Airborne Insertion (Parachute) Capability has transfered to Special Forces Command (photo : Aus DoD)
The
responsibility for maintaining the Airborne Insertion (Parachute)
Capability has transfered from Army Forces Command to Special Operations
Command.
The transfer marks a significant milestone in the history of Army’s parachute capability.
The
Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison recognised that the
Army has raised, developed and maintained a conventional parachute
capability over the past 31 years.
“I
acknowledge the fine efforts of all those who have served as part of,
and in support of the parachute capability,” Lieutenant General Morrison
said.
Initially
raised and based on a company in the 6th Battalion, The Royal
Australian Regiment (6 RAR) in 1980, the parachute capability was
enhanced and the responsibility transferred to the 3rd Battalion, The
Royal Australian Regiment(3 RAR) in 1983. During its time as a Parachute
Battalion, 3 RAR was ably supported by a wide range of units from the
1st and 3rd Brigades, the Parachute Training School and 176th Air
Dispatch Squadron.
“I also acknowledge the ongoing support of the Royal Australian Air Force in maintaining the parachute capability.”
“The
parachute capability has been important part of the ADF’s contingency
force since its inception, and will continue to be into the future.
However, times have changed and there is a need to re-balance Army to
meet the challenges of the future,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.
“3RAR
now faces many new challenges including the move to Townsville,
deployment to Afghanistan and playing its part in Army’s future.”
The
transfer of the parachute capability to Special Operations Command
means that the ADF maintains a robust and flexible entry capability
while ensuring that Army is better able to meet the challenges of the
future.
