Special Air Service Regiment
Cap badge of the Special Air Service Regiment
Active	20 August 1964-
Country	Australia
Branch	Army
Type	Special Forces
Role	Counter-Terrorism/Strategic Reconnaissance
Size	One regiment
Part of	Royal Australian Infantry Corps
Garrison/HQ	Swanbourne, Western Australia
Nickname	Gerbils, Chicken stranglers
Motto	Who Dares Wins
March	Quick - The Happy Wanderer Slow - Lili Marlene
Commanders
Notable commanders	Major General Michael Jeffery AC, CVO, MC Major General Duncan Lewis AO, DSC, CSC Colonel Rowan Tink AM
Insignia
Unit Color Patch
Abbreviation	SASR

The Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) is a Special Forces regiment modelled on the original British SAS and also drawing on the traditions of the Australian World War II 'Z' Special Force commando unit, as well as the Independent Companies which were active in the South Pacific during the same period. It is based at Campbell Barracks, Swanbourne, Perth, Western Australia and is a unit of the Royal Australian Infantry Corps, part of the Australian Defence Force. As with the British SAS, the regimental motto is 'Who dares wins'. Image File history File links Sas_badge. ... is the 232nd day of the year (233rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also Nintendo emulator: 1964 (emulator). ... For other uses, see Army (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Special forces (disambiguation). ... Counter-terrorism refers to the practices, tactics, and strategies that governments, militaries, and other groups adopt in order to fight terrorism. ... The Royal Australian Army Infantry Corps (RA Inf) is the parent corps for all infantry regiments of the Australian Army. ... Swanbourne is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, Australia, situated 10km from the Perth GPO. Swanbourne is part of the Local Government Area of the City of Nedlands Swanbourne is named after Swanbourne in Buckinghamshire, England. ... Who Dares Wins, Latin: Qui audet adipiscitur, (French: Qui ose gagne, German: Wer wagt, gewinnt) is the motto of seven special forces elite units:  United Kingdom — Special Air Service (first to use motto)  Greece — Hellenic Special Forces  Australia — Special Air Service Regiment  New Zealand — Special Air Service  France — 1st Marine... The song The Happy Wanderer (Der fröhliche Wanderer or Mein Vater war ein Wandersmann) is often mistaken for a German folk song, but it is actually an original song by Friedrich-Wilhelm Möller, written shortly after WW2. ... Lili Marleen is a famous German song, popular during World War II. The words were originally written by Hans Leip in 1915, and later published as Das Lied eins jungen Soldaten auf der Wacht (The Song of a Young Sentry). It was set to music by Norbert Schultze in 1938. ... Insignia of a United States Air Force Major General German Generalmajor Insignia Major General is a military rank used in many countries. ... This article is about the Governor-General of Australia. ... Insignia of a Companion of the Order of Australia. ... Queen Victoria founded the Royal Victorian Order. ... The Military Cross (MC) is the third level military decoration awarded to officers and (since 1993) other ranks of the British Army and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries. ... Insignia of a United States Air Force Major General German Generalmajor Insignia Major General is a military rank used in many countries. ... Insignia of a Companion of the Order of Australia. ... The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force, it is awarded for distinguished command and leadership in action. ... Conspicuous Service Cross (UK) Conspicuous Service Cross (Australia) Conspicuous Service Cross (New York) This is a disambiguation page: a list of articles associated with the same title. ... For other uses, see Colonel (disambiguation). ... Rowan John Tink AM is a former Australian Special Air Service officer whose identity was widely publicised after he was awarded the United States Bronze Star Medal for his role commanding 150 SAS troopers in Afghanistan, notably during Operation Anaconda. ... Insignia of a Companion of the Order of Australia. ... Image File history File links SASR_UCP.PNG‎ [edit] Summary Unit Colour Patch of the Special Air Service Regiment [edit] Licensing I, the creator of this work, hereby grant the permission to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1. ... For other uses, see Special forces (disambiguation). ... British regiment A regiment is a military unit, consisting of a variable number of battalions - commanded by a colonel. ... See also Australian Special Air Service Regiment and New Zealand Special Air Service: The Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) is the principal special forces unit of the British Army. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... Z Special Unit, usually known as Z Force was a joint Australian, British and New Zealand commando unit, which saw action against the Empire of Japan during World War II. Z Special Unit carried out 284 covert operations in the Pacific. ... The name commando has been applied to a variety of Australian special forces and light infantry units. ... Campbell Barracks is an Australian Army base located in the coastal suburb of Swanborne in Perth, Western Australia. ... Location of Perth within Australia This article is about the metropolitan area of Perth, Western Australia. ... Slogan or Nickname: Wildflower State or the Golden State Other Australian states and territories Capital Perth Government Constitutional monarchy Governor Ken Michael Premier Alan Carpenter (ALP) Federal representation  - House seats 15  - Senate seats 12 Gross State Product (2005-06)  - Product ($m)  $107,910 (4th)  - Product per capita  $53,134/person... The Royal Australian Army Infantry Corps (RA Inf) is the parent corps for all infantry regiments of the Australian Army. ... The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is the military organisation responsible for the defence of Australia. ... Who Dares Wins, Latin: Qui audet adipiscitur, (French: Qui ose gagne, German: Wer wagt, gewinnt) is the motto of seven special forces elite units:  United Kingdom — Special Air Service (first to use motto)  Greece — Hellenic Special Forces  Australia — Special Air Service Regiment  New Zealand — Special Air Service  France — 1st Marine...

