Special Operations Logistic Squadron
Active2003 – present
Country Australia
BranchAustralian Army
TypeMilitary Logistics
RoleSpecial operations support
SizeSquadron (100 full-time personnel, 20 reservists)
Part ofSpecial Forces Group
Garrison/HQHolsworthy Barracks, Sydney
Motto(s)"Assured Support"
Insignia
Unit Colour Patch
AbbreviationSOLS

The Special Operations Logistic Squadron (SOLS) is an independent and specialised unit of the Australian Army based in Sydney which provides specialist logistical support to all units of the Special Operations Command in support of special operations.[1] It has developed a "jack of all trades" capability across military logistics including rapid prototyping and metal fabrication.[2]

History

The Special Operations Logistics Squadron (SOLS) was originally established as the Special Operations Combat Service Support Company (SOCSSC) in July 2003, as part of the newly created Special Operations Command, to provide second and selected third line support to special forces units.[3] The company was re-designated as the Special Operations Logistic Squadron in 2007.[1]

Role

The Special Operations Logistics Squadron is staffed by 100 full-time personnel and about 20 reservists and is the only unit responsible for providing logistical support to the Special Operations Command in all theatres of operations around the world. As such SOLS is the only independent logistic unit within the Australian Army and its personnel are trained by the Army Logistic Training Centre and come from the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps, or Royal Australian Corps of Transport.[1]

Whilst SOLS officers and logisticians are not special forces personnel, they are required to conduct their role in arduous conditions, remote locations, and in isolated and hostile settings. As such, SOLS officers and logisticians are expected to maintain a skill set wider than that normally expected of those found within the wider Australian Army. SOLS is also responsible for training its own personnel in specialist logistics support.[2]

Alongside the Special Operations Engineer Regiment, the Special Operations Logistics Squadron provides support to the Special Air Service Regiment and the 2nd Commando Regiment of the Special Operations Command in counterterrorism operations with the Tactical Assault Groups and in operations overseas including most recently in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Special Operations Logistics Squadron has also deployed in humanitarian aid within the Asia-Pacific region.

References

  1. ^ a b c "Special Operations Logistic Squadron". Australian Army. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
  2. ^ a b DeSilva-Ranasinghe, Serge (December 2014). "Irregular Support: The Australian Army's Special Operations Logistics Squadron" (PDF). Contact: Air, Land and Sea. Contact Publishing Pty Ltd. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
  3. ^ Burton, Cpl Sean (4 November 2004). "Top people top job – Special ops support company raised". Army: The Soldiers' Newspaper (1109 ed.). Canberra, Australia: Department of Defence. ISSN 0729-5685. Archived from the original on 4 April 2011.
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