(Courtesy South African Defence Force)

South African Special Forces Brigade

"Special Forces as a Strategic Force carries out special operations independently or in co-operation with other State Departments or Services, achieve national objectives, internally or externally in peace and war.  Such operations will be executed in accordance with the constitution of the RSA, the White Paper on Defence, the Defence Review and international law, with oversight and approval at the highest operational level."

-South African Special Forces Mandate

In 1975, during the move of 1 RC to Durban, 4 Reconnaissance Commando was established in Langebaan, South Africa. This unit was set up to perform maritime operations. 5 Reconnaissance Commando which had been set up at the Duku-Duku camp in Northern Natal, was again moved to Phalaborwa. In 1981, the Special Forces became an independant structure no longer under control of the Army. Now they answered only to the Defense Force (which the Army is a part of). Most of the Commando units were still classified as Regiments. Later a Headquaters unit was added as well.

In 1991 changes happened again. The Headquarters unit of the Special Forces was disbanded and a Directorate of Reconnaissance was formed. He answered only to the Chief of the Army. In 1993, wouldn't you know it, the SF went through yet another change. They were called 45 Parachute Brigade. All RC units now added the prefix "45" to whatever number they were already;hence "451" and "452".

In 1996, it was renamed again. This time the Special Forces Brigade. It has two active Regiments and 1 Maintenance Unit. The Maintenance unit1 RC was disbanded and combined with the other two Special Forces Regiments. Although the former "Recce" units were more well known, the Special Forces Brigade(the modern "Recce" Units) is now more powerful and more deadly then it's former self.

The South African "Recces" were deployed to many local hot spots during the late 1970's and early 1980's, particularly Angola. The main enemy then was a terrorist group known as SWAPO(South West Africa's People's Organization). It was an all black guerrilla organization who wanted Namibia seperated from the rest of South Africa. Many operations were conducted by parashute drop. The SWAPO proved to be a formidable enemy. Members of the Recces carried black face paint with them at all times while o patrol in hopes of making themselves look black(to help the white soldiers pass as SWAPO guerrillas.

In 1979 the Recces took part in Operation Staffrron,which was a attack provoked actually by the SWAPO. The SWAPO must not have been aware of the results the operation would take on them. Opertion Mebos in 1982 was one of the most successful operations the Recces ever performed. They penetrated deep into Angola and destroyed the SWAPO Headquaters. In Operation Askari, in Dec-Jan of 1994, the Recces cut off almost all supply lines to and from the SWAPO in Angloa. On many operations horses were used for transportation.

"The Ultimate Challenge" as SA SF Selection is often called, is one of the toughest selction courses in the world. A soldier must meet very requirements to actually attend SF selection. However he has to be in excellent shape to make it through.

Requirements are as follows:

1. Must be a South African Citizen (however I have heard of forigners particularly Brits being allowed to join).
2. Must have graduated school
3. Must have at least one year service in the Acitve, Reserves, or Voluntary Forces. You may also apply with one year on the Police Force.
4. Must speak 2 languages
5. No SERIOUS criminal offence.
6. Must be between 18 and 28 as of when training starts
7. Ranks: NCO; Private to S.Sergeant
8. Officers; Candidate Officer to Captain.

Training is divided into 5 sections:

Pre-Selection Training:
This includes all aspects of pyschological and physical tests. For the Pyschological tests, soldiers will be given written tests and oral interviews with SF NCOs. A soldier must be self-controlled and mature. Any hints of a soldier being unbalanced and he is off the course. There is no room for "nuts" in this business.

The Physical Test looks like this:

1. 40 continues push ups
2. 67 sit ups in 2 min.
3. Fireman lift
4. 3 Kilometer run in full gear in 18 min.
5. Perform a rope climb(to show upper body strength)
6. 40 shuttle runs in 95 sec.
7. Wall scaling. A student must scale a 10 foot high wall.
8. 15 Kilometer March in under 150 minutes.
9. 120 shuttle kicks

Parachute Selection Course:
Basic Parachute school(looking for location). One of the most demading. All SF candidates who aren't Parachute qualified will have to attend this course.

Special Force Orientation Course:
This is a time when a student will learn what Special Forces are and what they do. He will be told about what to look forward to in training. He is made to PT everyday to get into shape for the toughtest part of Selection yet- Special Forces Selection.

Special Forces Selection:
It has been a rough road for a Special Force Candidate, but it's not over yet.Not much is known about Selection. However it is known as some of the toughest in the world. Expect to be pushed passed all you limits.

The Cycle:
IF you pass Selection, you then be placed on a taining cycle to help you acquire the skills you need to become an operator. This inlcudes: Air Co-operation, Water Orientation, Obstacle Crossing, Bushcraft, Tracking and Survival, Demolitions and Tactics in Urban as well as Rural Areas.

Benefits:
Your choice of specialty
Your pick of Special Forces unit Better pay

From left to right: Medic Training, Tactical March carring a stetcher, and advanced rappeling down the side of a building during CQB training. (Courtesy South African Defence Force)

Land Training:
Land Training consists of many things. Sniping is taught, as is demolitions and reconnaissance. Bushcraft and survival is also taught. Climbing and photography are taught to new recruits. Urban and rural combat is perhaps the newest training. Developed quite recently, this training provided SA with a new CT force. Medical and communications training is also given to thoughs who wish to become qualified.

Maritime Training:
Martitime training consists of the use of small boats, underwater demolitions, swimming, diving, beach recons, and navigation. In all the maritime training given to Special Forces soldiers is extremely good. It is thought that it is based on the SBS training.

Insignia and Crests

The Operators pin is worn on the right-side of the chest.

4 Special Force Regiment crest

5 Special Forces Regiment crest

1 Maintenance Unit crest

This is the beret patch. It is worn on the maroon berets of SF soldiers.

The compass rose is a symbol for the Special Forces Brigade

Spcial Forces Brigade crest

Weapons

Soviet AK-47 and AKM

RPK Machine gun

Galil Assault rifle

FN FAL

New Bullpup design(looking for name)

Spanish Star Pistol

South African Misc. Items

Civilians can earn SA Parachute Wings

Executive Outcomes-Former Recces turned Mercs.

This page is in no way affiliated with the South African Special Forces, Army, or Defence Force. All information was obtained through open and unclassified sources. The pictures are courtesy of the South African Defence Force. No copyright enfrigment was intended. If any has occured please notify the site onwer for an immediate correction and apology.