Role

The SASR currently has two primary roles, reconnaissance and counter-terrorism.^[1] They also are responsible for surgical direct-action missions, while the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (4 RAR) conducts large-scale raids. Mixed reconnaissance patrol of the Polish Home Army and the Soviet Red Army during Operation Tempest, 1944 Reconnaissance is the military term for the active gathering of information about an enemy, or other conditions, by physical observation. ... Counter-terrorism refers to the practices, tactics, and strategies that governments, militaries, and other groups adopt in order to fight terrorism. ... The 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment or 4 RAR (Cdo), is one of the battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment and is one of three combat capable groups within the Australian Special Operations Command (the other two being the SASR and 1st Commando Regiment). ...

Reconnaissance

In the reconnaissance role the SASR typically operates in small patrols which have the task of infiltrating enemy-held territory and providing intelligence on enemy troop movements. In this role the SASR generally seeks to avoid directly engaging enemy units, though SASR soldiers will call in air and other support to destroy enemy units whenever possible. SASR reconnaissance patrols can be inserted by air, land or sea (including by submarine) and have proven capable of covering large distances in jungle and desert terrain.^[2] Mixed reconnaissance patrol of the Polish Home Army and the Soviet Red Army during Operation Tempest, 1944 Reconnaissance is the military term for the active gathering of information about an enemy, or other conditions, by physical observation. ... In military tactics, to patrol, or conduct a patrol, is to conduct reconnaissance of a designated area or route. ... For other uses, see Intelligence (disambiguation). ... Close air support (often abbreviated CAS) is the use of military aircraft in a ground attack role against targets in close proximity to friendly troops, in support of ground combat operations. ... For other uses, see Submarine (disambiguation). ...

Counter-terrorism and Special Recovery

In the counter-terrorism and special recovery roles the SASR specialises in tasks such as direct action and hostage rescue, including boarding moving ships (ship underway). In contrast with the SASR's reconnaissance role, when operating in the counter terrorism role SASR units are only tasked with the mission statement "to rescue the hostages". The SASR provides Tactical Assault Group (West), with the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) providing Tactical Assault Group (East). Counter-terrorism refers to the practices, tactics, and strategies that governments, militaries, and other groups adopt in order to fight terrorism. ... A hostage crisis is a situation created by militants or terrorists wherein they take over a building full of people and then: (a) hold them till their demands or met, or (b) hold them until someone they respect tells them to stop or they decide to surrender, or (c) are... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Members of Tactical Assault Group East during exercises at Holsworthy Barracks. ... The 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment or 4 RAR (Cdo), is one of the battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment and is one of three combat capable groups within the Australian Special Operations Command (the other two being the SASR and 1st Commando Regiment). ... Members of Tactical Assault Group East during exercises at Holsworthy Barracks. ...

In contrast with this TAG (WEST) assumes additional roles in which TAG (EAST) does not.

The SASR's three 'sabre squadrons' rotate between the war/reconnaissance and Counter-Terrorism/Recovery roles. Two squadrons are maintained in the war/reconnaissance role with the remaining squadron filling the Counter-Terrorism/recovery role.^[3] A sabre squadron in the British Armys Royal Armoured Corps and Household Cavalry is an operational squadron of tanks or other armoured fighting vehicles, as opposed to a headquarters or support squadron. ...

Rotations occur every 12 months, so each squadron fulfills the counter-terrorism/recovery role and configuration every three years.

Reports that the squadron filling the counter-terrorism role is always designated 1 Squadron are incorrect as that practice ceased in the late 1980s.

History

Members of the Queensland branch of the Australian Special Air Service association during the 2007 ANZAC Day march in Brisbane

Early days

The Australian Special Air Service was established on 25 July 1957 as the 1st Special Air Service Company, Royal Australian Regiment. The SASR was expanded to three 'sabre squadrons and gained Regimental status on 20 August 1964 when the Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) was established. is the 206th day of the year (207th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1957 (MCMLVII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1957 Gregorian calendar). ... The Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) is the parent regiment for regular infantry battalions of the Australian Army, making up the majority of the Royal Australian Infantry Corps. ... A sabre squadron in the British Armys Royal Armoured Corps and Household Cavalry is an operational squadron of tanks or other armoured fighting vehicles, as opposed to a headquarters or support squadron. ... is the 232nd day of the year (233rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also Nintendo emulator: 1964 (emulator). ...

