Mitchell McAlister

About the author

is an 11-year veteran of the Australian Army with the last six years of his career served as an operator with the 2nd Commando Regiment, Special Operations Command Australia. Mitchell completed three Special Operations Task Group rotations to Afghanistan and spent the last two years of his career as an assaulter with the Tactical Assault Group - East. Mitchell has a Bachelors Degree in Security, Terrorism, and Counterterrorism studies as well as a Masters Degree in Security Management. Mitchell is also the Founder and CEO of the non-profit organisation Australian Veteran Owned Business which promotes the recognition of Australian Defence Force veteran owned and operated businesses.

Australia’s 2nd Commando Regiment Loses ‘Little Brother’ Moniker

Having spent the last six years of my career serving with the 2nd Commando Regiment, I have been fortunate enough to have witnessed and been a part of some of the unit’s most important transformations over its relatively short history. The unit has evolved at an incredible pace, which is undoubtedly and inextricably linked to […]

Australian SOF Gets the Green Light for Iraq

Australia has finally reached a deal with the Iraqi government in relation to the deployment of special operations forces and the initiation of their “advise and assist” role to support Iraqi troops in their fight against the Islamic State. Australia’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop recently wound up a two-day trip to Baghdad, where she finalised a deal […]

The Australian SASR’s Answer to Trespassing Anti-War Protestors

Anti-war protestors have been delivered some rough justice by a group of Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) operators after breaking into the highly sensitive Swan Island military base. The protesters are from a group known as the Swan Island Peace Convergence, and broke into the defense establishment for the third time to “nonviolently disrupt preparations […]

Australia’s Boots on the Ground

Australia’s Prime Minister Tony Abbott has met with the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin to discuss the impending involvement of Australia’s Special Operations Forces in the war against the Islamic State. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has already completed its first operational sorties over Iraq. So far, these […]

Australia’s Domestic War on Terrorism

Terrorism in Australia is by no means a new phenomena. When I discuss the topic of successful terrorist attacks in Australia pre-2001, most people (even Australians) find it remarkable that five bombings and one assassination have occurred on Australian soil between 1972 and 1986. Post-2001 has certainly seen no respite in Australia and Australians being […]

Australia Increases Its Commitment to Destroy the Islamic State

Australia has outlined an increased military commitment to Iraq as part of the international effort to destroy the Islamic State. Australia’s Prime Minister Tony Abbot has stated that Australia’s mission has a “specific and clear objective” to fight Islamic State militants in an effort to drive them from Iraq. Mr. Abbott announced he will be […]

Social Media and Countering Terrorism

Since the end of the Cold War, U.S. military interventions in the Gulf War, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq have left most observers without doubt that the U.S. and her allies would triumph against any plausible adversary in the event of a full-scale, conventional war. Whilst there are certainly no misgivings to the incredible military power […]

Reflections on 9/11 From a Regiment Perspective

The terrorist attacks that took place on 9/11/2001 have been regarded as one of the most spectacular and transforming events in world history. The damage inflicted by al-Qaeda that day triggered an enormous and justified retaliation from the United States and many other NATO and non-NATO nations. The declaration of the ‘War on Terror’ by […]

US Wants Australian SOF to Fight the Islamic State

As the world awaits Obama to deliver his ISIS strategy, Australia is looking more and more likely to mobilise its special operations forces to contribute to the overall mission of destroying the extremist movement. The West Australian has reported that the US-led coalition has welcomed the offer of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) fighter jets, […]

Australia’s Response to the Islamic State Threat

Australia has recently joined the U.S. and international effort in battling the Islamic State (IS) militants by transporting arms and munitions to Kurdish forces in Iraq, who are fighting the extremists in the north of the country. These deliveries have taken place in addition to Australia’s humanitarian air drops which are supplying communities with vital […]