duringWorld War II.[22] These units had been disbanded soon after the war as part of thedemobilisation of the Australian military;[23] however, after observing the operations of the BritishSpecial Air Service during theMalayan Emergency in the 1950s the Australian Army decided to raise its own SAS unit.[24] The 1st Special Air Service Company was established on 25 July 1957 atSwanbourne, a suburb ofPerth, Western Australia, with a strength of 16 officers and 144 other ranks.[25]
In 1960, the company became part of theRoyal Australian Regiment (RAR) and was given the responsibility forcommando andspecial forces operations.[26] As part of thepentropic organisation adopted by the Australian Army at the time, the regiment's primary wartime role was divisional-level reconnaissance.[27] On 20 August 1964, the SAS gained regimental status and was expanded to twosabre squadrons and a headquarters, severing the link with the RAR.[28] The raising of a third squadron was approved on 30 April 1965 as part of an overall expansion of the Australian Army.[29]
The SASR first saw action in 1965 as part of the British Commonwealth force stationed inNorth Borneo during theIndonesia–Malaysia confrontation. The SASRtroopers operated alongside their British andNew Zealand counterparts in operations aimed at stopping Indonesian infiltration intoMalaysia, taking part inOperation Claret.[30] 1 Squadron conducted reconnaissance patrols in Sarawak from February to July 1965, and cross-border operations between May and July.[31] They suffered their first fatality on 2 June when a soldier was gored by an elephant.[32] 1 Squadron completed operations on 1 August and returned to Australia.[33]
2 Squadron arrived in Borneo in January 1966 for a four-month deployment, and despite the suspension of Claret operations it also conducted reconnaissance patrols and cross-border operations, undertaking a total of 45 patrols on both sides of the border.[34] On 19 March two soldiers drowned during a river crossing.[35] On 21 July, 2 Squadron was relieved by a British SAS squadron and returned to Australia in August.[36] Despite often being deployed in the reconnaissance role, the SASR killed at least 20 Indonesian soldiers in a series of ambushes and contacts. Three SASR soldiers were killed.[37] These operations mostly occurred in secret, and were never admitted during the war.[38]
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Based inNui Dat, the SASR was responsible for providing intelligence to both the1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) and US forces, operating throughoutPhuoc Tuy Province as well asBien Hoa,Long Khanh andBinh Tuy provinces. From 1966 SASR squadrons rotated through Vietnam on year-long deployments, with each of the three Sabre Squadrons completing two tours before the last squadron was withdrawn in 1971. Missions included medium range reconnaissance patrols, observation of enemy troop movements, and long range offensive operations and ambushing in enemy dominated territory.[39][40][41][42]
Operating in small groups of four to six men they moved more slowly than conventional infantry through jungle or bushland and were heavily armed, employing a high rate of fire to simulate a larger force on contact and to support their withdrawal. The primary method of deployment was by helicopter,[42] with the SASR working closely withNo. 9 Squadron RAAF which regularly provided rapid and precise insertion and extraction of patrols into jungle landing zones at tree top height.[43] On occasion, SASR patrols were also deployed byM-113armored personnel carriers (APCs) with a method devised to deceive the Viet Cong as to their insertion and the location of their drop-off point despite the noise they made moving through the jungle.[44] An operational parachute jump was also undertaken.[45][Note 1]
A fourth squadron was raised in mid-1966, but was later disbanded in April 1967.[46] The SASR operated closely with the New Zealand SAS, with atroop being attached to each Australian squadron from late 1968.[47] Completing its final tour in October 1971, 2 Squadron was disbanded on return to Australia, with Training Squadron raised in its place.[48] During its time in Vietnam the SASR proved highly successful, with members of the regiment known to theViet Cong asMa Rung or "phantoms of the jungle" due to their stealth.[49]
In a six-year period the Australian and New Zealand SAS in Vietnam conducted nearly 1,200 patrols[50] and inflicted heavy casualties on the Viet Cong, including 492 killed, 106 possibly killed, 47 wounded, 10 possibly wounded and 11 prisoners captured. Their own losses totalled one killed in action, one died of wounds, three accidentally killed, one missing and one death from illness. Twenty-eight men were wounded. During the period of its deployment 580 men served in the SASR in Vietnam.[51] The remains of the last Australian soldier who went missing in action in 1969 after falling into the jungle during a suspended rope extraction were found in August 2008.[52] Australian SASR personnel also worked withUS Army Special Forces in Vietnam, and provided instructors to the MACV Recondo School, and then to theLRRP Training Wing at theAATTV-operated Van Kiep Training Centre from 1967.[24] Some members of the regiment also served withMACV-SOG units, with soldiers often serving on exchange with American Special Forces.[53]
The Australian withdrawal from Vietnam brought to an end the doctrine of 'forward defence' through involvement in Southeast Asian wars. Instead, the Australian military's new focus was on thedefence of continental Australia against external attack. In line with this change, the SASR took the lead in developing the Australian Army's capability to conduct patrol operations inNorthern Australia.[54] It was later recognised that this role required dedicated units with the Army forming threeRegional Force Surveillance Units in the early 1980s trained by the SASR.[55]
