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2nd Commando Regiment (Australia)
Encyclopedia
The 2nd Commando Regiment (2 Cdo Regt) is an Australian Army
Special Forces
unit, it is one of three combat-capable units within the Australian Special Operations Command
. The regiment was established on 19 June 2009 when it was renamed from the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando)
(4 RAR (Cdo)). The unit is highly regarded by coalition special operation forces abroad.
.
, then operating as a standard light infantry battalion, into a pair of separate battalions that would resume their original identities as the 2nd
and 4th
Battalions. The decision was then taken that the 4th Battalion would become the Australian regular army's commando
trained unit. On 1 February 1997 was renamed to 4 RAR (Commando). Regular serving members were given the opportunity to undertake special forces training provided mainly by 1st Commando Regiment or elect a posting to a conventional forces unit. General Reserve positions existed in the new structure and reserve members discharged or posted to GRes units. The initial years were busy creating a structure and recruiting members suitable for commando training. Bravo Company was raised first followed by Charlie Company in 1999, both taking 24 months to reach full maturity. The pace of battalion life during these development years was hectic with capability development, equipment acquisition and training, focussing every member's attention. The unit developed is highly regarded within the special operations force, and conducted operations in East Timor and Iraq, and later lost members in Afghanistan. It has also been awarded citations for bravery and the meritorious unit citation.
On 19 June 2009 the battalion was renamed the 2nd Commando Regiment. Regardless, the name 4 RAR remains on the Army's order of battle
and its history, colours and traditions have been preserved, ready to be re-raised as a regular infantry battalion in the future if required. All awards and battle honours received during the time as 4RAR (Cdo) were passed onto the 2nd Commando Regiment, those awarded before the transformation to a commando battalion were kept by 4RAR. Along with the renaming, a new badge was chosen to reflect the history and traditions of the Australian Independent Companies
that served during the Second World War by including the distinctive 'Double Diamond' unit colour patch shape in the regimental badge along with the traditional commando knife
.
as a part of the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET). When notified to replace 1 RAR in East Timor, 4 RAR had not long previously been raised as a commando battalion, developing special forces capabilities to supplement those of the SAS. With the commitment to East Timor continuing, however, 4 RAR was re-roled as a light infantry battalion for deployment to East Timor as AUSBATT IV. This involved reorganising from the existing two commando-companies structure to a light infantry model with four companies and a growth in the unit from 220 to 670 personnel. This saw B and C Coy remain Commando qualified and A and D Coy filled with Regular Infantry soldiers. During its time deployed as a part of INTERFET, the battalion established a security partnership with thr East Timorese, focusing strongly on languages, maintaining the relationships previous AUSBATT's had established as well as transferring new technologies. This 'intelligence-led' but people-focused approach saw the battalion group conduct the majority of its operations in close proximity to the TCL. The battalion saw few contacts while in East Timor. These included a TCL violation on 5 May 2001 which was intercepted by a section from D Company, an outbreak of violence involving a grenade attack by militia members at the Maubasa markets on 29 May (with several fatalities and about 50 people wounded) and shallow cross-border militia raids in June, including an attack on an section patrol from A Company. The Battalion was withdrawn and replaced in October 2001.
Later, in May 2006 a commando company was deployed to Timor Leste as part of Operation Astute
, under Operation Tanger, after relations between the East Timorese government and military forces broke down. The Commandos were tasked with Advanced Force Operations for follow-on forces, focusing on Dili Airport
. In March 2007 the Commando's, along with elements of the SASR took part in the Battle of Same
. After the battle, the Commando's and SAS elements were withdrawn at the request of the East Timorese government in order to start negotiations with the rebels.
helicopters from the 5th Aviation Regiment. The Commando company formed the Quick Reaction element for the task group. The SFTG operated in western Iraq where it was successful in securing its area of operations, including the huge Al Asad Air Base. After the invasion period was complete, the Commando company provided close protection for Australian government officials. The media have claimed that elements from the SASR and 2CDO subsequently performed counter-insurgency operations inside Iraq, along with other units as a part of Task Force 145, although the Australian government flatly denies this. The last Commando element was withdrawn in 2006.
helicopters from the 5th Aviation Regiment were deployed to Afghanistan in March 2006 to support the SFTG. During this deployment the Commandos were involved with Operation Perth
which resulted in the death of over 150 Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters in nine days of fierce fighting in the Chora district of Orūzgān Province
. The Australian Special Forces Task Group was withdrawn from Afghanistan in September 2006.
