Three members of TAG-E demonstrate counter-terrorism techniques at Holsworthy Barracks. TAG-E was officially raised on September 5. Photo by Sgt John Coombe, 1JPAU(P)

THE Army’s key role in the defence of Australia against terrorism has been strengthened with the raising of two specialist units.

The Incident Response Regiment (IRR) and the Tactical Assault Group East (TAG-E), based at Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney, have been officially unveiled as Australia’s military response to the September 11 attacks on the US by terrorists linked to the al Qa’eda network.

Defence Minister Robert Hill said there was no known specific threat of terrorism in Australia.

“However, the lesson of September 11 is that we can’t take any chances – the potential consequences of an attack are just too catastrophic to ignore,” he said.

In the May Federal Budget, the Government allocated more than $121 million over the next four years to make the IRR capability permanent by bringing together the Chemical, Biological and Radiological Response Squadron (CBRR) with the Emergency Response Squadron (ERS).

TAG-E, which was allocated $219.4-million in the Budget, has been raised from within 4RAR(Cdo).

It is based upon the existing TAG, located in Perth within SASR.

CO IRR Lt-Col Craig Petrie said the IRR was ready to respond to incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological and explosive threats and other hazardous situations.

“The IRR comprises of soldiers and scientists,” he said.

“With about 300 personnel when fully manned, the IRR will be able to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive incidents both domestically and in support of Australian forces deployed overseas in a high threat environment.

“While the IRR is an engineer regiment, the nature of its special tasks demands that its members include specialists from 10 corps.”

He said soldiers in the unit would have a unique opportunity to train and work with scientists from DSTO who were an integral part of the unit.

Another unique aspect was the opportunity to regularly train with members of the Special Forces.

CBRR Sqn had developed close links with the SASR’s TAG and was now developing similar links with 4RAR(Cdo)’s TAG-E.

Senator Hill said raising a second TAG ensured Australia had the capability to respond to simultaneous and geographically separate terrorist incidents.

IRR’s key role is to assist TAG-E’s counter-terrorist operations, which have chemical, biological, radiological or explosive dimensions.

IRR comprises:

• A HQ element based at Holsworthy, which commands the unit and provides advice on chemical, biological, radiological or explosive threats.
• A scientific and technical organisation supported by DSTO that is capable of conducting analysis and providing advice on CBR agents and materials.
• A CBR squadron capable of rendering safe CBR devices, conducting decontamination and treatment of casualties, providing advice on CBR agents and materials and using specialist equipment and explosives detection dogs for explosive device search.
• An Emergency Response Squadron (ERS), which consists of three emergency response troops. Each are responsible for fire fighting, aviation and vehicle accident rescue, collapsed building or confined space rescue and nuclear, biological and chemical Defence support. The ERS has a troop located in Darwin and Townsville in support of the brigades there.

RSM WO1 John Raddatz said the regiment had faced significant challenges this year with two operations and numerous training exercises as well as raising a new capability for Defence.

“The pace of activity and the unique nature of the unit has seen the soldiers tested and I have been thoroughly impressed with their performance and ability to adapt,” he said.

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