The SASR first saw action in 1965 as part of the British Commonwealth force stationed in north Borneo during the Indonesian Confrontation. The Australian SASR troopers operated alongside their British and New Zealand counterparts in operations aimed at stopping Indonesian infiltration into Malaya. Borneo is the third largest island in the world and is located at the centre of Maritime Southeast Asia. ... The Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation was an intermittent war over the future of the island of Borneo, between British-backed Malaysia and Indonesia in 1962-1966. ... The Special Air Service of New Zealand (NZ SAS) was formed on July 7, 1955 as an elite New Zealand Army and highly-secretive unit capable of undertaking special missions. ... Map of Peninsular Malaysia Peninsular Malaysia (Malay: Semenanjung Malaysia) is the part of Malaysia which lies on the Malay Peninsula, and shares a land border with Thailand in the north. ...

Vietnam

See also: Military history of Australia during the Vietnam War

The SASR's participation in the Vietnam War began when 3 Squadron deployed as part of the 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) in April 1966. The SASR's role in Vietnam was to act as the 'eyes and the ears' of the Australian Task Force through conducting reconnaissance patrols throughout 1 ATF's area of responsibility. As in Borneo the SASR operated closely with the New Zealand SAS, with a New Zealand SAS troop being attached to each Australian Squadron. Images on the back wall of the Vietnam Forces National Memorial, Canberra The Vietnam War was a conflict in which the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV, or North Vietnam) and its allies fought against the Republic of Vietnam (RVN, or South Vietnam) and its allies. ... Combatants Republic of Vietnam United States Republic of Korea Thailand Australia New Zealand The Philippines National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam Democratic Republic of Vietnam People’s Republic of China Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea Strength US 1,000,000 South Korea 300,000 Australia 48,000... The 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) commanded the Australian and New Zealand Army units deployed to South Vietnam between 1966 and 1971. ... The Special Air Service of New Zealand (NZ SAS) was formed on July 7, 1955 as an elite New Zealand Army and highly-secretive unit capable of undertaking special missions. ...

SASR Squadrons rotated through Vietnam on one year long deployments until the last Squadron was withdrawn in October 1971. During its time in Vietnam the Regiment was extremely successful in the reconnaissance role. Members of the Regiment became known as 'Phantoms of the Jungle' to Vietnamese Communist forces, attributed to their cunning and fieldcraft. The Australian and New Zealand SAS killed at least 492 and as many as 598 Communist troops in Vietnam and lost only two men killed in action. The SASR also suffered three fatalities from friendly fire. One member is still Missing In Action after falling into the jungle during a suspended rope extraction, subsequent patrols into the area failed to recover his body.^[4] MIA is a three-letter acronym that is most commonly used to designate a combatant who is Missing In Action, and has not yet returned or otherwise been accounted for as either dead (KIA) or a prisoner of war (POW). ...

Australia's SASR also worked with US SEAL Teams and US Army Special Forces, and provided instructors to the LRRP School. Some members also served with the highly secret MACV-SOG Units. LRRP (pronounced and sometimes spelled LuRP), is an acronym for the United States Army Long Range Recon Patrols, special six-man teams of primarily Rangers utilised in the Vietnam War on highly dangerous special operations missions deep into enemy territory. ... MACV-SOG (an acronym for Military Assistance Command, Vietnam - Studies and Observation Group, pronounced mack-vee-sogg or mack-sogg) was an unconventional warfare task force engaged in highly classified missions throughout Southeast Asia. ...

After Vietnam

Members of the SASR's counter-terrorism Tactical Assault Group in 1980

The Australian withdrawal from Vietnam brought to an end the doctrine of 'forward defence' through involvement in South East Asian wars. Instead, the Australian military's new focus was on the defence 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 in Northern Australia.^[5] This role is now filled by the Army's three Regional Force Surveillance Units. The Defence of Australia Policy was Australias dominant defence policy between 1972 and 1997. ... The term northern Australia is generally considered to include the Australian states and territories of Queensland and the Northern Territory. ... The Regional Force Surveillance Units (RFSUs) are specialised units of the Australian Army responsible for patrolling northern Australia. ...

Following the Sydney Hilton bombing in February 1978 the SASR was given responsibility for providing Australia's military counter-terrorism response force.^[6] In addition to being able to respond to terrorist attacks in Australian cities, the SASR counter-terrorism unit was also required to be capable of boarding ships and oil platforms. The Sydney Hilton bombing occurred on 13 February 1978, when a bomb exploded outside the Hilton Hotel in Sydney, Australia. ...