In July 1977 two SASR patrols were deployed to northIrian Jaya with the approval of Indonesian authorities to provide first aid to the survivors of an RAAF Iroquois helicopter which had crashed in the remote jungle during survey operations, and to secure the wreckage from possibly being captured by members of theOPM independence movement.[56] During this time the SASR also continued to train overseas with other special forces units. On one such exercise in the Philippines, a US special forcesC-130 Hercules crashed into the South China Sea shortly after take-off fromSubic Bay on 26 February 1981, killing 23 passengers including three Australians from the SASR, as well as a number of Americans, Filipinos, and New Zealanders.[57]
Meanwhile, following theSydney Hilton bombing in February 1978, the SASR was assigned the responsibility of developing a military counter-terrorism response force in August 1979 with the unit to be designated as the Tactical Assault Group (TAG). In July 1980 the TAG was also tasked with developing a maritime capability with an emphasis on offshore oil and gas rigs.[58] Navy divers from theClearance Diving Branch were tasked with assisting the TAG to develop the capability as the regiment did not have sufficient divers in the water troops at the time.[59][60] There was initial animosity the first year between badged troopers and the clearance divers who after having completed five months of training had only five out of eighteen applicants selected.[61][60]
In 1981, the divers completed a modified SASR selection course.[62] Towards the end of 1981, 2 Squadron was re-raised due to war roles being impacted as a consequence of the large commitment by the regiment to establishing the TAG.[60] In 1987, 1 Squadron who had been tasked with establishing the TAG was rotated with the now full strength 2 Squadron.[63] In 1995, Navy clearance divers stopped supporting the TAG with many divers having passed the full SASR selection over the years.[64]
In May 1987 a squadron from the SASR was alerted for a possible deployment to Fiji as part ofOperation Morris Dance, but did not leave Australia.[65] The regiment was not involved in operations during theGulf War in 1991 although two troops were again placed on standby for deployment at short notice,[66] while other elements remained on high alert to respond to a terrorist incident in Australia if required.[67]
The first SASR units to deploy on active service after theVietnam War did so as part of Australianpeacekeeping deployments. Small numbers of SASR personnel were involved inOperation Habitat in Turkey and Northern Iraq as medics to assist Kurdish refugees between May and June 1991.[68] Personnel were also provided by the regiment as part of the Australian contribution to the UN Special Commission established to oversee the destruction of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction between 1991 and 2000. SASR medics deployed with some of the weapons inspection teams, and at times were also employed as drivers and for "personal protection" tasks.[68][69]
Several SASR signallers from 152 Signal Squadron also deployed to theWestern Sahara between September 1991 and May 1994 as part of the Australian contingent there.[68] Contrary to some reports, the SASR did not provide a security team for service in Cambodia although some SASR-qualified signals sergeants from 152 Signal Squadron were deployed as part of the Australian military contribution to the United Nations Advance Mission in Cambodia (UNAMIC) andForce Communications Unit between 1991 and 1993.[70] A small number of members of the regiment served on exchange with the British SAS andSpecial Boat Service (SBS) in Bosnia in the early 1990s, including a sergeant who commanded an SBS detachment in April 1993.[71]
In April 1994, a 10-man SASR team from J Troop was attached to Australian forces inSomalia to provide an elite response, VIP protection and force protection to the Australian Service Contingent inMogadishu. Known as "the Gerbils", the small team operated from Toyota Landcruisers and Datsun utility vehicles and two M-113 APCs. They were subsequently involved in a number of actions, including an incident on 21 May when they were flown to the scene of a downed Canadian civilian helicopter 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of Mogadishu to protect the crew. On 16 August they were involved in a skirmish during a convoy which resulted in two Somalis being killed after one of them aimed an AK-47 at the Australians. They returned to Australia in November 1994.[72]
In August 1994 SASR-qualified medical personnel were deployed as part of the contribution to theUnited Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda, some of whom were present during theKibeho Massacre in April 1995, for which one SASR soldier and two other Australians were awarded theMedal for Gallantry for their actions.[73] In addition, individual members of the SASR have been attached to a wide range of Australian peacekeeping deployments as observers, including in Kashmir, Lebanon and in theSinai.[74]
Deaths during training accidents make up the majority of the SASR's fatalities. The worst accident in the regiment's history occurred on the evening of 12 June 1996 when twoS-70-A9 Black Hawkhelicopters from the5th Aviation Regiment carrying SASR troopers collided during a live-fire counter-terrorism/special-recovery operation exercise atFire Support Base Barbara in the High Range Training Area nearTownsville, Queensland.[75][76] This activity was part of Exercise Day Rotor 96 and took place on the second day of the exercise, sometime after 18:30, requiring the pilots to usenight vision goggles.[77]
