Alberton Commando

  •  Republic of South Africa
  •  Republic of South Africa
Branch
  •  South African Army
  •  South African Army
TypeInfantryRoleLight InfantrySizeOne BattalionPart ofSouth African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial ReserveGarrison/HQAlberton
Military unit

Alberton Commando was a light infantry regiment of the South African Army. It formed part of the South African Army Infantry Formation as well as the South African Territorial Reserve.

History

Origin

Operations

With the SADF

During this era, the unit was mainly engaged in area force protection, search and cordons as well as other assistance to the local police.

As an urban unit, this commando was also tasked with protecting strategic facilities as well as quelling township riots especially during the State of Emergency in the 1980s.

With the SANDF

Disbandment

This unit, along with all other Commando units was disbanded after a decision by South African President Thabo Mbeki to disband all Commando Units.[1][2] The Commando system was phased out between 2003 and 2008 "because of the role it played in the apartheid era", according to the Minister of Safety and Security Charles Nqakula.[3]

Unit Insignia

SADF era Alberton Commando insignia

Leadership

Leadership
From Honorary Colonels To
From Commanding Officers To
From Regimental Sergeants Major To

References

  1. ^ van Stade, Col L B (1997). "Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge". Institute for Security Studies. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
  2. ^ "About the Commando system". Archived from the original on 6 December 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
  3. ^ de Lange, Deon. "South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'". Cape Argus. Retrieved 5 March 2015.

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