Australian Special Air Service Regiment

Australian Special Air Service Regiment
Unit name	Australian Special Air Service Regiment
Caption	Emblem of the Australian Special Air Service Regiment
Dates	25 July 1957 – present
Country	Australia
Branch	Australian Army
Type	Special forces
Role	Special reconnaissance, direct action, Counter-terrorism
Size	Regiment
Command structure	Special Operations Command
Garrison	Campbell Barracks, Swanbourne, Western Australia
Nickname	The Regiment, Chicken Stranglers
Motto	"Who Dares Wins"
Colors	Sand
Battles	Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Iraq War, Operation Okra
Decorations	Unit Citation for Gallantry, Meritorious Unit Citation
Current commander	Colonel (classified)

Australian Special Air Service Regiment. The Australian Special Air Service Regiment is the principal special forces unit of the Australian Army. Formed in 1957, it is modelled on the British Special Air Service and forms a key component of Special Operations Command. The regiment is based at Campbell Barracks in Swanbourne, Western Australia, and is tasked with high-risk operations including special reconnaissance, direct action, and counter-terrorism.

History

The regiment was officially raised on 25 July 1957, following advocacy by officers who had served with the British Special Air Service during the Second World War. Its first major operational deployment was during the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, where it conducted clandestine cross-border patrols in Borneo. The Vietnam War saw extensive service, with squadrons conducting long-range reconnaissance patrols and direct action missions, earning a formidable reputation. Following Vietnam, the regiment's focus shifted to domestic counter-terrorism, leading to the establishment of the Tactical Assault Group in the 1970s. It saw action in the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and the Iraq War, and has been continuously deployed on operations throughout the Middle East and South-West Asia.

Organisation

The regiment is structured around three operational sabre squadrons, designated 1, 2, and 3 Squadron, each specializing in different operational disciplines. Supporting elements include a dedicated signals squadron, an operational support squadron, and a specialist integrated survey facility. The regiment is under the command of Special Operations Command, alongside other units like the 2nd Commando Regiment. A key sub-unit is the Tactical Assault Group (West), which is the principal counter-terrorism and special recovery force for the western region of Australia. The regimental headquarters and all squadrons are permanently based at Campbell Barracks.

Selection and Training

Prospective members are drawn from across the Australian Defence Force and must pass the grueling Special Forces Selection Course, one of the most demanding military selection courses in the world. The course, held in the Stirling Range and surrounding regions of Western Australia, tests candidates' physical endurance, mental resilience, and navigation skills over several weeks. Successful candidates then undergo an extensive training cycle covering advanced weapons handling, demolitions, military communications, combat first aid, and close-quarters battle. Further specialization follows in areas such as parachuting, combat diving, and sniper techniques, often conducted with allied forces like the United States Army Special Forces and New Zealand Special Air Service.

Operations

The regiment's first major conflict was the Vietnam War, where it was highly decorated for actions such as the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral. During the Gulf War, it was deployed on Scud hunting missions behind Iraqi lines. Following the September 11 attacks, it was a leading element of Australia's commitment to the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), conducting numerous direct action and special reconnaissance missions, including the Battle of Tizak. In the Iraq War, it conducted sensitive special reconnaissance tasks. More recent deployments include advising and assisting local forces during Operation Okra in Iraq and Operation Highroad in Afghanistan. It also maintains a constant domestic counter-terrorism alert status.

Equipment and Vehicles

The regiment utilizes a wide array of specialized small arms, often customized beyond standard Australian Army issue. These have included the M4 carbine, Heckler & Koch HK417, and Sig Sauer MCX for assault roles, with the Blaser R93 Tactical and Barrett M82 used as sniper rifles. For mobility, it employs the Land Rover Perentie and the Supacat HMT Extenda for overland missions. For insertion, it uses the Collins-class submarines for maritime operations, MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for air assault, and the C-130J Super Hercules for parachute drops. Personal equipment includes advanced night vision devices, body armor, and encrypted communications systems from companies like Harris Corporation.

Notable Members and Incidents

Highly decorated members include Ben Roberts-Smith, a recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia for actions in the Battle of Tizak, and Mark Donaldson, who was awarded the same honour for bravery in Oruzgan Province. The regiment has also been the subject of significant controversy, most notably the findings of the Brereton Report, an IGADF inquiry which alleged serious war crimes committed by some members in Afghanistan. Earlier incidents include the 1996 Black Hawk disaster during a counter-terrorism exercise, which killed several special forces personnel. The regiment's history and culture were also explored in works like the film Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan.

Category:Special forces of Australia Category:Military units and formations established in 1957