SASR

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 […]

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.

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 […]

Search complete: Australian Special Operations Forces to get American choppers

For some time now, the Australian military has been searching for new helicopters for its Special Operations Forces (SOF). The American company Bell is considered a favorite to win the contract. More specifically, Bell, in partnership with Hawker-Pacific, is proposing the Bell 407 or Bell 429 helicopters. In October, Australia’s Defense Capability Acquisition and Sustainment […]

Search complete: Australian Special Operations Forces to get American choppers

For some time now, the Australian military has been searching for new helicopters for its Special Operations Forces (SOF). The American company Bell is considered a favorite to win the contract. More specifically, Bell, in partnership with Hawker-Pacific, is proposing the Bell 407 or Bell 429 helicopters. In October, Australia’s Defense Capability Acquisition and Sustainment […]

So that others may live: Military dog sacrifices himself to save Rangers’ lives

A Multi-Purpose Canine (MPC) assigned to the 2nd Ranger Battalion (2/75) was killed during a raid against an al-Qaeda target in Afghanistan. In doing so, he sacrificed his life to give his Ranger buddies a decisive advantage over the enemy. The MPC has been identified as Maiko, a veteran of six deployments in Afghanistan with […]

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 […]