Description

Description: 2nd Commando Regiment Non Opposing Collar Badge Pair – 2nd (current) issue.

Maker’s Name: Cash

Condition: Mint

Comments: 2nd Commando Regiment Non Opposing Collar Badge Pair – 2nd (current) issue.

Made by Cash (but no maker’s name on badge). 

The 2nd Commando Regiment (2 Cdo Regt) is an Australian Army Special Forces unit, it is one of three combat-capable units within the Australian Special Operations Command. The regiment was established on 19 June 2009 when it was renamed from the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) (4 RAR (Cdo)). The unit is highly regarded by coalition special operation forces abroad.

In 1996, a decision was made to unlink 2/4RAR and then convert 4RAR to a Special Forces unit. On 1 February 1997 was renamed to 4 RAR (Commando). Regular serving members were given the opportunity to undertake special forces training provided mainly by 1st Commando Regiment or elect a posting to a conventional forces unit. General Reserve positions existed in the new structure and reserve members discharged or posted to GRes units. The initial years were busy creating a structure and recruiting members suitable for commando training. Bravo Company was raised first followed by Charlie Company in 1999, both taking 24 months to reach full maturity. The pace of battalion life during these development years was hectic with capability development, equipment acquisition and training, focussing every member’s attention. The unit developed in highly regarded within the special operations force, and conducted operations in East Timor and Iraq, and later lost members in Afghanistan. It has also been awarded citations for bravery and the meritorious unit citation.

On 19 June 2009 the battalion was renamed the 2nd Commando Regiment. Regardless, the name 4 RAR remains on the Army’s order of battle and its history, colours and traditions have been preserved, ready to be re-raised as a regular infantry battalion in the future if required. All awards and battle honours received during the time as 4RAR (Cdo) were passed onto the 2nd Commando Regiment, those awarded before the transformation to a commando battalion were kept by 4RAR. Along with the renaming, a new badge was chosen to reflect the history and traditions of the Australian Independent Companies that served during the Second World War by including the distinctive ‘Double Diamond’ unit colour patch shape in the regimental badge along with the traditional commando knife.