Special forces of Australia

[7] The Special Operations Commander Australia reports directly to the Chief of the Defence Force for domestic counter terrorism incidents.

The main roles of the 2nd Commando Regiment is to conduct strategic large scale strike and recovery operations beyond the scope and capability of other Australian Defence Force units domestically and abroad.

SASR reconnaissance patrols can be inserted by air (either by helicopter, parachute or high altitude parachute), land (on foot or by vehicle) or water (including by submarine, small boats, kayaks or diving) and have proved capable of covering long distances and staying concealed in jungle, desert and mountain terrain.

SASR patrols may also conduct sabotage and short-duration raids on high-value targets, including headquarters, airfields and communications nodes.

[10] The Tactical Assault Groups regularly conduct familiarisation exercises in capital cities, participate in National Anti Terrorism Exercises and pre-deploy to major domestic event locations in readiness to assume control from law enforcement if requested.

Women have passed the selection course for the Army Reserve 1st Commando Regiment and been awarded a Green Beret.

[25][26] The SASR had recently developed a domestic counter terrorism capability establishing the Tactical Assault Group.

[27] The Directorate covertly recruited civilians, who were required to maintain a 'cover', to receive part-time training, including from the ADF and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), to conduct overseas counter terrorism operations.

[29] Training began in March and continued through to November culminating in a three-week exercise held in Sydney and Melbourne.

[30] On 30 November 1983, the Directorate held a bungled hostage rescue training exercise at the Sheraton Hotel in Melbourne without proper approvals, including the carriage of firearms, culminating in the public exposure of the unit.