2nd Commando Regiment (Australia)

2nd Commando Regiment
Badge of the 2nd Commando Regiment
Active	19 June 2009 – Present
Country	Australia
Branch	Army
Type	Special Forces
Role	Special Operations
Size	One regiment
Part of	Special Operations Command
Garrison/HQ	Holsworthy
Motto	Foras admonitio (Without warning)
Engagements	East Timor International Force for East Timor Operation Astute War in Afghanistan Operation Slipper 2003 Iraq War Operation Falconer Operation Catalyst
Decorations	Unit Citation for Gallantry Meritorious Unit Citation
Insignia
Abbreviation	2 CDO REGT

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.

Role

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 shock action against a large concentration of enemies. The unit may be tasked with, but is not limited to Reconnaissance, Direct Action and Recovery.

Counter-terrorism

The 2nd Commando Regiment is the domestic Counter Terrorism 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 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 a team of RAN Clearance Divers.

History

Formation

In 1996, a decision was made to unlink the 2nd/4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 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.

East Timor

The 2nd Commando Regiment, then known as 4RAR (Cdo), was deployed to East 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 a 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.

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 Chinook 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 Chinook 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 three Stars of Gallantry been awarded to personnel from the 2nd Commando Regiment for their actions in Afghanistan. The unit has lost eight personnel while deployed to Afghanistan along with one killed during a pre-deployment exercise.

On 26 March 2013, it was announced that the Australian Army's Special Operations Command will receive the first Army Battle Honour since the end of the Vietnam War for outstanding performance during the Shah Wali Kot Offensive in Afghanistan from May to June 2010. The Battle Honour, titled Eastern Shah Wali Kot, has been awarded in recognition of the operational actions of the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) and 2nd Commando Regiment from the Australian Special Operations Task Group Rotation XII.

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

Main article: Commando Selection Training Course

2nd Commando Regiment soldiers jump from a United States Air Force MC-130 transport during an exercise in 2011

To apply for entry into 2 Commando Regiment, the applicant must be fully and currently qualified up to 343-2 rifleman standard - (unless entering through "Special Forces Direct Entry" - then the 80day infantry training is provided prior to SF testing) - 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); 1.5 miles(2.4 km) run in 11.00min (dressed as per RDJ); 2 min tread water and 400m swim in 18:00min (full Disruptive Pattern Combat Uniform); and a pack march, which the candidates must walk 9 miles(15 km) in 2hrs and 30min. Once this has been completed candidates must endure a grueling 6 week Selection Course.

Commando Selection Training Course: On successful completion of the SFET,the Selection course and a 10 week Special Forces Accelerated Infantry Program candidates are panelled on the Commando Selection Training Course (CSTC), usually 6 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/Combat Medics Course
• SF Amphibious Operations
• SF Sniper
• SF Water Operator
• SF Weapons Course
• Cdo Vehicle Operator
• Advanced Demolitions
• Special Forces Parachute Operations (HALO and HAHO)
• Close Quarter Fighting
• ACQB (Advanced Close Quarter Battle)
• Urban Operations
• Special Forces Heavy Weapons
• SF/Foreign Weapons
• SF Breaching
• Armed Response Protection Team Course
• Mountain Operator
• Demolitions Specialist

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, Advanced vehicle training,climbing and mountain warfare and arctic warfare to name a few.

References

• "4 RAR (Commando) to Become the 2nd Commando Regiment" (Press release). Department of Defence. 4 June 2009. 
• "New Name for Sydney Commandos" (Press release). Department of Defence. 19 June 2009. 
• Horner (ed), David (2008). Duty First: A History of the Royal Australian Regiment. Second Edition. Crows Nest: Allen & Unwin. ISBN 978-1-74175-374-5.