Peacekeeping

The SASR has been at the forefront of numerous peacekeeping missions in recent years. The first SASR units to deploy on active service after the Vietnam War did so as part of Australian peacekeeping deployments. The first major deployment of SASR troops occurred when a squadron sized group deployed as part of the Commonwealth Monitoring Force in Rhodesia during the 1980 changeover to Zimbabwe. Small SASR units were attached to Australian forces in Somalia to provide an elite response and VIP protection and security. Contrary to some reports, SASR did not provide a security team for service in Cambodia although a number of SAS qualified signallers from 152 Signal Squadron were deployed as part of the Australian military contribution to the United Nations Advance Mission in Cambodia (UNAMIC) and FCU UNTAC. SASR Patrol Medics were also deployed as part of the contribution to the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda, some of whom were present during the massacre at Kibeo. The current SOCOM RSM earned a Bravery Medal (Australia) in Rwanda. There is a dedicated Security Sergeant's position within the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) allocated to SASR and several SAS qualified Signals Sergeants have also been deployed to MFO in Sinai. In addition, individual members of the SASR have been attached to a wide range of Australian peacekeeping deployments where their high levels of technical skills have proven invaluable. Combatants Republic of Vietnam United States Republic of Korea Thailand Australia New Zealand The Philippines National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam Democratic Republic of Vietnam People’s Republic of China Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea Strength US 1,000,000 South Korea 300,000 Australia 48,000... It has been suggested that this article be split into multiple articles accessible from a disambiguation page. ... // FCU UNTAC unit logo After Vietnam intervened in Cambodia in 1979 to overthrow the Khmer Rouge regime, Cambodia became embroiled in a four-sided civil war. ... The United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda was a relief mission instituted by the United Nations to aid the implementation of the Arusha Accords, signed August 4, 1993 in order to ease tensions between the Hutu-dominated Rwandese government and the Tutsi rebels (for the most part centered in the... The Bravery Medal (BM) is a bravery decoration awarded to Australians. ... The Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) is an international peacekeeping force. ...

The Blackhawk Tragedy

Deaths during training accidents make up the majority of the SASR's fatalities. The worst accident in the Regiment's history occurred on 12 June 1996 when two S-70A Blackhawks from the 5th Aviation Regiment carrying SASR troopers collided during a live fire counter-terrorism/special recovery operation exercise at Fire Support Base Barbara in the High Range Training Area at Townsville, Queensland.^[7] is the 163rd day of the year (164th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ... The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a medium-lift utility or assault helicopter used by over 20 nations. ... A S-70 Blackhawk and a CH-47 Chinook from the 5th Aviation Regiment operating from a United States Navy ship during an exercise in 2005 The Australian 5th Aviation Regiment is an Australian Army aviation unit. ... Townsville in 2004. ... Slogan or Nickname: Sunshine State, Smart State Motto(s): Audax at Fidelis (Bold but Faithful) Other Australian states and territories Capital Brisbane Government Constitutional monarchy Governor Quentin Bryce Premier Anna Bligh (ALP) Federal representation  - House seats 28  - Senate seats 12 Gross State Product (2004-05)  - Product ($m)  $158,506 (3rd...

This activity was part of Exercise DAY ROTOR 96 and took place on the second day of the exercise sometime after 6:30pm in the evening requiring the pilots to use night vision goggles. 30 seconds from the Landing Zone (LZ) one of the helicopters veered to the right, clipping the tail rotor of a second aircraft. Experimental night vision goggles. ...

Both aircraft caught fire, with one Black Hawk crashing immediately while the other was able to make a crash landing.

The moments that followed were marked by outstanding heroism as crash survivors and soldiers from the other helicopters risked the flames and exploding ammunition to rescue their comrades and retrieve the bodies of the dead.^[8]

15 members of the SASR and three members of the 5th Aviation Regiment lost their lives in the accident while 14 personnel were given official recognition for their part in the rescue and evacuation operations. ^[9]

Broader horizons

In 1998 the SASR's made its first squadron strength deployment since Vietnam when 1 Squadron, with an attached New Zealand SAS troop, was deployed to Kuwait as part of the American-led Operation Desert Thunder. While this crisis was resolved peacefully, if military action had been taken the SASR's role would have been that of rescuing the crews of aircraft shot down by Iraqi air defences (CSAR). The Special Air Service of New Zealand (NZ SAS) was formed on July 7, 1955 as an elite New Zealand Army and highly-secretive unit capable of undertaking special missions. ... Operation Desert Thunder was a response to threats by Iraqs president Sadam Hussein to shoot down U-2 spy planes, and violate the no-fly zone set up over his country. ... Tsar, (Bulgarian цар�, Russian царь; often spelled Czar or Tzar in English), was the title used for the autocratic rulers of the First and Second Bulgarian Empires since 913, in Serbia in the middle of the 14th century, and in Russia from 1547 to 1917. ...

The SASR played a key role in the Australian-led international peacekeeping force in East Timor between September 1999 and February 2000. 3 Squadron 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. 1 Squadron replaced 3 Squadron in December 1999 and was subsequently replaced by 2 Squadron. INTERFET (standing for INTERnational Force East Timor) was a multinational peacekeeping taskforce, mandated by the United Nations to address the humanitarian and security crisis which took place in East Timor from 1999-2000 until the arrival of United Nations peacekeepers. ...