Six aircraft had been approaching the target area when, 30 seconds from thelanding zone, one of the helicopters veered to the right, clipping thetail rotor of another helicopter. One Black Hawk crashed immediately killing 12 personnel on board, while the other was able to make a crash landing but burst into flames, killing six. Crash survivors, soldiers from the other helicopters and exercise staff risked the flames and exploding ammunition to rescue their comrades and retrieve the bodies of the dead.[78] Fifteen members of the SASR and three from the 5th Aviation Regiment died in the accident. Fourteen personnel were later officially recognised for their part in the rescue and evacuation operation.[79]
In July 1997 an eight-man SASR team deployed at short notice toButterworth in Malaysia to provide close protection and communications to the Australian ambassador and embassy staff in Cambodia if required, in preparation for the evacuation of Australian nationals in the wake of civil unrest which occurred following acoup in that country. The evacuation operation was subsequently completed successfully, with RAAF C-130s supported byAirfield Defence Guards and other military personnel evacuating 455 Australians and other nationals from Cambodia as part of Operation Vista.[80][81]
Following the agreement of a truce in October 1997 which ended the conflict inBougainville, Australian personnel were deployed as part of the New Zealand-led Truce Monitoring Group, with an SASR officer being included in the reconnaissance party and later serving on its headquarters. In April 1998, Australia took over leadership of the mission, which was renamed the Peace Monitoring Group. Numerous SASR personnel served in Bougainville over a four-year period as part ofOperation Bel Isi, both in headquarters positions and as part of the monitoring teams.[80]
In 1998, the SASR made its first squadron-strength deployment since Vietnam when 1 Squadron, with an attached New Zealand SAS troop, was deployed toKuwait in February as part of the American-led Operation Desert Thunder. The force, known as Anzac Special Operations Force (ANZAC SOF), was fully integrated, with the New Zealanders providing the squadron's third troop. While the crisis was resolved peacefully, if military action had been taken the SASR would have been used in thecombat search and rescue (CSAR) role to recover aircrew shot down by Iraqi air defences. The force returned to Australia in June 1998. Regardless, the operation represented the first time that SASR tactical headquarters had been deployed outside of Australia.[82]
The SASR played a key role in the Australian-ledinternational peacekeeping force (INTERFET) inEast Timor between September 1999 and February 2000.[83][84] In the days prior to the commencement of INTERFET, the SASR was involved in the RAAF evacuation ofUnited Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) staff, Australians and refugees from East Timor following increasing violence by Indonesian military-backed militia after the East Timoresevoted for independence from Indonesia.[85][Note 2] The SASR subsequently provided the initial INTERFET forces to secure the point of entry at theairport and seaport inDili.[88] 3 Squadron, along with Allied Special Forces elements from the NZ SAS and British SBS, formed INTERFET's special forces element, known as Response Force (RESPFOR).[89]
The SASR spearheaded most operations conducted by the international force during the early days of the intervention in East Timor and, as in Vietnam, served as the eyes and ears of the force, patrolling extensively through militia-controlled areas in vehicles and on foot as INTERFET expanded to take control of the rest of East Timor.[86] It was involved in a number of significant contacts with pro-Indonesian militia, including at Suai on 6 October 1999 during which two SASR soldiers were wounded, and later atAidabasalala on 16 October 1999.[90] On 22 October 1999, the SASR conducted a combined air insertion in Black Hawk helicopters and an amphibious landing from a Navy landing craft with vehicles into theOecusse Enclave to secure the beachhead ahead of an amphibious assault by the main force,[91][92][93] after a clandestine reconnaissance and survey of the amphibious landing site the previous night by NavyClearance divers fromHMASSuccess.[94][93]
It was reported that the SASR also conducted covert patrols in the Enclave before the landings.[91] Other tasks included VIP protection and other special forces tasks as required by the task force commander.[95] 3 Squadron was later awarded aMeritorious Unit Citation on 25 March 2000.[96][97] 1 Squadron replaced 3 Squadron in December 1999, and completed its tour in February 2000.[98]
It has been alleged that a member of the SASR killed a prisoner taken after a SASR and New Zealand SAS Response Force counterattack at Suai on 6 October 1999 after the militia earlier ambushed the SASR. After a lengthy investigation the SASR soldier was charged with mistreating two corpses of militia killed in the engagement, but the case collapsed after the New Zealand SAS soldiers who had reported the incident were not granted anonymity by an Australian Defence Force magistrate. The ABC has reported that the New Zealand Army was concerned about the safety of its soldiers. The Australian soldier received an apology from theChief of Army for how long the investigation into him had taken.[99][100][101]
