|
1968 |
Following international military trends, a requirement is identified
for a Special Forces capability within the South African
Army. Initial planning and formation occurs, including
studies of and visits to foreign Special Forces,
formulation of appropriate structures and techniques for
an African context, and formation and training of a core
group of founder members. |
|
1972 |
Special Forces is formally established as an entity in South Africa,
with the establishment of the first Special Forces unit
- 1 Reconnaissance Commando - in Oudtshoorn and
thereafter moved to Durban. |
|
1974 |
Special Forces Headquarters is established in Pretoria. In 1980 it
moves into premises at Swartkop Park in Pretoria • since
then unofficially referred to as •Speskop•. |
|
1974 |
2 Reconnaissance Commando, the Special Forces Citizen Force
(Territorial Army) unit is established in Johannesburg. |
|
1976 |
5 Reconnaissance Commando of Special Forces is established at Durban
and Duku Duku in Natal , and moved to Phalaborwa in
1980. |
|
1976 |
Special Forces School is established in Durban , as part of 1
Reconnaissance Commando. |
|
1978 |
4 Reconnaissance Commando, the seaborne Special Forces unit, is
established in Langebaan. |
|
1980 |
3 Reconnaissance Commando • consisting of former Selous Scouts • is
established in Phalaborwa, and 6 Reconnaissance Commando
• consisting of former SAS • is established in Durban .
Attempted integration into the South African Military is
largely unsuccessful. Both units are disbanded in 1981,
and the limited number of remaining personnel from these
are incorporated into the other Special Forces units. |
|
1981 |
The Special Forces Reconnaissance Commandos are redesignated as
Special Forces Reconnaissance Regiments, as follows:
-
Special Forces Headquarters - Pretoria
-
1 Reconnaissance Regiment - Durban
-
4 Reconnaissance Regiment - Langebaan
-
5 Reconnaissance Regiment - Phalaborwa
The Special Forces Citizen Force unit, 2 Reconnaissance Regiment, is
also based in Pretoria. During this period, the Special
Forces Supply Unit is also established to provide
technical and logistical support to Special Forces |