Domestic security and controversy

The SASR formed a key element of the security force in place for the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. During the Games two SASR squadrons were available for Counter-Terrorist operations. The SASR's Counter-Terrorist role has increased in prominence since the September 11 terrorist attacks, and the SASR has since formed part of the security force for events such as the 2003 Rugby World Cup. The SASR currently provides one of Australia's two elite Tactical Assault Groups (designated TAG(West)), with the other TAG being provided by the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando). JTFGold Olympic logo Joint Task Force (JTF) Gold was the Australian Defence Force unit formed to provide security and general support for the 2000 Summer Olympics which was held in Sydney, Australia. ... The Games of the XXVII Olympiad were held in 2000 in Sydney, Australia. ... The World Trade Center on fire The September 11, 2001 attacks were a series of coordinated terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. ... The 2003 Rugby World Cup was the fifth rugby union world cup. ... Members of Tactical Assault Group East during exercises at Holsworthy Barracks. ... The 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment or 4 RAR (Cdo), is one of the battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment and is one of three combat capable groups within the Australian Special Operations Command (the other two being the SASR and 1st Commando Regiment). ...

The boarding of the MV Tampa in August 2001 is the most controversial incident in the SASR's history. In late August 2001 the Australian government ordered the then Counter-Terrorist squadron to deploy to Christmas Island and board the Tampa once it entered Australian waters. While the members of the SASR involved did what they could to improve conditions on the Tampa, the use of an elite military unit to prevent refugees landing in Australia was not popular within the Regiment and remains controversial.^[10] Less controversial, however, was the SASR's involvement in the boarding of the North Korean freighter MV Pong Su in 2003. The MV Tampa is a Norwegian cargo ship that was at the centre of a diplomatic dispute between Australia, Norway, and Indonesia which began off the coast of Christmas Island in August 2001. ... The Pong Su incident occurred during April 2003 when members of the Australian Army Special Operations Force intercepted and boarded a 4000 ton North Korean ocean freighter in Australian waters, seizing almost 125 kg (300 pounds) of heroin. ...

Afghanistan and Iraq

A SASR patrol in Iraq in 2003.

In October 2001 the Australian government announced that it was sending a Special Forces Task Group built around a SASR Squadron to participate in the campaign against al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan (designated Operation Slipper). After staging through Kuwait, 1 Squadron arrived in Afghanistan in November 2001 with the other SASR squadrons rotating in at approximately 6 monthly intervals. Once again, a troop from the New Zealand SAS was attached to each Australian SASR squadron. The SASR's main role in Afghanistan was to conduct surveillance of al Qaeda and Taliban positions, though SASR Troopers also conducted a number of offensive operations. The SASR initially operated in southern Afghanistan with the US Marines before moving to eastern Afghanistan where it played an important role in Operation Anaconda. The SASR withdrew from Afghanistan in November 2002 after all three SASR squadrons had served in the country. One member of the SASR, Sergeant Andrew Russell, was killed during this deployment when the vehicle he was travelling in hit a land mine. Image File history File linksMetadata SASR_Iraq. ... Image File history File linksMetadata SASR_Iraq. ... Map of major attacks attributed to al-Qaeda Al-Qaeda (also al-Qaida or al-Qaida or al-Qaidah) (Arabic: ‎ , translation: The Base) is an international alliance of terrorist organizations founded in 1988[4] by Osama bin Laden and other veteran Afghan Arabs after the Soviet War in... Operation Slipper is the Australian Defence Force (ADF)contribution to the International Coalition against Terrorism. ... Map of major attacks attributed to al-Qaeda Al-Qaeda (also al-Qaida or al-Qaida or al-Qaidah) (Arabic: ‎ , translation: The Base) is an international alliance of terrorist organizations founded in 1988[4] by Osama bin Laden and other veteran Afghan Arabs after the Soviet War in... The Taliban (Pashto: , also anglicized as Taleban) are a Sunni Muslim and ethnic Pashtun movement [2] that ruled most of Afghanistan from 1996 until 2001, when their leaders were removed from power by a cooperative military effort between the Northern Alliance, United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. ... United States Marine Corps Emblem The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is the second smallest of the five branches of the United States armed forces, with 170,000 active and 40,000 reserve Marines as of 2002. ... Combatants  United States,  Canada,  United Kingdom,  New Zealand,  Australia,  Denmark,  France,  Norway,  Germany Taliban insurgents, al-Qaeda Commanders Major General Franklin Hagenbeck Unknown Strength 2,000 500–1,500 Casualties 8 U.S. servicemen killed, 82 wounded, 7 Afghan soldiers killed 500–800 [1] A map showing the pre-operation... Australian and Afghan soldiers prepare to depart on a joint patrol in September 2005. ... “Minefield” redirects here. ...

