Special Operations Command
Introduction
In 2003 the government established the Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) comprising a joint headquarters, the Special Air Service Regiment, 4 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (Commando), Tactical Assault Groups (East) and (West), 1 Commando Regiment, and the Incident Response Regiment.
Government sources
Organisation, mission and budget
- Perspective on Australian Interagency Operations, Colonel Mal Rerden, CSC, Deputy Special Operations, Commander – Australia. http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2006solic/rerden.pdf<br />
Department of Defence.
SOCOMD Mission Statement, Perspective on Australian Interagency Operations, Colonel Mal Rerden, Department of Defence, 2006.
“To provide ready and relevant special operations across the operational continuum, in a joint, combined interagency environment, in support Australia’s national interests.
Special Operations Command (Serial 23 in Table 1.4), Defence Portfolio Budget Statements 2003-04, Chapter 1 – Overview
“The Government has provided $156.8m over four years to fund the establishment of a new Special Operations Command. This additional funding includes $21.6m in 2003-04 for the additional personnel and operating costs associated with this initiative. The costs of additional equipment and facilities will be met from within the Defence Capability Plan.
“The establishment of the Special Operations Command will supplement Australia’s existing special forces by an additional 334 combat and combat support personnel, including 146 personnel in 2003-04. The 146 positions also include seven civilian personnel.
“Based on lessons learned from the Afghanistan deployment of special forces, an integrated combat service support element of 101 personnel will be provided through the establishment of a combat service support team.
Defence response to a terrorist incident within Australia, Terrorism, Department of Defence, Australia
“The Australian Defence Force’s newest command organisation, the Special Operations Command, was launched in May 2003. The Special Operations Command has been established as a joint command with a command status equivalent to Maritime, Land and Air Commands and is headed by Major General Duncan Lewis. It will comprise:
* A joint Headquarters with offices in both Canberra and Sydney
* The Special Air Service Regiment
* 4th Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment (Commando)
* Tactical Assault Groups (West) and (East)
* 1st Commando Regiment
* The Incident Response Regiment
* The Special Operations Combat Service Support Company to provide the specific logistics, heavy weapons and communications support of Special Operations and Special Forces Aviation Support element“The Special Operations Command will deliver an extra 330 highly trained combat personnel and associated support personnel to supplement Australia’s existing Special Forces.”
JP 2097 & Special Operations Capability, MAJ Colin Blyth, Land Development Branch, Capability Development Group, Department of Defence, Australia (Powerpoint)
Special Operations Commander Australia (SOCAUST)
Major General Tim McOwan 2.2008 –
Major General Mike Hindmarsh 10.2004 – 2.2008.
Analysis and commentary
Australian Special Operations Command 2004, Nick Dowling, Oceania Orders of Battle (updated 2005)
“Australia’s Special Operations Command is of equivalent status to Australia’s Maritime, Land and Air Commands. All its constituent units are drawn from the Australian Army. Special Operations Command was established in May 2003, and will be fully operational when a range of enhancement programs are completed in 2007.”
13 February 2008