On Tuesday,at another event,Assistant Defence Minister Andrew Hastie,a former SASR captain,announced the beginning of a “new era”,which would see leadership of the regiment elevated from Lieutenant-Colonel to full Colonel in recognition “of the span and complexity of command in the SASR”. Also present via videolink was Chief of Army,Lieutenant-General Rick Burr,another alumnus of Australia’s most famous regiment.
Tellingly,no direct reference was made to the bad news stories about the special forces that have dominated reporting in past years,blighting the regiment – allegations of bloodings,cover-up and executions.
While the disbanding of a military unit is not unusual,to do so because its reputation has been dishonoured is one more bitter pill. Lieutenant-General Burr did acknowledge “a difficult time for many people” and a “toll on individuals and families”.
The great majority who served in 2 Squadron since the 1960s did so with honour. This also applies to the majority who served in Afghanistan. While ugly accusations have emanated from 2 Squadron,they involve a small number of soldiers,and notably,the alleged incidents were called out by other squadron members.
Critics note that the assertions,so far unproven,reach beyond 2 Squadron and that the leadership is yet to be properly held to account.
But none of that discounts what we know:that the Brereton inquiry found 39 Afghans were allegedly murdered by Australian Special Forces in 23 incidents encompassing the worst episode in Australian military history.