The regiment formed a key element ofthe security force in place for theSydney Olympic Games in 2000, and in the lead-up to the event the regiment underwent a period of modernisation, acquiring new equipment and capabilities, including the ability to respond to chemical, biological and radiological threats, as well as developing techniques for the clandestine boarding of moving ships at night. During the Games two SASR squadrons were available for counter-terrorist operations, with one designated to respond to incidents in Sydney and Canberra, while the other was on standby for incidents elsewhere.[102] Defence involvement in domestic security increased after the terrorist attacks in the United States on11 September 2001, and the unit has since formed part of the security force for a range of international sporting and political events held in Australia,[103] including theCommonwealth Heads of Government Meeting atCoolum, Queensland in March 2002,[104] and the visit of US PresidentGeorge W. Bush to Canberra in October 2003.[105] The SASR maintains TAG (West) to respond to incidents on the west coast of Australia.[17] It also provided the training and use of their facilities to raise a second Tactical Assault Group in the 2nd Commando Regiment.[106]
On 12 April 2001, an SASR troop conducted a boarding of the fishing vesselSouth Tomi using tworigid-hull inflatable boats launched from theSouth African Navy vesselSASProtea in international waters 260 nautical miles (480 km; 300 mi) south ofCape Agulhas, South Africa. On 29 March, theTogo registeredSouth Tomi fled theAFMA fisheries patrol vesselSouthern Supporter after being detected poachingPatagonian toothfish nearHeard Island and McDonald Islands in theSouthern Ocean. TheSouth Tomi fled towards Africa with the South African government agreeing to a request to provide a South African Navy vessel for an intercept. The SASR troop was flown on a commercial flight to South Africa.South Tomi was boarded after a pursuit of 6,100-kilometre (3,800 mi) by theSouthern Supporter.[107][108][109]
In August 2001, the SASR was involved in theTampa affair when its counter-terrorist squadron was ordered toChristmas Island and to board theMVTampa once it illegally entered Australian waters. While the members of the SASR involved did what they could to improve conditions on theTampa, the use of an elite military unit to prevent asylum seekers landing in Australia was not supported by all members of the regiment and remains controversial.[110] Less controversial was the SASR's involvement in the boarding of a North Korean freighter, theMVPong Su—which was suspected of drug smuggling—offNewcastle on 20 April 2003 .[111][112][Note 3]
In October 2001, the Australian government announced that it was sending a special forces task group built around an SASR squadron to participate in the campaign againstal-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan designatedOperation Slipper. After staging through Kuwait, 1 Squadron arrived in Afghanistan in December 2001 with the other SASR squadrons rotating in at approximately six-monthly intervals.[114] The SASR's main role in Afghanistan was to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance of al-Qaeda andTaliban positions, activities and capabilities. SASR force elements also conducted some offensive operations.[115] After arriving at FOB Rhino, the SASR initially operated in southern Afghanistan withUS Marines from Task Force 58, conducting long-range vehicle mounted patrols over several hundred kilometres aroundKandahar and into theHelmand Valley near the Iranian-border.[116] On 16 February 2002 SergeantAndrew Russell was killed when theLong Range Patrol Vehicle (LRPV) he was travelling in hit aland mine during an operation in the Helmand Valley. Two other soldiers were wounded in the incident.[117] Later the SASR operated under command of Task Force 64.[118]
The SASR then moved to eastern Afghanistan where it played a key role inOperation Anaconda in March 2002.[119] During the operation SASR teams were to provide on-location, in-depth operational intelligence and reconnaissance after they infiltrated the Shahi-Kot Valley ten days prior to the operation, and also saved the lives of 24 soldiers of theUS 75th Ranger Regiment after their helicopter was shot down, by providing sniper overwatch and guiding in precise air strikes to end the enemy advance as they attempted to overrun the isolated Americans. Up to 300 al Qaeda fighters were later estimated to have been killed as a result of the airstrikes they called-in.[120] Two SASR advisory and liaison officers were attached with theUS 10th Mountain Division to help plan the division's air assault operations, and were subsequently involved in heavy fighting after the unit they were with became pinned down and took a number of casualties. Supported by heavy close air support they were evacuated by helicopter that evening.[121]
Four days into the operation, SASR elements identified a potential escape route for the al-Qaeda leadership. Other coalition special forces had attempted to establish observation posts, but had quickly been discovered by shepherds or villagers. The Australians inserted a patrol undetected to monitor the escape route. From more than 1,200 metres (1,300 yd) high on a mountain, the patrol spotted a group of al-Qaeda figures dressed in Russian camouflage and wearing black balaclavas. They carried more advanced weapons than normal insurgents, and appeared to be guarding a white-robed older man with a cane as they fled the battlefield. US intelligence at first believed it wasOsama bin Laden but later revised the identification to his second-in-command,Ayman al-Zawahiri. An airstrike was called in; however, there was later doubt about whether it was successful.[122] Australian forces later uncovered a number of arms caches and destroyed an anti-aircraft piece, while other elements were tasked with screening possible escape routes to the south and killed a number of fighters as they attempted to withdraw.[123][124] The initial task group was replaced by another squadron in March and April 2002, while a third squadron rotated into Afghanistan in August 2002.[125] The SASR withdrew from Afghanistan in November 2002 after all three sabre squadrons had served in the country.[126]