The SASR provided the majority of the ground force element of the Australian contribution to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The Australian Special Forces Task Group was built around 1 Squadron, with a platoon from the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment and a troop from the Incident Response Regiment available to support the SASR. 1 Squadron operated in western Iraq where it was successful in securing its area of operations, including the huge Al Asad air base.^[11] 1 Squadron was withdrawn from Iraq without replacement shortly after the end of the war, though media reports have claimed that elements of the SASR have subsequently conducted counter-insurgency and training operations in Iraq. An Australian SAS patrol in western Iraq. ... The 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment or 4 RAR (Cdo), is one of the battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment and is one of three combat capable groups within the Australian Special Operations Command (the other two being the SASR and 1st Commando Regiment). ... The Incident Response Regiment (IRR) forms part of Special Operations Command (Australia). ... Abandoned Iraqi FT-7A in front of Al Asad ATC Tower Map showing Haditha in relation to Al Asad Airbase, the Navea Training center, Hit and Ramadi Al Asad is the largest US military base in the largely Sunni western Iraq (Al Anbar Province). ...

The SASR was re-deployed to Afghanistan in August or September 2005. The Australian Special Forces Task Group in Afghanistan consisted of elements from the SASR, 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando), the Incident Response Regiment and logistic support personnel. This task group was withdrawn in September 2006. A Special Operations Task Group, including SASR, was redeployed to Afghanistan in April 2007.^[12] The 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment or 4 RAR (Cdo), is one of the battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment and is one of three combat capable groups within the Australian Special Operations Command (the other two being the SASR and 1st Commando Regiment). ... The Incident Response Regiment (IRR) forms part of Special Operations Command (Australia). ...

A SASR Troop was deployed to Timor Leste in May 2006 as part of Operation Astute.^[13] It was reported in October 2006 that a force of 20 SASR soldiers was operating in the southern Philippines supporting Filipino operations against the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiah terrorist groups.^[14] This story was denied by the Australian government, however.^[15] The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, commonly known as East Timor, is an island nation in Southeast Asia, consisting of the eastern half of the island of Timor, the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco, and Oecussi-Ambeno, a political exclave of East Timor situated on the western side of... It has been suggested that Timeline of Operation Astute be merged into this article or section. ... The Abu Sayyaf Group (Arabic: جماعة أبو سياف; , ASG),also known as al-Harakat al-Islamiyya is one of several militant Islamist separatist groups based in and around the southern islands of the Philippines, in Bangsamoro (Jolo, Basilan, and Mindanao) where for almost 30 years various groups have been engaged in an insurgency... Jemaah Islamiyah, sometimes rendered Jemaah Islamiah, is a militant Islamic separatist movement, suspected of killing hundreds of civilians, dedicated to the establishment of a fundamentalist Islamic state in Southeast Asia, in particular Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, and the south of Thailand and the Philippines. ...

Uniform and equipment

A SASR beret.

The uniform of the regiment is Australian issue camouflage (Disruptive Pattern Combat Uniform, DPCU) and a sand-coloured beret with metal gold and silver flaming Excalibur badge (often wrongly described as a winged dagger) on a black shield. This differs from the British 22 SAS, who have a woven cap badge of the same design. SAS 'Ibis' style parachute wings (rounded at the bottom and straight on top) are worn on the right shoulder only on formal Summer, Winter or Mess dress. SASR qualified Parachute Jump Instructors (PJI) on posting to the Parachute Training School wear the SAS hat badge on an airborne maroon beret and may wear a locally purchased DPCU parachute badge on their Para Smock. Image File history File links SASR.jpg Summary Australian Department of Defence 1JPAU24JAN03AR09 Sourced from: http://www. ... Image File history File links SASR.jpg Summary Australian Department of Defence 1JPAU24JAN03AR09 Sourced from: http://www. ... Basque style beret Black beret with military emblem A beret (pronounced pronounced in French or [ˈbɛreɪ] in English[1], except in the USA, where it is usually pronounced [bəˈreɪ][2]) is a soft round cap, usually of wool felt, with a flat crown, which is worn by both... For other uses, see Excalibur (disambiguation). ...

On operations, dress can be a mixture of the camouflage pattern uniforms depending on the environment.Operators may also wear assorted coalition military dress.^{[citation needed]} Around barracks, SASR soldiers wear civilian clothes or Australian Army camouflage uniforms, However name tags and badges are rarely worn.^{[citation needed]} When attending courses run by the general army, operators from SASR are careful to dress appropriately and correctly, including short haircuts and Shaving.^{[citation needed]}

For ceremonial occasions formal ceremonial dress is the normal Australian Army 'polys' (polyester uniform)with medals, rank and qualification badges worn. Gold 'SAS' shoulder titles are worn on epaulets and SAS 'Ibis' style parachute wings are worn on the right sleeve. PJI and Sniper qualified members will also wear the appropriate qualification badges on the uniform.

Marching, saluting, and drill is not carried out by SASR soldiers whilst at their Perth barracks.^{[citation needed]}

In Iraq and Afghanistan, SASR operators were distinguished by their long hair and beards. Generally, shaving is not carried out whilst on patrol.

