From Daily Escape

The Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) is a command within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Special Operations Command was established in May 2003, to unite all of the ADF special forces units. It will be fully operational when a range of enhancement programs are completed in 2007.

Order of Battle

• Special Operations Headquarters or SOHQ
  • Australian Special Service Regiment
  • 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
  • 1st Commando Regiment (Australia)
  • 171st Aviation Squadron (Australia)
  • Incident Response Regiment
  • Clearance Diving Team One
  • Clearance Diving Team Four
  • Clearance Diving Team Three

Tactical Assault Groups

The Tactical Assault Groups are the premier counter-terrorism units of Australia. The two TAGs, East and West, are structured to conduct offensive domestic counter-terrorist (CT) operations focusing on incident resolution and the recovery of hostages. They maintain a short notice capability to conduct military operations beyond the scope of State and Federal Police tactical teams. These aims are achieved through various highly specialised skill sets, niche capabilities and supporting Australian Defence Force (ADF) units.

The two units: TAG West, and the other TAG East; each protect a different domestic geographical area, with TAG (West) having the primary task of Overseas Recovery/Counter-Terrorism . The units draw their members from other elite units within the Australian Defence Force, with each TAG unit drawing from different parent units.

The form part of a National Counter Terrorist Operations plan which coordinates State, Territory, and Federal Police with the Australian Defence Force

TAG East is formed from 4RAR, and TAG West is formed from the SASR.