A 300-strong Special Operations Task Group was deployed to support the Reconstruction Taskforce in April 2007, including a Commando company-group, elements of the SASR, and an integral combat service support team. In March and April 2009 SOTG killed 80 Taliban fighters in a major four-week operation in Helmand province, without suffering any casualties. The unit has also been involved in many other operations, including the Battle of Gizab in April 2010, and more recently the Shah Wali Kot Offensive
in June, resulting in heavy insurgent casualties.
The 2nd Commando Regiment has been awarded the Unit Citation for Gallantry
and the Meritorious Unit Citation
for its actions during Operation Slipper
. Six Distinguished Service Crosses
, eleven Distinguished Service Medals
, seven Medals for Gallantry
and two Stars of Gallantry
been awarded to personnel from the 2nd Commando Regiment for their actions in Afghanistan
. The unit has lost six personnel while deployed to Afghanistan along with one killed during a pre-deployment exercise.
(Tactical Assault Group based on rotation)
Special Forces Entry Test: SFET is usually conducted twice a year, candidates have to complete the following minimum standards over a 24 hour period (usually compacted into 6 hours): Run, Dodge, Jump (RDJ) test with webbing (7 kg) and weapon in 50 secs; 60 push ups in battle PT kit, less webbing and weapon; 100 sit ups (dressed as above); 10 chin ups (dressed as above); 2.4 km run in 11.00min (dressed as per RDJ); 2 min tread water and 400m swim in 18:00 (full Disruptive Pattern Combat Uniform); and a pack march, which the candidates must walk 15 km in 2hrs and 30min.
Commando Selection Training Course: On successful completion of the SFET candidates are panelled on the Commando Selection Training Course (CSTC), usually 5 weeks in length, conducted at SFTC (Special Forces Training Centre), Singleton. On successful completion the candidate will complete the following courses before being awarded their Green Beret. Candidates must pass each separate course to advance onto the next course.
Upon successful completion of all course soldiers are then posted into one of the Commando Companies. Further training is conducted at team and platoon level dependent on operations, which could include language, sniper, SF indirect fire support, HALO/HAPO or Advanced vehicle training,climbing and mountain warfare to name a few.
Australian Army
The Australian Army is Australia's military land force. It is part of the Australian Defence Force along with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. While the Chief of Defence commands the Australian Defence Force , the Army is commanded by the Chief of Army...
Special Forces
Special forces
Special forces, or special operations forces are terms used to describe elite military tactical teams trained to perform high-risk dangerous missions that conventional units cannot perform...
unit, it is one of three combat-capable units within the Australian Special Operations Command
Special Operations Command (Australia)
The Special Operations Command is a command within the Australian Defence Force . Special Operations Command was established in May 2003, to unite all of the ADF special forces units. As of 2007 Special Operations Command is fully operational. Australia's Special Operations Command is of...
. The regiment was established on 19 June 2009 when it was renamed from the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando)
4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
The 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, was an Australian Army infantry battalion and part of the Royal Australian Regiment. The battalion was formed on 1 February 1964 and was renamed the 2nd Commando Regiment on 19 June 2009....
(4 RAR (Cdo)). The unit is highly regarded by coalition special operation forces abroad.
War Fighting
War Fighting is the predominant role of the Commando Regiment and it was raised to assume the offensive special operations tasks that were previously conducted by SASR, this focuses on many aspects of unconventional warfare. The unit may be tasked with, but is not limited to, Advanced Force Operations, Direct Action and Recovery, Strike, CSAR, Foreign Internal Defence and Protective Security Details.Counter terrorism
The 2nd Commando Regiment is the premier Counter Terriorism and Recovery force relied upon by Government in the event of a hostage situation. All members are qualified to be employed as a counter terrorism operator/assaulter within the Tactical Assault Group (EAST). TAG (EAST) primary task is with the recovery and rescue of hostages from enemy contested situations. The Coy on CT Duties is tasked in domestic and international direct action and hostage rescue missions by Sea, Air and Land. The TAG (East) role is filled by a Commando Company at all times and augmented by RAN Clearance DiversClearance Diving Team (RAN)
The Clearance Diving Teams of the Royal Australian Navy also act as commando frogmen: they consist of naval personnel who are qualified in diving, demolitions, underwater repairs, and reconnaissance...