Basic patrol weapons are the M4 Carbine (designated M4A5 in Australia) with M203A1 40mm grenade launcher and F89 Minimi Para light machine gun. Another popular patrol weapon is the 7.62mm SR-25 rifle. The main pistol used in the CT role is the Heckler & Koch USP, in wartime roles however its usually the ADF's standard issue defence sidearm, the Browning Hi-Power that operators will carry. Many other weapon systems are used as the mission dictates. Up to a third of SASR operators are qualified snipers^{[citation needed]}. Operators are multi-skilled and all are parachute-qualified, but they specialise in either Air, Water or Vehicle-mounted insertion methods. M4A1 redirects here. ... M203 generally refers to the United States Army designation for a single shot 40 mm grenade launcher that attaches to the M16 assault rifle or the M4 Carbine. ... The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (M249 SAW) is the United States military designation for a sub-family of the FN MINIMI squad automatic weapon (from Mini-mitrailleuse French: mini-machine gun. Both are 5. ... For State Route 25 or State Road 25, see list of highways numbered 25. ... The Heckler & Koch USP (Universale Selbstladepistole, or Universal Self-loading Pistol) is a semi-automatic pistol designed by the German arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch. ... The Browning Hi-Power is a semi-automatic, single-action, 9 mm pistol. ... For other uses, see Sniper (disambiguation). ... This article is about the device. ...

The Regiment is organised into three 'sabre' squadrons, each of up to 100 'beret qualified' operators, and an embedded signal squadron (152 Signal squadron), logistic support squadron, and Operational Support Squadron, which conducts the selection and training courses.^[16] Only a small percentage of the Regiment are 'beret qualified' operators. The majority of the regiment personnel are highly trained specialist staff who are posted to the unit to provide support for all operations. These include signallers, mechanics and technicians, medical staff, storemen, and various specialists. 'Beret qualified' SASR members are known as 'Operators' and support staff are affectionately known as 'Blackhats', due to the dark blue berets they wear. Infantry soldiers who are posted to the unit as storemen, drivers, clerks etc wear the dark 'rifle' green Infantry Corps beret. A Squadron is a small unit or formation of cavalry, aircraft (including balloons), or naval vessels. ...

There are also a number of support personnel who are qualified to wear the sandy beret but have chosen or been directed to remain serving in their particular specialist field. There are also beret qualified members who have been injured and subsequently moved into a support related area.

Signals Corps personnel undertake the same selection and reinforcement cycle training as the rest of the Army, but are rarely released for Corps transfer to Infantry due to the requirement to provide SAS qualified Corps signallers to the Regiment. Personnel from 152 Signal Squadron are encouraged to attempt selection, but as a rule, if successful they remain in the signal squadron and do not transfer into a 'Sabre' squadron. However, in being 'Beret' qualified, they receive a significant pay rise and increased posting longevity to SASR. Members of 152 Signal Squadron are affectionately known as 'Chooks' and are often fully integrated into the 5 man SASR patrols. One member of 152 Signal Squadron was awarded an Infantry Combat Badge during service with the "Gerbils" in Somalia. This was made on the basis that he held an Infantry Employment Code Number (ECN 353 SASR Trooper)and was deployed as part of an SASR team.

Selection and training

Selection is open to all serving male Australian military personnel and involves a 3 week selection course which assesses both individual attributes and the ability to work effectively in a small team.^[17] Prior to Selection SAS candidates will face the Special Forces Paper Board to assess their psychological and medical suitability for the SASR. Around 80% will meet the standard and continue to the Special Forces Entry Test (also called the barrier test) that tests their physical fitness and includes push-ups, enduarance marches and swimming. Another 80% of applicants will pass the Special Forces Entry Test and continue on to the three week SASR selection course.^[18] Approximately 25 percent of the remaining applicants pass the SAS selection course.^[19] Following selection candidates must complete up to 18 months of further courses before they join a squadron as a junior trooper or troop commander (Captain). Officers only complete the necessary basic courses to qualify them for service in the unit. Their expertise is in planning and administration. In general, they do not get the opportunity to complete all the specialist courses required of the ORs. A wide array of training and courses are conducted throughout a SASR Soldier's career to allow the regiment to have the most highly-qualified soldiers in the Australian Defence Force. A trooper (abbreviated Tpr. ... For the TV show, see F Troop. ... For other uses, see Captain (disambiguation). ...

A new troop commander is carefully mentored by both his troop sergeant and patrol commanders. Generally, a troop commander will only serve in the unit for two or three years but may come back as a Major if he has performed well. Soldiers may serve in the Regiment for their entire career, but this will usually include one or more two year external postings to instructional positions on the east coast. For other uses, see Sergeant (disambiguation). ... Major is a military rank the use of which varies according to country. ...

Promotion for soldiers is quite slow in the unit. On receiving their coveted sand-coloured SAS beret, all soldiers are given the rank of Trooper, which may involve a reduction from their previous rank. They usually also change corps if they are not already members of the Infantry Corps. Despite a possible reduction in rank, SASR soldiers receive significant allowances, which make them among the highest paid soldiers in the Australian Defence Force. With specialist allowances an SASR Trooper earns about $100,000.^[20] This article is about a military unit. ... Reduction in rank may refer to two separate concepts: In military law, a reduction in rank is a demotion in military rank as punishment for a crime or wrongdoing, imposed by a court-martial or other authority. ...

