Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) Overview

The Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), part of the Australian Army, is a special forces unit responsible for special operations, counter-terrorism, and special mission capabilities. It shares its motto, "Who Dares Wins," with the British SAS and is based at Campbell Barracks in Swanbourne, Western Australia.

Key Information

• Active Since: Initially formed as 1st SAS Company in 1957, it became a regiment in 1964.
• Garrison: Campbell Barracks, Swanbourne, Western Australia.
• Role:
  • Special operations
  • Counter-terrorism
  • Long-range reconnaissance
• Size: Composed of several squadrons including specialist support and signals squadrons.
• Part of: Special Operations Command, Australian Defence Force (ADF).
• Motto: "Who Dares Wins"

Historical Engagements

• 1964-1966: Indonesian Confrontation
• 1966-1971: Vietnam War
• 1991: Gulf War (standby)
• 1999-2000: East Timorese crisis
• 2001-2021: Afghanistan War
• 2003: Iraq War
• 2014: Northern Iraq offensive

Tasks and Capabilities

• Special Operations: Covert operations, reconnaissance, and surveillance in enemy territories.
• Counter-Terrorism: Tactical Assault Group (West) for domestic threats and international deployments.
• Warfighting: Direct action, sabotage, and special reconnaissance.
• Hostage Rescue: Capabilities include ship and platform boarding.
• Training: Provides training to local and indigenous forces and assistance in humanitarian operations.

Structure

• Squadrons: Each squadron includes various troops specializing in water, free-fall, and vehicle operations.
• Support Elements: Includes signals, operational support, and specialist support squadrons.

Notable Operations

• Vietnam War: Known for stealth and reconnaissance, earning the nickname "phantoms of the jungle."
• Operation Slipper: Deployment in Afghanistan for surveillance and offensive operations against Taliban and Al-Qaeda.
• Operation Falconer: Part of the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Controversies and Investigations

• War Crime Allegations: Accusations of unlawful killings and war crimes during the Afghanistan campaign.
• Brereton Report: Findings of misconduct, leading to potential disbandment of 2nd Squadron.

Training and Selection

• Selection Process: Highly rigorous, focusing on endurance, teamwork, and tactical skills.
• Training: Includes advanced weapons, navigation, survival, and counter-terrorism tactics.

Equipment

• Weapons: Use of various firearms including M4A1 carbine, SIG-Sauer MCX, and sniper rifles.
• Vehicles: Special Operations Vehicles like Supacat HMT Extenda for diverse terrain.

Decorations and Recognition

• Unit Citations: Unit Citation for Gallantry, Meritorious Unit Citation.
• Notable Members: Victoria Cross recipients for acts of bravery in Afghanistan.