.
Formation
In 1996, a decision was made to unlink the 2nd/4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment2nd/4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
The 2nd/4th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment was an Australian Army infantry battalion. 2/4 RAR was formed on 15 August 1973 by linking 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment and 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. 2/4 RAR was unlinked to re-form 2 RAR and 4 RAR on 1 February 1995...
, then operating as a standard light infantry battalion, into a pair of separate battalions that would resume their original identities as the 2nd
2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment is a regular light infantry battalion of the Australian Army. 2 RAR was first formed as the Australian 66th Battalion in 1945 and since then it has seen active service during the Korean War, Malayan Emergency and Vietnam War...
and 4th
4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
The 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, was an Australian Army infantry battalion and part of the Royal Australian Regiment. The battalion was formed on 1 February 1964 and was renamed the 2nd Commando Regiment on 19 June 2009....
Battalions. The decision was then taken that the 4th Battalion would become the Australian regular army's commando
Commando
In English, the term commando means a specific kind of individual soldier or military unit. In contemporary usage, commando usually means elite light infantry and/or special operations forces units, specializing in amphibious landings, parachuting, rappelling and similar techniques, to conduct and...
trained unit. On 1 February 1997 was renamed to 4 RAR (Commando). Regular serving members were given the opportunity to undertake special forces training provided mainly by 1st Commando Regiment or elect a posting to a conventional forces unit. General Reserve positions existed in the new structure and reserve members discharged or posted to GRes units. The initial years were busy creating a structure and recruiting members suitable for commando training. Bravo Company was raised first followed by Charlie Company in 1999, both taking 24 months to reach full maturity. The pace of battalion life during these development years was hectic with capability development, equipment acquisition and training, focussing every member's attention. The unit developed is highly regarded within the special operations force, and conducted operations in East Timor and Iraq, and later lost members in Afghanistan. It has also been awarded citations for bravery and the meritorious unit citation.
On 19 June 2009 the battalion was renamed the 2nd Commando Regiment. Regardless, the name 4 RAR remains on the Army's order of battle
Order of battle
In modern use, the order of battle is the identification, command structure, strength, and disposition of personnel, equipment, and units of an armed force participating in field operations. Various abbreviations are in use, including OOB, O/B, or OB, while ORBAT remains the most common in the...
and its history, colours and traditions have been preserved, ready to be re-raised as a regular infantry battalion in the future if required. All awards and battle honours received during the time as 4RAR (Cdo) were passed onto the 2nd Commando Regiment, those awarded before the transformation to a commando battalion were kept by 4RAR. Along with the renaming, a new badge was chosen to reflect the history and traditions of the Australian Independent Companies
Australian commandos
The name commando has been applied to a variety of Australian special forces and light infantry units that have been formed since 1941–42. The first Australian "commando" units were formed during the Second World War, where they mainly performed reconnaissance and long-range patrol roles during...
that served during the Second World War by including the distinctive 'Double Diamond' unit colour patch shape in the regimental badge along with the traditional commando knife
Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife
The Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife is a double-edged fighting knife resembling a dagger or poignard with a foil grip developed by William Ewart Fairbairn and Eric Anthony Sykes in Shanghai based on concepts which the two men initiated before World War II while serving on the Shanghai Municipal...
.
East Timor
The 2nd Commando Regiment, then known as 4RAR (Cdo), was deployed to East TimorEast Timor
The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, commonly known as East Timor , is a state in Southeast Asia. It comprises the eastern half of the island of Timor, the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco, and Oecusse, an exclave on the northwestern side of the island, within Indonesian West Timor...
as a part of the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET). When notified to replace 1 RAR in East Timor, 4 RAR had not long previously been raised as a commando battalion, developing special forces capabilities to supplement those of the SAS. With the commitment to East Timor continuing, however, 4 RAR was re-roled as a light infantry battalion for deployment to East Timor as AUSBATT IV. This involved reorganising from the existing two commando-companies structure to a light infantry model with four companies and a growth in the unit from 220 to 670 personnel. This saw B and C Coy remain Commando qualified and A and D Coy filled with Regular Infantry soldiers. During its time deployed as a part of INTERFET, the battalion established a security partnership with thr East Timorese, focusing strongly on languages, maintaining the relationships previous AUSBATT's had established as well as transferring new technologies. This 'intelligence-led' but people-focused approach saw the battalion group conduct the majority of its operations in close proximity to the TCL. The battalion saw few contacts while in East Timor. These included a TCL violation on 5 May 2001 which was intercepted by a section from D Company, an outbreak of violence involving a grenade attack by militia members at the Maubasa markets on 29 May (with several fatalities and about 50 people wounded) and shallow cross-border militia raids in June, including an attack on an section patrol from A Company. The Battalion was withdrawn and replaced in October 2001.