A Special Forces Task Group (SFTG) was deployed to Afghanistan in August or September 2005, operating in the southern province ofUruzgan. The SFTG consisted of elements from the SASR,4 RAR (Commando), theIncident Response Regiment (IRR) and logistic support personnel.[127] Two CH-47 Chinook helicopters from the 5th Aviation Regiment were deployed to Afghanistan in March 2006 to support the SFTG.[128] A forward operating base was subsequently established atTarin Kowt.[127] This task group was withdrawn in September 2006, after a year of operations working closely with special forces from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. During this period the task group was on patrol for 306 days, involved in 139 contacts, and sustained 11 soldiers wounded.[129][50][130] The SFTG was replaced by a Reconstruction Taskforce made up of engineers and conventional infantry.[128]
A 300-strong Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) was redeployed to Afghanistan to support the Reconstruction Taskforce in April 2007, including an SASR squadron, commando company group, and an integral combat service support team.[131][132][133] The commando element was mostly used to conduct direct action tasks, with the SASR returning to conducting strategic reconnaissance.[134] On 16 January 2009, TrooperMark Donaldson was awarded theVictoria Cross for Australia, the highest award for gallantry in theAustralian honours system, for gallant acts performed whilst serving with the SASR in Afghanistan on 2 September 2008 when his patrol was ambushed, resulting in the wounding of nine Australians.[135][136] In addition to the SASR's contribution to the SOTG, the regiment also provided "Defence Support Teams" to protectAustralian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) agents in Afghanistan.[137]
On 23 January 2011, CorporalBen Roberts-Smith was awarded the Victoria Cross for single-handedly neutralising two machine-gun positions during an operation in Tizak on 11 June 2010.[138] On 26 March 2013, it was announced that Special Operations Command would receive the Australian Army's firstbattle honour since the end of the Vietnam War for outstanding performance during theShah Wali Kot Offensive in Afghanistan from May to June 2010. The battle honour, titled "Eastern Shah Wali Kot", was awarded in recognition of the operational actions of the SASR and 2nd Commando Regiment from the Australian Special Operations Task Group Rotation XII.[139] The SASR has also been collectively awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation and Unit Citation for Gallantry for its actions in Afghanistan.[140]
The bulk of SOTG was withdrawn from Afghanistan in late 2013 as part of the Australian drawdown, although some special forces remain as part of the small Australian force in the country.[141] SASR casualties in Afghanistan include five soldiers killed in action.[142]
On 26 October 2018, a SASR dog,Kuga, was posthumously awarded theDickin Medal for bravery on a patrol on 26 August 2011 in the Khas Uruzgan district in which he was shot five times attacking an insurgent positioned to ambush the patrol.[143][144]
During an operation in April 2013, an SASR corporal cut the right hands from the corpses of three insurgents after being told by a military lawyer that this would be an acceptable way of obtaining fingerprints. After this incident was reported to the senior Australian command at Tarin Kowt, the SOTG was withdrawn from operations for a week-long "operational pause".[145] One soldier remained under investigation for this incident in August 2015,[146] but was later cleared of all charges.[147]
In 2018, it was reported that a small number of SASR personnel were being investigated for possibly committingwar crimes in Afghanistan. The allegations include the murder of a detainee in September 2012. Major GeneralJeff Sengelman, the head of Special Operations Command, was also reported to have issued a memo in 2015 which expressed concern over standards of leadership and accountability within the Regiment, and invited troopers to write to him about any concerns.[148] Sengelman regarded the SASR as having the worst disciplinary record of any unit in the Army. A 2015 report by the former head of ASIODavid Irvine judged that the regiment was dysfunctional and affected by "arrogance, elitism and a sense of entitlement".[149]
In 2020, further allegations arose of cover-ups and the deliberate killing of non-combatants. An inquiry by the Inspector General of the Australian Defence Force was expected to report to the Chief of the ADF later that year.[150]
In November 2020, aninvestigation by JusticePaul Brereton into allegations of war crimes found that SAS troops had been involved in the murder of 39 Afghan civilians, with prisoners being killed to "blood" new troops, and weapons and radios planted to disguise the crimes.[151] None of the killings were "in the heat of battle".[152] TheInspector-General of the Australian Defence Force Afghanistan Inquiry Report was published in November 2020.[153] The report stated that some of the incidents the inquiry uncovered constituted "possibly the most disgraceful episode in Australia's military history, and the commanders at troop, squadron and task group level bear moral command responsibility for what happened under their command, regardless of personal fault", though no information on these incidents was published on legal grounds.[154] 36 incidents have been referred to theAustralian Federal Police for prosecution,[152] and the 2nd squadron will be disbanded in the wake of the findings and be replaced with a new sub-unit.[153] The Chief of the ADF considered disbanding the SASR as a whole, but decided to pursue improvements to its culture instead.[155]
