The Special Air Service Regiment, officially abbreviated SASR but commonly known as the SAS, is a special forces unit of the Australian Army.
The Australian Special Air Service was established on 25 July 1957 as the 1st Special Air Service Company.
Only 16% of applicants will pass the SASR selection course.
Since their beginnings in 1964, the SASR has lost more men in training than in combat due to the nature of their training regime
SASR Squadrons rotated through Vietnam on one year long deployments until the last Squadron was withdrawn in October 1971. During its time in Vietnam the Regiment was extremely successful in the reconnaissance role. To their enemies, members of the regiment were known as the 'phantoms of the jungle' due to their field craft.
The Australian and New Zealand SAS killed at least 492 and as many as 598 and losing only two men killed in action and three fatalities from friendly fire.