Later, in May 2006 a commando company was deployed to Timor Leste as part of Operation Astute
Operation Astute
Operation Astute is an Australian-led military deployment to East Timor to quell unrest and return stability in the 2006 East Timor crisis. It is currently headed by Brigadier Bill Sowry, and commenced on 25 May 2006 under the command of Brigadier Michael Slater...
, under Operation Tanger, after relations between the East Timorese government and military forces broke down. The Commandos were tasked with Advanced Force Operations for follow-on forces, focusing on Dili Airport
Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport
Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport , formerly known as Comoro International Airport, is an airport located in Dili, the capital of East Timor...
. In March 2007 the Commando's, along with elements of the SASR took part in the Battle of Same
Battle of Same
The Battle of Same was fought in the village of Same in Timor Leste, south of the capital Dili, between Australian Special Forces and Petitioner rebels under the command of Alfredo Reinado...
. After the battle, the Commando's and SAS elements were withdrawn at the request of the East Timorese government in order to start negotiations with the rebels.
Iraq
The battalion provided a Commando company forces element Australians contribution to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, known as Operation Falconer. The Commando company formed an element of the Australian Special Forces Task Group, which also included 1 Squadron, Special Air Service Regiment, a troop from the Incident Response Regiment, a Commando company and three CH-47 ChinookCH-47 Chinook
The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Its top speed of 170 knots is faster than contemporary utility and attack helicopters of the 1960s...
helicopters from the 5th Aviation Regiment. The Commando company formed the Quick Reaction element for the task group. The SFTG operated in western Iraq where it was successful in securing its area of operations, including the huge Al Asad Air Base. After the invasion period was complete, the Commando company provided close protection for Australian government officials. The media have claimed that elements from the SASR and 2CDO subsequently performed counter-insurgency operations inside Iraq, along with other units as a part of Task Force 145, although the Australian government flatly denies this. The last Commando element was withdrawn in 2006.
Afghanistan
In August 2006, an Australian Special Forces Task Group was deployed to Afghanistan. The SFTG, based on the same structure from Operation Falconer, was made up of elements from the SASR, a Commando company and a troop from the Incident Response Regiment. Two CH-47 ChinookCH-47 Chinook
The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Its top speed of 170 knots is faster than contemporary utility and attack helicopters of the 1960s...
helicopters from the 5th Aviation Regiment were deployed to Afghanistan in March 2006 to support the SFTG. During this deployment the Commandos were involved with Operation Perth
Operation Perth
Operation Perth was an Australian military operation in Orūzgān Province undertaken in July 2006 during the War in Afghanistan. The nine day search and destroy operation occurred as part of a wider multi-national coalition operation to clear the Chora Valley, north-east of Tarin Kowt, involving...
which resulted in the death of over 150 Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters in nine days of fierce fighting in the Chora district of Orūzgān Province
Oruzgan Province
Orūzgān or Urōzgān , also spelled Uruzgan or Rōzgān , is one of the thirty-four provinces of Afghanistan. It is in the center of the country, though the area is culturally and tribally linked to Kandahar in the south. Its capital is Tarin Kowt...
. The Australian Special Forces Task Group was withdrawn from Afghanistan in September 2006.
A 300-strong Special Operations Task Group was deployed to support the Reconstruction Taskforce in April 2007, including a Commando company-group, elements of the SASR, and an integral combat service support team. In March and April 2009 SOTG killed 80 Taliban fighters in a major four-week operation in Helmand province, without suffering any casualties. The unit has also been involved in many other operations, including the Battle of Gizab in April 2010, and more recently the Shah Wali Kot Offensive
Shah Wali Kot Offensive
The Shah Wali Kot Offensive was a five-day joint operation during the War in Afghanistan, conducted by Australian special forces and the Afghan National Army with US air support, between 10–14 June 2010...
in June, resulting in heavy insurgent casualties.