In June 2023, aFederal Court judge found as part of a defamation action Roberts-Smith had initiated that it was "substantially true" he had killed a prisoner in Afghanistan during 2009 and ordered other SASR soldiers to kill two prisoners during 2009 and 2012. Several SASR soldiers who testified to support elements of Roberts-Smith's evidence were found to have not been reliable witnesses.[156]
The SASR provided the majority of the ground-force element of the Australian contribution to the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, known asOperation Falconer, moving in quickly and successfully, thus enhancing Australia's standing amongst its allies.[157] The Australian Special Forces Task Group was built around 1 Squadron, with a platoon from the 4 RAR (Commando) and a troop from the IRR available to support the SASR. 1 Squadron operated in Western Iraq as part of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-West (CJSOTF-West) where it was successful in securing its area of operations.[158][159] B and C Troops of the SAS Squadron crossed the Iraqi border fromJordan on the night of 19 March by vehicle, penetrating 30 kilometres (19 mi) before engaging in one of the first actions of the war. A Troop was inserted byU.S. ArmyMH-47E helicopters with their vehicles over 600 kilometres (370 mi) from the staging base in Jordan. A Troop patrols were the closest coalition elements to Baghdad for a number of days, observing key roads and facilities. The Troops fought a number of actions over the following month including a raid on a radio relay station, while later they conducted highway interdiction tasks. Towards the conclusion of the 42-day campaign the SAS secured the huge but undefendedAl Asad air base, approximately 200 kilometres (120 mi) west of Baghdad, capturing more than 50 air force fighter jets and helicopters with a large number inoperable, and repaired the runway that had been damaged by air strikes.[160][161][162][163][164] 1 Squadron was withdrawn from Iraq without replacement shortly after the end of the war,[165] and was subsequently awarded aUnit Citation for Gallantry.[97][15]
Yet some members of the SASR continued to operate in Iraq over the next few years in a number of roles.[165] In 2004 claims appeared in the media that Australian special forces were involved in counter-insurgency operations inside Iraq, although this was denied by the government.[166][167] An SASR team was deployed to Iraq in May and June 2005 as part the effort to freeDouglas Wood, an Australian engineer kidnapped in Baghdad; however, he was later recovered alive by US and Iraqi forces.[168] In 2007, British media reports suggested that SASR elements were still operating in Iraq, along the southern border with Iran, targeting arms smugglers.[169] Later, a small number of SASR personnel were deployed to Iraq in June 2014 to protect the Australian embassy when the security of Baghdad was threatened by the2014 Northern Iraq offensive,[170] while others were reported to have been tasked with providing security toRoyal Australian Air Force aircrew aboard transport aircraft delivering arms and munitions to forces in Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq during September 2014.[171][172]
An SASR troop was deployed toTimor Leste in May 2006 as part ofOperation Astute, operating alongside a Commando Company Group as part of the Special Forces Component following renewed unrest there.[173][174] On 4 March 2007, along with the commandos, SASR personnel took part in theBattle of Same during which five rebels were killed during an unsuccessful attempt to apprehend the rebel leader,Alfredo Reinado.[175] It was reported in October 2006 that 20 SASR operators were in the southernPhilippines, supporting Filipino operations against theAbu Sayyaf andJemaah Islamiah terrorist groups, but this was denied by the Department of Defence.[176][177][178] Meanwhile, following tensions inFiji between the military and the government the Australian Government dispatched three naval vessels in November and December 2006 as part ofOperation Quickstep, in preparation for a potential evacuation of Australian citizens.[179] On 29 November 2006, a Black Hawk helicopter from the171st Aviation Squadron carrying four crew and six soldiers from the SASR crashed while attempting to land onHMASKanimbla and sank in international waters off Fiji. The helicopter's pilot and a soldier from SASR were killed in the crash.[180][181]
In March 2012, theSydney Morning Herald reported that the fourth sabre squadron had been reraised in 2005 and that for many years it had been carrying out special recovery planning, gathering intelligence in Africa, specificallyZimbabwe,Nigeria andKenya, to develop plans in case Australian civilians needed to be rescued from a hostile environment.[182][183] The Squadron was reported to be working closely with theSwan Island based ASIS. Concerns within the SASR were reported that they would not be afforded legal protection the same as ASIS operatives if exposed and that there was no contingencies plans if they were detained.[182] ProfessorHugh White from theAustralian National University was quoted as saying that, as soldiers, they would not have thelegal cover ASIS would have if caught.[182] The newspaper also reported that the thenMinister for Foreign AffairsKevin Rudd had argued for squadron to be used inLibya during thecivil war, but was overruled by theMinister for Defence,Stephen Smith, and theChief of the Defence Force, GeneralDavid Hurley.[182] The operations were not confirmed by the Minister for Defence.[184][185] While, Rudd said the Libya claims were a "total, absolute, fabrication".[186] However, it has been reported that the SASR has conducted intelligence gathering expeditions overseas since the late 1980s, during which a select few personnel have travelled for months at a time, with the first in Asia being to Laos, Cambodia and Burma.[187]
