[3] In 1999, the Joint Incident Response Unit (JIRU) was established as part of the Australian Defence Force's security arrangements for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

A specialist Scientific and Technical Support Organisation staffed by civilian and military scientists was also formed and attached to the IRR.

The primary role of the regiment is no longer to respond to crisis management, but rather to provide counter-Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear or Explosive (C-CBRNE) and Mobility and Survivability capabilities to Special Operations.

[5] Like that of the IRR, teams of SOER personnel are integrated into the Australian Army's tactical assault groups[6] to maintain Australia's Domestic Counter Terrorism capabilities, whilst still supporting Special Operations in Afghanistan.

[citation needed] The Special Operations Engineer Regiment is composed of A and B Squadrons and a Logistic Support Group, based at Holsworthy Barracks, approximately 25 km (16 mi) south-west of Sydney, New South Wales.