The 2nd Commando Regiment has been awarded the Unit Citation for Gallantry
Unit Citation for Gallantry
The Unit Citation for Gallantry is a collective group decoration awarded to members of Australian military units. It recognises extraordinary gallantry in action. The Unit Citation for Gallantry was created in 1991, along with the Meritorious Unit Citation. The actual citation is a warrant...
and the Meritorious Unit Citation
Meritorious Unit Citation
The Meritorious Unit Citation is a collective group decoration awarded to members of Australian military units. It recognises sustained outstanding service in warlike operations...
for its actions during Operation Slipper
Operation Slipper
Operation Slipper is the Australian Defence Force contribution to the war in Afghanistan. The operation commenced in late 2001 and is ongoing...
. Six Distinguished Service Crosses
Distinguished Service Cross (Australia)
The Distinguished Service Cross is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force. It is awarded for distinguished command and leadership in action. The DSC was introduced in 1991 and is the highest distinguished service decoration in the Australian Honours System...
, eleven Distinguished Service Medals
Distinguished Service Medal (Australia)
The Distinguished Service Medal is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force for distinguished leadership in action. The DSM was introduced in 1991 and is the second highest distinguished service decoration in the Australian Honours System. Recipients of the...
, seven Medals for Gallantry
Medal for Gallantry
The Medal for Gallantry is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force. It recognises acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances. The MG was introduced on 15 January 1991, replacing the Imperial equivalent. It is ranked third in the Gallantry Decorations...
and two Stars of Gallantry
Star of Gallantry
The Star of Gallantry is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force and other persons recognised by the Minister for Defence. It is awarded for acts of great heroism or conspicuous gallantry in action in circumstances of great peril...
been awarded to personnel from the 2nd Commando Regiment for their actions in Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
. The unit has lost six personnel while deployed to Afghanistan along with one killed during a pre-deployment exercise.
Current organisation
The regiment is currently organised as follows:- Regimental HQ
- A Company
- B Company
- C Company
- D Company
- 126 Signal Squadron
- Operations Support Company
- Logistics Support Company
(Tactical Assault Group based on rotation)
Entry
To apply for entry into 2 Commando Regiment, the applicant must be fully and currently qualified up to 343-2 rifleman standard. Applicants will not be allowed to undertake the Commando Selection Training Course until they are qualified Infantrymen. Once the candidate has begun to undertake training, if they fail any part of the selection course they will be returned to their unit, or if from outside of RAInf, transferred to one of the battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment (provided Infantry Initial Employment Training has been completed). Reservists will return to their Reserve Units.Special Forces Entry Test: SFET is usually conducted twice a year, candidates have to complete the following minimum standards over a 24 hour period (usually compacted into 6 hours): Run, Dodge, Jump (RDJ) test with webbing (7 kg) and weapon in 50 secs; 60 push ups in battle PT kit, less webbing and weapon; 100 sit ups (dressed as above); 10 chin ups (dressed as above); 2.4 km run in 11.00min (dressed as per RDJ); 2 min tread water and 400m swim in 18:00 (full Disruptive Pattern Combat Uniform); and a pack march, which the candidates must walk 15 km in 2hrs and 30min.
Commando Selection Training Course: On successful completion of the SFET candidates are panelled on the Commando Selection Training Course (CSTC), usually 5 weeks in length, conducted at SFTC (Special Forces Training Centre), Singleton. On successful completion the candidate will complete the following courses before being awarded their Green Beret. Candidates must pass each separate course to advance onto the next course.
- Special Forces Roping
- SF Helicopter Insertion and Extraction Techniques.(HIET)
- SF Signals/Medics Course
- SF Amphibious Operations
- Cdo Vehicle Operator
- Advanced Demolitions
- Special Forces Parachute Operations
- Close Quarter Fighting
- ACQB (Advanced Close Quarter Battle)
- Urban Operations
- Special Forces Heavy Weapons
- SF/Foreign Weapons
- SF Breaching
- Armed Response Protection Team Course.
Upon successful completion of all course soldiers are then posted into one of the Commando Companies. Further training is conducted at team and platoon level dependent on operations, which could include language, sniper, SF indirect fire support, HALO/HAPO or Advanced vehicle training,climbing and mountain warfare to name a few.