Australia's Commando regiments have officially been elevated to Tier 1 status, joining the elite ranks of the Special Air Service (SAS) within the Australian Defence Force. The historic move, announced by Defence Minister Richard Marles on Thursday, recognizes the Commandos' expanding role in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and high-risk overseas missions.
New Tier 1 Designation
The Commandos, previously considered Tier 2 operators, will now sit alongside the SAS in the Special Operations Command's most elite tier. This upgrade reflects their enhanced capabilities and the increasing complexity of modern warfare. The change is part of a broader restructuring of Australia's special forces, aimed at improving operational effectiveness and interoperability with allied nations.
Background and Capabilities
The Commando regiments, based in Sydney and Perth, have long been the lesser-known counterpart to the SAS. However, they have played a crucial role in recent conflicts, including deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Philippines. Their skills include direct action, special reconnaissance, and domestic counter-terrorism response. The elevation to Tier 1 means they will now receive priority access to advanced training, equipment, and intelligence.
Defence sources say the move formalizes a shift that has been underway for years. Commandos have increasingly taken on missions traditionally reserved for the SAS, particularly in urban and maritime environments. The change also aligns Australia with the structure of US and UK special forces, where multiple Tier 1 units operate.
Implications for Defence Structure
The announcement comes amid a broader review of Australia's special forces capability, prompted by evolving threats in the Indo-Pacific region. The government has committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030. The Commandos' upgrade is expected to boost morale and retention within the unit, which has faced challenges in keeping experienced operators.
Opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie welcomed the decision, saying it was a long-overdue recognition of the Commandos' contribution. However, he cautioned that the government must ensure adequate funding and support to sustain the expanded elite force.
Operational Impact
Military analysts say the elevation will allow for more flexible task organization, with the SAS and Commandos able to operate interchangeably on high-stakes missions. It also strengthens Australia's ability to contribute to coalition operations, as partner nations increasingly demand Tier 1 capabilities. The Commandos will continue to be based at Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney and Campbell Barracks in Perth, with no immediate plans for relocation.
The Defence Department will now work to integrate the Commandos into the Tier 1 command structure, a process expected to take several months. Training and equipment upgrades are already underway, including the acquisition of new night-vision systems and advanced communications gear.
