Australian Special Air Service Regiment

Australian Special Forces

Airborne Regiment Special Services (Special Air Service Regiment - SASR) is the main Australian Special Forces, modeled after the British SAS, as well as on the basis of local experience - the tactics of the Australian division of the Second World «Z Special Force».

The regiment consists of three squadrons, each of 50 eligible wear takes operators, as well as the 152nd Signal Squadron, squadron logistics and operational support. Previous qualification known as the «Blackhats», on a dark blue beret, which they wear. The remaining soldiers shelf wear green beret, a regular infantry.

The headquarters of the regiment is in barracks Campbell, Swanbourne, Perth, Western Australia. The motto is the same as that of the British SAS - «Who dares wins».

Australian Special Airborne Service was established July 25, 1957 as the first company SAS Royal Australian Regiment (initially it was limited to 16 staff officers and 168 soldiers). In August 1964, at its base was formed SASR, whose structure at that time was deployed three squadrons. The first combat experience in the capacity of SASR division was in 1965 when the armed forces of the British Commonwealth were sent to northern Borneo. Before the SASR was tasked to prevent the penetration of Indonesian insurgents in Malaya.

SASR actively participated in the Vietnam War. First there was sent to 3rd Squadron (April 1966). SASR role was limited to military intelligence, sending patrols in the area of ​​responsibility of the Australian contingent. As in Borneo, Vietnam, SASR has worked closely with the New Zealand SAS. At the same time, Australians also conducted operations along with seals and rangers SSHA.A vstraliysky commandos remained in Vietnam until October 1971. During this time the Australians and New Zealanders killed in joint operations for at least 492 Viet Cong, and lost only two soldiers. In addition, three of them were killed by "friendly fire." One person was missing.

After the withdrawal from Vietnam, Australia abandoned the doctrine of "preventive defense", which implies involvement in conflicts in Southeast Asia. Instead, it was decided to focus on protecting itself from external attacks, Australia.

SASR also actively participated in peacekeeping operations. For the first time this practice was tested in Vietnam, then in Rhodesia. A small unit SASR ensure the protection of high-ranking officials in Somalia. Soldiers of the Australian special forces also were sent to Cambodia in the UN mission (UNAMIC and FCU UNTAC), and in Rwanda (regimental doctors working there).

In 2003, Australian Special Forces has been converted into a separate branch with its own command. The number of special forces had been increased by 330 people.

Major losses SASR carries on a training exercise. The most painful episode occurred June 12, 1996 when, during a night exercise dropped two "black hawk" 5 Aviation Regiment soldiers from SASR on board. Then, killing 15 commandos and three pilots.