Motto: Who Dares Wins

Location: Campbell Barracks, Swanbourne, Western Australia

The history of Australia's "Special Forces" can be traced as far back as the 1940s when Australian soldiers were part in AIB or Allied Intelligence Bureau. However it wasn't until July 25th, 1957, when the Army turned to Major W.Gook, that a proper "Special Forces" unit was formed. Major Gook was put in charge of a new unit: the 1st Special Air Service Company (Royal Australian Regiment). The total strength of the Company was only180 men at first. On August 20th, 1964, the SAS finally became a full Regiment consisting of three "Sabre" Squadrons, a Training Squadron, and a Headquarters. The SASR was modeled after the British SAS.

The SAS had previously worn a red beret (indicating them as a Parachute Company) with the Infantry Corps Cap Badge. In 1966, the SAS was given permission to change over to the beige beret. However since most of the SASR was deployed to Borneo at the time, all they could get were the British SAS berets with the cloth Winged Dagger emblem on them. Later on that year the cloth patch was replaced by a black flash and a solid gold metal Winged Dagger emblem on top of it.

The SASR was first deployed to Brunei in 1965. It was 1 Squadron and would also be the first to see active duty. Later on in that same year 1 Squadron would also be deployed to Borneo. The British had already been in Borneo for some time. The first request by the British Government for Australian SASR help was declined. However, as the "conflict" grew the SASR was brought in. The SASR was tasked with stopping the communist Indonesian troops from taking over Borneo. They often worked along side there British and New Zealand counterparts.

The conflict of Borneo was a tough one for Australian troops. They soon found themselves living in the jungle, sometimes on patrols for months. They learned how to track the enemy, lay ambushes, and defeat him at his own games. This would prove effective again later in Vietnam. Another way the SASR defeated the enemy was to win the "heats and minds" of locals. The local tribesmen would usually help in any way they could, and the SASR provided needed repairs, medical treatments, and food for the villagers. This was to prove very affective. The main threat came from a group known as RPKAD. The RPKAD were known for being extremly brutal. They wore a cap badge which depicted a set of Airborne Wings with a dagger through them. This is on top of an octagon. The RPKAD were usually noticed because of this cap badge. The RPKAD is the forerunner to todays KOPASSUSThe war lasted until 1966. Three SASR men died while on active service in Borneo, however none died from direct enemy contacts.

The SAS soon found themselves in action again. This time in Vietnam. 3 Squadron was the first squadron to be deployed to Vietnam. The SASR was sent in again to help the Americans fight off the communist government of North Vietnam from overtaking South Vietnam. The SASR once again began the long patrols deep into the think jungles. They lived like the enemy. The also started a "Hearts and Minds" campaign again. The SASR suffered the same types of problems as the Americans. The enemy hid amongst the civilians who were scared to turn them over. They did however use captured VC (Viet Cong) and NVA (North Vietnam Army Regulars) to help them locate the enemy. The SASR soon started operating with American SEAL (SEa-Air-Land) Teams and Special Forces. The SASR also helped with the American Recondo School and with MAC-V-SOG missions. The Recondo School was started in Australia, and the principals were passed on to the Americans. The Patrol Course the SASR runs today is similar to that of the Recondo School. The bond between the SASR and the different American Special Operations units is still strong today. The SASR fought this war in Vietnam until 1971. 4 SASR soldiers died during accidents, one died months later from gun shot wounds recieved, and one is still MIA (although now presummed dead).