The strength of the SASR is over 700 personnel.[188] Based atCampbell Barracks, it is abattalion-sized element and is known to be made up of a regimental headquarters, three sabre squadrons, an operational support squadron, a specialist support squadron, and a signals squadron.[11][182][188] In 2002 it was reported that two sabre squadrons (designated as contingency squadrons) were assigned to maintain the regiment's warfighting capability and that the third sabre squadron was designated as the Tactical Assault Group, with squadrons rotating through the two roles.[189] In 2015, the existence of a fourth sabre squadron was acknowledged.[188] In 2021 the seniority of the commander of the SASR was increased from a lieutenant colonel to a full colonel.[190]
The regiment is currently believed to be organised as follows:[11][18][182][188][Note 4]
Each sabre squadron is approximately 90-strong,[14] and is divided into three troops (Water Troop, Free-Fall Troop and Vehicle Mounted Troop).[193] A troop comprises four patrols with five or six operators in each patrol,[194] and is commanded by acaptain with each patrol commanded by asergeant.[195] For surveillance operations the SASR usually operates in patrols; however, for CT operations it usually employs larger force elements.[196] Support personnel include signallers, mechanics and technicians, medical staff, storemen, drivers, caterers and various specialists.[14] It was reported in 2012 that six female soldiers were being trained in the United States.[182] As of 2003, 152 Signal Squadron comprised four troops.[197]Military dogs, designated Special Operations Military Working Dog (SOMWD), have been members of the SASR since 2005, seeing service in Afghanistan and have their own memorial.[198][199][200]
While the SASR is a regular army unit, it also has a pool ofArmy Reserve personnel. These soldiers are former regular Army members of the SASR or specialists.[201]
Following the release of theBrereton Report into war crimes in Afghanistan, theChief of the Defence Force GeneralAngus Campbell announced in 2020 that 2 Squadron would be struck from the Army'sorder of battle due to its association with war crimes, and that over time the regiment would re-raise a differently titled squadron.[202][153][203] The ceremony to disband the squadron scheduled to take place in September 2021 was cancelled by the thenMinister for DefencePeter Dutton.[192][191]
The standard dress of the regiment is the newMulticam-design camouflage which became standard issue to special forces troops in 2012, and is now being introduced to all other Australian Army soldiers in Afghanistan and will eventually become the standard Operational Combat Uniform (OCU).[204] Although SASR parade, working and field uniforms are generally the same as those used by the rest of the Australian Army, special uniforms—including black coveralls—are used depending on the tactical situation.[13] Qualified SASR members wear a sandy-colouredberet with a metal, gold and silver badge, depicting the swordExcalibur, with flames issuing upwards from below the hilt, with a scroll across the front of blade inscribed with the regimental motto "Who Dares Wins", on a black shield.[3][24][205][Note 5] This differs from the British Special Air Service, which wears a woven cloth cap badge of the same design.[24] SAS 'Ibis'-styleparachute wings (rounded at the bottom and straight on top) are worn on the right shoulder on general duty, ceremonial and mess dress uniforms only.[207][208][209][206] A garter bluelanyard is worn.[210] Members of the regiment often dispense with rank, use first names, and wear long hair and beards on operations or when in the field.[211]
Soldiers are armed with a variety of weapons systems depending on what the mission dictates. These include theM4A1 carbine (designated as the M4A5 in Australia), which is used as their primary weapon.[212] The shortened version of the M4, known as theMk 18 CQBR, is also used.[213] TheSIG-Sauer MCX is used in counter-terrorist and specialist roles, largely replacing the legacyMP5.[214] Primary weapons are complemented with the two issued sidearms, theUSP Tactical and theGlock 19.[215] For medium to long range engagements theHeckler & Koch HK417,[216]SR-25 marksman rifle,[217] andMk 14 Enhanced Battle Rifle[218] are also used. Support weapons used include theMk48 Maximi Modular,[217]MAG 58[219] and thePara Minimi.[215][220] Sniper rifles used have included theSR-98,Blaser Tactical 2, andBarrett M82A2.[221] The regiment also uses a number of direct and indirect fire support weapons including 66 mmM72 rockets, 84 mmM3 MAAWS,FGM-148 Javelins,M2-QCB Browning .50 calibre machine guns,Mk 47 Striker grenade launchers, andmortars.[219][222]Flash bang devices andfragmentation grenades are also used depending on the tactical situation, including thethermobaric Mk 14 Anti-Structure Munition (ASM-HG) which has reportedly been used in Afghanistan.[223]
A range of different vehicles are used, including theSupacat High Mobility Transporter (HMT) Extenda with 31 purchased in 2007 designated the Special Operations Vehicle – Special Reconnaissance (SOV-SR), named "Nary" after a SASR warrant officer killed during pre-deployment training in 2005.[224][225][226] The first Nary was delivered in 2008 but due to technical problems the vehicles did not enter service until 2011, replacing theLong Range Patrol Vehicle (LRPV) which had seen extensive service in Afghanistan and Iraq.[226][227][228][229] New SOV-Logistics trucks are being acquired to replace the Mercedes-BenzUnimog for supply, support and recovery of the SOV-SR.[230] A lighter, less protected vehicle, more akin to the LRPV—the Polaris DefenseDAGOR (Deployable Advanced Ground Off-road)—was being trialled in 2015.[231] Motorcycles are also used for long range strategic reconnaissance seeing service in Afghanistan.[232]Polaris six-wheel all-terrain vehicles are also used, seeing service in Afghanistan.[233][234] Heavily modified up-armouredToyota Land Cruiser four wheel drive vehicles designated SOV-Support are used for domestic counter-terrorism and special recovery.[230] The USMI 11m Naval Special Warfare Rigid Inflatable Boat designated Air Drop Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (ADRHIB) is used for domestic counter-terrorism and special recovery.[235][236] TheDivex Shadowrebreather is used in diving operations.[237]