Since their beginnings in 1954 , the SASR has lost more men in training than on combat operations, due to the nature of their training regime.^[21]

Alliances

•  United Kingdom - Special Air Service^[22]

Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom. ... See also Australian Special Air Service Regiment and New Zealand Special Air Service: The Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) is the principal special forces unit of the British Army. ...

Organisation

Australian Special Air Service Regiment British regiment A regiment is a military unit, consisting of a variable number of battalions - commanded by a colonel. ...

• Training Squadron
• Base Squadron
• 152 Signal Squadron
• 3 Sabre Squadrons (1, 2 and 3 Squadron) -each of which contains 5 troops
  • Headquarters(Smaller than the other Troops)
  • Airborne
  • Amphibious
  • Vehicle Mounted
  • Signals (contains Signallers which are assigned to the 5 Man Patrols)

A Squadron is a small unit or formation of cavalry, aircraft (including balloons), or naval vessels. ... For the TV show, see F Troop. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Airborne Military parachuting form of insertion. ... It has been suggested that Landing operation be merged into this article or section. ...

See also

• Special Air Service (which uses a similar abbreviation, SAS(R), for its Territorial Army regiments)
• Special Air Service of New Zealand

The Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) is the overall umbrella grouping of Regular Army and Army Reserve regiments equipped with armoured vehicles in the Australian Army. ... The Royal Australian Army Infantry Corps (RA Inf) is the parent corps for all infantry regiments of the Australian Army. ... Badge of Australian Army Aviation The colour AAAvn badge Australian Army Aviation (AAAvn) is a Corps of the Australian Army (although the word corps does not appear in their name or on their badge). ... The Australian Special Air Service or SAS is a special forces regiment styled around the original British SAS. It is based in Perth, Western Australia and forms part of the Australian Defence Force. ... UBIQUE (Everywhere) and QUO FAS ET GLORIA DUCUNT (Whither Right And Glory Lead) The Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery is descended from the original colonial artillery units prior to Australias federation. ... Badge of the Royal Australian Engineers The colour RAE badge The Royal Australian Engineers (RAE) is a Corps of the Australian Army (although the word corps does not appear in their name or on their badge). ... Australia has the unique distinction of having had the first regularly formed signal unit in the British Empire. ... The Australian Army Intelligence Corps (AAIC) is the intelligence Corps of the Australian Army, and currently consists of 169 officers and 232 other ranks. ... The Royal Australian Chaplains Department is an all-officer Corps within the Australian Army that provides ordained clergy to minister to the men of the Australian Army. ... The Royal Australian Army Medical Corps (RAAMC) is a branch of the Australian Army. ... Badge of the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps The Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps (RAANC) is a Corps of the Australian Army. ... The Royal Australian Corps of Transport is a Corps within the Australian Army that includes - truck drivers, - movements operators, - maritime operators, and - terminal operators. ... The Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps (RAAOC) is the Corps within the Australian Army concerned with supply and administration. ... Badge of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers The Corps of Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME; pronounced Raymee) is a corps of the Australian Regular Army that has responsibility for the maintenance and recovery of all land electrical and mechanical equipment. ... The Royal Australian Army Pay Corps is a Corps of the Australian Army. ... The Royal Australian Army Educational Corps (RAAEC) is a specialist corps within the Australian Army, made up entirely of commissioned officers in the specialist service officer - professionally qualified stream. ... See also Australian Special Air Service Regiment and New Zealand Special Air Service: The Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) is the principal special forces unit of the British Army. ... The Territorial Army (TA) is the principal and Volunteer reserve force of the British Army, the land armed forces branch of the United Kingdom, and composed mostly of part-time soldiers paid at a similar rate, while engaged on military activities, as their Regular equivalents. ... The Special Air Service of New Zealand (NZ SAS) was formed on July 7, 1955 as an elite New Zealand Army and highly-secretive unit capable of undertaking special missions. ...

External links

• SASR operations in Afghanistan - September 2006
• SASR selection
• SASR loses one of its finest in mishap
• SASR - roll of honour, awards and images.
• Outcome of the Board of Inquiry into the Black Hawk Training Accident of 12 June 1996

is the 163rd day of the year (164th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ...

Notes

David Horner is an Australian military historian and academic. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 24th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ...

References

• Dodd, Mark. "Our SAS elite", The Australian, 2007-09-22. Retrieved on 2007-09-22. 
• Horner, David (2001). Making the Australian Defence Force. Melbourne: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195541170. 
• Horner, David (2002). SAS : Phantoms of War. A History of the Australian Special Air Service. Sydney: Allen & Unwin. ISBN 1865086479. 
• McPhedran, Ian (2005). The Amazing SAS. The Inside Story of Australia's Special Forces. Sydney: HarperCollins. ISBN 073227981X.