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A New Name for Sydney Commandos

The reviewing officers inspect the 4 RAR (Cdo) guard during their name change ceremony at Tobruk Lines, Holsworthy, NSW.

ShadowSpear
19 June, 2009 09:24:00

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SYDNEY, Australia – Australian Army’s 4th Battalion (Commando), The Royal Australian Regiment (4 RAR [Cdo]), has been officially renamed as the 2nd Commando Regiment (2 Cdo Regt) at a ceremony at Tobruk Lines, Holsworthy, today.

The ceremony, reviewed by Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, saw the march-off of the 4 RAR colours and the unfurling of the new 2 Cdo Regt flag.

4 RAR (Cdo) began commando transition in 1996 when the Government directed Army to establish a second commando regiment with the ability to conduct special recovery and strike operations.

Lieutenant General Gillespie said the name 2 Cdo Regt more accurately reflected the roles and capabilities of the commandos and their command structure, which are distinct from the Army’s conventional infantry battalions.

It also reflects the unit’s historical links to the Australian Independent Commando Companies that operated in the Southwest Pacific in the Second World War.

During the ceremony, 4 RAR’s colours were handed over to a School of Infantry Colour Party to be held in perpetuity.

Lieutenant Colonel Gillespie said 4 RAR (Cdo) will remain on Army’s Order of Battle, with its history, colours and traditions preserved for future service as and when required by the nation.

2 Cdo Regt joins the Special Air Service Regiment, Incident Response Regiment, 1st Commando Regiment, the Special Forces Training Centre and the Special Operations Logistics Squadron as part of Army’s Special Operations Command.