Soldiers demonstrate the capabilities of the new Special Operations Command at the launch in Sydney. Special Operations Commander Maj-Gen Duncan Lewis talks to members of the command. Photos by Sgt Troy Rodgers, 1JPAU(P)

SOCOMD good to go

By Pte John Wellfare
AS THE command ‘go’ is given simultaneous sniper fire from hundreds of metres away eliminates sentries with pinpoint accuracy just seconds before the first wave of mortar rounds land on target and obliterate defences to the powerful thump of high explosives.

Anti-armour rockets fired from a covered position eliminate a vehicle parked at one end of the position as sustained machinegun fire rips through the air, all the while the deafening explosions continue.

Suddenly a wave of troops surge onto the position from a nearby creek line, moving and firing rapidly through the smoke to take up positions at the corners of the target building as the mortar fire recedes.

Explosives are placed across the building’s two doors, which are disintegrated simultaneously a split second before soldiers pour into the building and more shots ring out.

As the soldiers exit the now-cleared structure, mortar rounds thump into the rear of the position and the entire force withdraws using fire and movement back to the creek line.

A few more explosions erupt through the position, the firing dies down, and all is quiet.

The smoke clears to reveal a position almost completely destroyed, about three minutes have passed since the first shots rang out.

That was the sight witnessed by guests and reporters at the recent formal launch of the new Special Operations Command (SOCOMD), which recently took place at Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney.

The launch was attended by several key figures including Defence Minister Senator Robert Hill, Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Danna Vale, CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy and Special Operations Commander Maj-Gen Duncan Lewis.

Speaking at the launch Maj-Gen Lewis drew attention to the many changes Australian Special Forces have undergone since he joined the SASR 25 years ago.

“It was a unit, barely 300 strong, struggling for a role in the order of battle for the ADF, as we drew the Defence Force down after the Vietnam War,” he said.

“We stand here today to launch an organisation that’s pushing 2000 strong and comprises a number of units that have proven they have high relevance for the requirements of Government and the security needs of this country.

“Special operations personnel have conducted a series of successful operations in support of the Australian Government [and] by any measure, we’ve carried out those tasks professionally and effectively.”

Maj-Gen Lewis acknowledged the importance of support elements and said the integration of special forces units and their support components under the one command structure is a crucial factor in ensuring the full potential of special forces is reached.

“The new command arrangements permit us to engage in a much better and more effective way with a wide range of whole of Government structures, which are so important in the total effort in protecting this country against the threat of international terrorism.”

Also speaking at the launch, Lt-Gen Leahy praised the efforts of those involved in establishing SOCOMD and said it was a key step in focusing the ADF according to current circumstances.

“The establishment of a separate operations command…with the same status as land, maritime and air commands, represents a significant development in how we perceive our strategic environment, and how we structure our forces in response to it,” he said.

“I aim to make joint collaboration and joint operations one of the hallmarks of my time as Chief of Army and the establishment of this command goes a long way towards achieving that.”

Official guests at the launch also witnessed a demonstration of special forces insertion methods, weapons and equipment and the Tactical Assault Group’s counter-terrorism capabilities.

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