Special Air Service Regiment (SASR)

Overview

• Country: Australia
• Branch: Australian Army
• Type: Special forces, Special mission unit
• Role: Special operations, Counter-terrorism
• Garrison: Campbell Barracks, Swanbourne, Western Australia
• Nickname: "Chicken stranglers", "Snake eaters"
• Motto: "Who Dares Wins"
• Engagements: Indonesian Confrontation, Vietnam War, Afghanistan War, Iraq War, and more

History

Formation and Early Years

• Established in 1957 as 1st SAS Company, modeled after British SAS.
• Became a regiment in 1964.
• Initial active service in Borneo during the Indonesian Confrontation.

Vietnam War

• SASR squadrons rotated in Vietnam for reconnaissance and ambush operations.
• Known for stealth; nicknamed "phantoms of the jungle" by Viet Cong.

Post-Vietnam and Counter-Terrorism

• Developed Tactical Assault Group (TAG) after the 1978 Sydney Hilton bombing.

Operations

Special Operations

• Conducts covert long-range reconnaissance and surveillance in small teams.
• Engaged in precision strikes and direct action.

Counter-Terrorism

• Tactical Assault Group (West) for domestic and international incidents.
• Trains for hostage rescue and ship boarding operations.

Recent Conflicts

• Participated in Afghan War, notable operations include Operation Anaconda.
• Engaged in Iraq War, East Timor crisis, and peacekeeping missions.

Controversies

• Allegations of war crimes in Afghanistan, including unlawful killings.
• The Brereton Report revealed misconduct leading to potential prosecutions.

Structure

• Composed of regimental headquarters, 4 Sabre Squadrons, Specialist Support Squadron, Operational Support Squadron, and 152 Signal Squadron.

Training and Selection

• Noted for rigorous selection process; requires high physical and mental endurance.
• Training includes weapons, survival, parachuting, and combat skills.

Equipment

• Utilizes a range of weapons such as M4A1 carbines, Glock pistols, and sniper rifles.
• Vehicles include Supacat HMT Extenda and Polaris DAGOR.

Notable Commanders

• Michael Jeffery, Jim Wallace, Duncan Lewis, among others.

Decorations

• Unit Citation for Gallantry, Meritorious Unit Citation, Presidential Unit Citation.

Recent Developments

• Emphasis on improving regiment culture following misconduct allegations.
• Continues to adapt to modern warfare and counter-terrorism challenges.