SASR Regiment Gets ‘Command and Control’ Overhaul Following Allegations of War Crimes in Afghanistan

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Australia’s most elite military unit is being redesigned, with a more senior officer soon to command the Perth-based SAS to prepare for a “difficult decade” to come.

Key points: SAS leadership is high to ensure “sufficient capacity and appropriate oversight”. Afghan prisoners and civilians

Nine months after the release of the damning war crimes investigation in Afghanistan, the regiment’s leadership is elevated to colonel to ensure “sufficient capacity and appropriate oversight” for future complex missions.

In November, the Brereton report recommended that 19 special forces soldiers be investigated by police for the “murder” of 39 Afghan prisoners and civilians.

Currently, the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), part of the Special Operations Command of the Australian Army, is headed by a lieutenant colonel.

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Defense Minister Peter Dutton said “historic” changes to the 57-year-old regiment will improve its accountability as Australia prepares for more complex war missions in the “gray zone”.

“This is a critical reform to prepare the SASR for future conflict, reducing it to the basics and focusing on the challenges ahead.”

“We have seen the skills and deeds of bravery of the SAS over the past week only because of the work they have done in Afghanistan. These men and women who serve in the SAS are an incredible asset to our country.”

Mr. Hastie served in Afghanistan in 2013. (

Provided: Andrew Hastie

)

Deputy Defense Minister and former SAS Captain Andrew Hastie visited the regiment’s Campbell Barracks headquarters on Tuesday to discuss changes to serving members.

“These are significant and historic changes that will ensure that the leadership of the regiment is mature, experienced and better qualified to command sensitive strategic missions,” said Mr. Hastie.

“This is a new era for SASR: to make it stronger and ready for the challenges ahead. “

“The reform of SASR command will modernize the regiment for the demanding strategic challenges of the coming decade,” added the veteran of the war in Afghanistan.

Last year, the ABC revealed that the Special Operations Commander for Australia (SOCAUST) would be a commando officer who had never been a member of rival SASR.

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Appearing via a video link, Army Chief Lt. Gen. Rick Burr also addressed the elite unit about the historic changes, praising his dangerous work in Afghanistan during the war and the evacuation of this month.

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“As our operations in Afghanistan come to a close and the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks approaches, let me begin by specifically acknowledging the contribution of the SAS to the defense of Australia over the past two decades,” said Lieutenant General Burr.

“I know too well that this has been a difficult time for many people. I recognize the toll on individuals and families, and thank you all for your mutual support.”

Without mentioning last year’s Brereton report, the army chief said the overhaul “would ensure that SAS’s operating model is secure and scalable.”

“These provisions recognize the scope of the organization’s responsibilities and the sensitive nature of its capabilities,” he said.

“This does not mean that the SAS regiment will be more independent or autonomous, quite the contrary.”

“Along with more expected of it, these enhancements recognize its geographic location and ensure the SAS is more connected, more engaged and more accountable as part of Special Operations Command’s suite of capabilities.”

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