Army’s 4th Battalion (Commando), The Royal Australian Regiment (4 RAR (Cdo)) was today renamed 2nd Commando Regiment (2 Cdo Regt) during a ceremony at Tobruk Lines, Holsworthy. The ceremony, reviewed by Chief of Army Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, saw the march-off of the 4 RAR colours and the unfurling of the new 2 Cdo Regt flag.

“I am very pleased that 4 RAR (Cdo) is now nearing maturity as a special operations unit. The name change celebrated today recognises this achievement as well as the skills and qualifications of its members,” 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.”

“4 RAR will remain on Army’s Order of Battle with its history, colours and traditions preserved for future service as and when required by our nation. So too will we continue to celebrate the battalion’s service and the sacrifice of those who served under its colours. 2 Cdo Regt will not forget its origins and will continue to support the 4 RAR Association where it can, specifically through the provision of facilities for annual meetings, unit birthdays and Anzac Day,” Lieutenant General Gillespie said.

4 RAR began commando transition in 1996 when Government directed Army to establish a second commando regiment with the ability to conduct special recovery and strike operations. The name 2nd Commando Regiment was chosen as it logically complements the existing 1st Commando Regiment, but more importantly it reflects the unit’s historical links to the Australian Independent Commando Companies that operated in the Southwest Pacific in the Second World War.

2 Cdo Regt joins 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.