4 RAR (COMMANDO) TO BECOME THE 2ND COMMANDO REGIMENT

[slick_mick]

I also believe that they are getting their own (new) hat badge - will post more details as I find out.

Mick


Department of Defence Media Mail List
------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE

MSPA 183/09

Thursday, 4 June 2009

4 RAR (COMMANDO) TO BECOME THE 2ND
COMMANDO REGIMENT

Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, today announced that Army's 4th Battalion (Commando), the Royal Australian Regiment, (4 RAR Cdo) will be renamed as the 2nd Commando Regiment (2 Cdo Regt) on 19 June 2009.

The decision follows a comprehensive consultation process with current and previous serving members of 4 RAR (Cdo), as well as their families and support associations.

"While there were vast opinions to consider, we accepted the strong desire amongst current serving 4 RAR (Cdo) soldiers to rename the unit and effectively raise 2 Cdo Regt," Lieutenant General Gillespie said.

"The name 2 Cdo Regt more accurately reflects the roles and capabilities of the commandos and their command structure, which are distinct from our conventional infantry battalions."

Army's infantry battalions are primarily used to seize and hold territory, where commandos focus on special operations including raids, interdiction of enemy communication lines, seizing points of entry and counter terrorism / hostage rescue.

4 RAR began transitioning in 1996 when Government directed Army to establish a second commando regiment with the ability to conduct special recovery and strike operations. 4 RAR (Cdo) is now nearing maturity as a special operations unit, and the name change to 2 Cdo Regt recognises this achievement as well as the skills and qualifications of its members.

"Army will continue to honour the contribution the past members of 4 RAR and 4 RAR (Cdo) have made to its rich history, and the unit name will not be lost. 4 RAR will remain on Army's Order of Battle and may be reinstated in the future, if and when the need arises," Lieutenant General Gillespie said.

The name 2nd Commando Regiment was chosen as it logically complements the existing 1st Commando Regiment, and also reflects the unit's historical links to the Australian Independent Commando Companies that operated in the Southwest Pacific in the Second World War.

2nd Commando Regiment will join 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.

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946

Media Releases are available via e-mail if you register at www.defence.gov.au/media

[slick_mick]

This is the new 2 Commando Regiment hat badge - comes with matching collar badges but not sure as yet what shoulder titles they wear.

[slick_mick]

Better picture of the 2nd Commando Regiment hat badge.

[platypus44]

nice makers mark on the back i believe too Mick?

we made a few prototypes before they finalised

Bronze


silver/ gold

bronze with black double diamond,

the final was one i threw in the mix

will get photos up

also spelling mistake in first stike off in the latin [ from Regt]

missed the last I

[slick_mick]

Now what was that maker's mark?

Hmmmm....Swann and Hudson? Stokes?

:-)

Now I remember - platatac.com I believe