Special Operations Selection: This Study Reveals the Character Traits That Make It More Likely to Pass
The Commandos that passed the grueling assessment process prioritized certain character traits in themselves and others.
2nd Commando Regiment
Australian Special Operations commander admits war crimes
Some SAS members acted like “self-righteous, entitled pricks.” After a long-running investigation looking into war crimes reportedly committed by Australian troops, Major-General Adam Findlay, the commander of Australia’s Special Forces, has admitted that some members of the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) indeed committed war crimes in Afghanistan. He blamed these atrocities on “poor moral […]
‘Shoot the prisoners’: Aussie SAS operators and Commandos in dire straits after war crimes investigation
A huge war-crimes scandal is rocking the Australian Special Operations community. According to reports, Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) and 2nd Commando Regiment operators are under scrutiny for alleged war crimes in Afghanistan that took place between June and November 2012. More than a dozen active and former operators, to include high ranking officers, have […]
Why I’d rather be shot by an AK-47 than an M4 (Warning: graphic content)
Admittedly, I’d rather not be shot with either, but if I had to choose, I’d take a round from the AK-47 over the M4 any day of the week. To add a caveat to that statement, I’m talking from relatively close range here—say up to 150-200 meters. To understand why, it’s important to first take […]
The Video of the Week: US and Aussie commandos working on their freefall insertions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQrmMQ7Wptc U.S. and Australian Special Operations Forces (SOF) conduct a military freefall parachute insertion at night with zero natural illumination from 7,500 feet (2,300 meters) altitude, July 2019 during Talisman Sabre. By inserting behind enemy lines SOF conduct surveillance and reconnaissance to enable precision targeting. Talisman Sabre is a bilateral exercise that tests the […]
Welcome to the Big Boy’s Club: Australian SOF get billions with an eye toward regional supremacy
In an attempt to solidify its position as the premier Spec Ops force in the Indo-Pacific, the Australian Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) will be receiving a $3 billion boost to enhance its technological, infrastructural, and manpower capabilities. More specifically, the Australian government greenlighted the funds, which will be distributed over a period of 20 years. This, […]
When terrorists attack, Aussie Commandos are ready
Within mere hours of a group of terrorists hijacking a passenger ferry in Sydney’s Middle Harbour, Australian commandos were already above and beside their target. Six rigid-hulled inflatable boats packed with operators whizzed toward the ship. In the sky, a flock of Blackhawk helicopters circled to fast-rope additional assault teams and provide critical aerial sniper […]
The Pic of the Day: One team, one fight for American and Australian commandos
Air Commandos from the U.S. 320th Special Tactics Squadron evacuate a downed pilot with simulated injuries while conducting a personnel recovery (PR) training mission during Talisman Sabre, July 20, 2019. Talisman Sabre is a bilateral exercise that tests the two forces combat training, readiness and interoperability.
The Pic of the Day: Marines down under
BOWEN, Australia (July 22, 2019) Assault amphibious vehicles, assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) depart the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20). Green Bay, part of the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group, with embarked 31st MEU, is currently participating in Talisman Sabre 2019 off the coast of […]
Is the M4/AR-15 an obsolete platform? An Australian SOF operator weighs in
In 2015, when the Australian military was discussing its future combat rifle, there was an interesting debate about the merits of the M4/AR15 platform versus its competitors. More specifically, an Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) warrant officer with over 25 years’ experience in the SOF community offered some interesting remarks about why the M4/AR15 […]
New Zealand terrorist attack: Special Air Service snipers were training a few miles away
In an ironic turn of events, New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS) snipers were training only a few miles away from the sites of the two mosque massacres that took place March 15th in Christchurch, New Zealand. According to reports in New Zealand media outlets, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) was organizing a long-range […]
Permission to kill: Australian spooks authorized to use lethal force
The Australian government will be authorising new criteria for the use of lethal force by the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS). Under the Intelligence Services Amendment Bill, ASIS officers will be able to use reasonable force when necessary in overseas operations to protect themselves and friendly parties. Hitherto, ASIS officers could only use their weapons for self-protection […]
