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The regiment’s command structure has been amended in a bid to secure sufficient capacity and strengthen oversight for future missions.
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Defence has confirmed that the command of the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) has been elevated from a Lieutenant Colonel (O5) to a Colonel (O6).
Where appropriate, Defence will also increase the qualifications and experience of personnel overseeing sensitive operations.
This is expected to prepare the regiment for the demands of future warfare by improving capacity and strengthening oversight.
“This is a critical reform to prepare the SASR for future conflict, getting them back to basics and focused on the challenges ahead,” Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said.
“We have seen the skill and acts of bravery of the SAS in just the last week from the work that they have done in Afghanistan.
“Those men and women who serve in the SAS are an incredible asset to our country.”
Assistant Minister for Defence Andrew Hastie said the “historic” changes would ensure the regiment’s leadership is “mature, experienced and better qualified” to undertake missions of strategic importance.
“This is a new era for the SASR: making it stronger and ready for the challenges ahead,” the minister said.
“The 2020 Defence Strategic Update notes the importance of Australia’s Special Operations capability in countering the grey-zone threats that Australia is likely to face in the future.
“SASR command reform will modernise the Regiment for the demanding strategic challenges of the coming decade.”
SASR forms part of the Australian Army's Special Operations Command, which includes the 1st and 2nd Commando Regiments, Special Operations Engineer Regiment, Special Operations Logistic Squadron and the Defence Special Operations Training and Education Centre.
The SASR was established on 04 September 1964 as an evolution of the 1st Special Air Service Company, which was established at Campbell Barracks in Perth on 25 July 1957.
The command reforms are the latest changes to internal Defence practices.
Last month, Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs Andrew Gee flagged changes to the defence force’s discipline framework.
Following a 2017 review into the DFDA, which was commissioned by the Chief of Defence, it was determined that the current legal framework for defence discipline proved too complicated, which had resulted in delays in determining smaller legal breaches.
It is hoped that the changes will enhance the ability for defence to deal with minor breaches.
[Related: Defence flags changes to DFDA, defence discipline system]