The SASR has high personnel standards, and selection into the regiment is considered the most demanding of any entry test in the Australian Army.[238] Members of the SASR are required to work in small teams for extended periods and often without support, and are specially selected for their ability to work in this environment, rather than as individuals.[50] Selection is open to all serving Australian Defence Force personnel. Candidates must complete the Special Force Screen Test at the Special Forces Training Centre, which tests their physical fitness, and also includes an interview.[239][240] About 64 percent of applicants pass this test.[240] Successful candidates then continue on to the 21-day SAS Selection Course which assesses both the individual's strength and endurance (mental and physical), as well as overall fitness, ability to remain calm in combat, and to work effectively in small teams.[241][240] The course consists of four phases with the first two mainly of physical and navigational exercises held at theBindoon Training Centre.[241] The third and fourth phases are conducted in theStirling Ranges with long pack marches in phase three and small group exercises in phase four with little or no sleep and food.[241] Around 10 to 30 percent of candidates pass selection.[241] These candidates then progress onto the 16-month reinforcement cycle,[241] during which they complete a range of courses including weapons, basic patrolling, parachuting, combat survival, signaller / medic, heavy weapons, demolitions, method of entry, and urban combat before posting to a sabre squadron if successful and awarded their Sandy beret.[242] Officers must complete additional courses to qualify as an officer in the regiment, with requisite expertise in operations, administration and command.[243] Most candidates are generally in their late-20s and are on average older than most soldiers.[50] In 2010, a two-hour documentarySAS: The Search for Warriors was produced on the selection course.[244] Earlier in 1985, the documentaryBattle for the Golden Road, had also been produced on the course.[245]
The Review of Special Operations Command report in June 2020 byDavid Irvine recommended that SOCOMD introduce a joint selection course conducted by theDefence Special Operations Training and Education Centre for the regiment and the 2nd Commando Regiment rather than the units conduct their own individual selection courses.[246][247][248] In 2024, the first joint selection course for the three SOCOMD combat units the SASR, 2nd Commando Regiment and theReserve1st Commando Regiment was held inWestern Australia.[249][250]
All members of the SASR are parachute qualified, and each member of a patrol has at least one specialisation, including medic, signaller, explosive expert or linguist.[11][251] Counter terrorist training includes close quarters battle (CQB), explosive entry, tubular assault (in vehicles such as in buses, trains and aircraft) and in high rise buildings, as well as room and building clearance.[13] This training is conducted in a range of advanced facilities, including electronic indoor and outdoor CQB ranges, outdoor sniper range, and urban training facilities at Swanbourne. Additional facilities include a special urban complex, vertical plunging range, method of entry house, and simulated oil rig and aircraft mock-ups in order to provide realistic training environments for potential operational scenarios.[252] Free-Fall training includes High Altitude Parachute Operations (HAPO) eitherHigh Altitude Low Opening (HALO) orHigh Altitude High Opening (HAHO) conducted at a maximum of 25,000 feet (7,600 metres).[253] SASR personnel also provide training in weapons handling to ASIS operatives at Swan Island in Victoria.[254] Despite a possiblereduction in rank, SASR operators receive significant allowances, which make them among the highest-paid soldiers in the Australian Defence Force, with a trooper (equivalent to aprivate) reportedly earning about $100,000 per annum in 2006.[50]
The SASR maintains close links with special forces from the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Canada,[188] regularly participating in joint exercises and individual personnel exchange programs with the BritishSpecial Air Service andSpecial Boat Service, Canada'sJoint Task Force 2, theNew Zealand Special Air Service and theUnited States Navy SEALs,SEAL Team Six,U.S. Army Special Forces andDelta Force.[255] The regiment also regularly conducts exercises with and trains soldiers from South East Asian nations, and participates in exercises with regional special forces.[95] From 1992 this has included close links with the IndonesianKopassus, a relationship which has at times been politically controversial.[13] Since its formation the SASR has lost more men in training than in combat, due to the nature of the training regime.[50] In 2014, the regiment celebrated its 50th anniversary. During this period 48 soldiers have been killed during operations or in training accidents, while another 20 died in "other circumstances". More than 200 have been wounded.[256] The names of those killed are recorded on a plaque on a memorial made of a large piece of granite outside the SASR headquarters at Campbell Barracks, known as "The Rock".[257]
