SASR
AUSTRALIAN SPECIAL AIR SERVICE REGIMENT | WHO DARES WINS
“Who Dares Wins”
Unit Overview
The Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) is the Australian Army’s premier special forces unit, modeled on the British SAS. Based at Campbell Barracks in Perth, Western Australia, it is part of the Australian Special Operations Command.
The SASR specializes in counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, direct action, and special operations in all environments, with particular expertise in desert and tropical warfare. The unit maintains one of the most rigorous selection processes in the world.
Standard Equipment
- M4A1 Carbine Assault Rifle
- SR-25 Designated Marksman Rifle
- Polaris MRZR Light Tactical Vehicle
- HK417 Battle Rifle
Major Operations
SASR deployment to East Timor as part of INTERFET, conducting reconnaissance and surveillance operations.
Continuous operations including the Battle of Tizak (2010) where SASR operators earned multiple awards for valor.
SASR operations in Western Iraq, including reconnaissance missions and counter-Scud operations.
CLASSIFIED: Selection & Training
SASR selection, known as the “Selection Course,” lasts 3 weeks and has a 90-95% failure rate. It includes the infamous “March Out” – a 30km route march with 30kg pack in under 4.5 hours, followed by “Escape and Evasion” with interrogation resistance training.
Successful candidates undergo 15 months of continuation training covering patrol skills, demolitions, communications, combat first aid, and specialized insertion methods. The regiment is organized into 3 sabre squadrons (1, 2, and 3 SAS), each with approximately 90 operators. Each squadron contains specialized troops focusing on different insertion methods: freefall, vehicle, water, and mountain.
