Atlas Commando

Last updated

Atlas Commando
SADF era Atlas Commando emblem.jpg
Atlas Commando emblem
DisbandedFebruary 14, 2003(20 years ago) (2003-02-14)
CountryFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa
Allegiance
Branch
Type Infantry
RoleLight Infantry
SizeOne Battalion
Part of South African Infantry Corps
Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison/HQ Kempton Park

Atlas 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.

Contents

History

Origin

Industrial Commando

The Atlas Commando was formed to assign males of military service age to meet their commitments at the Atlas Aircraft Corporation [ attribution needed ], a facility considered important to their Air Force's equipment requirements.

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]

Insignia

SADF era Atlas Commando insignia SADF era Atlas Commando insignia.jpg
SADF era Atlas Commando insignia

Leadership

Leadership
FromHonorary ColonelsTo
FromCommanding OfficerTo
FromRegimental Sergeant MajorTo

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alberton Commando</span> 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alexander Bay Commando</span> Military unit

Alexander Bay 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aliwal North Commando</span> Military unit

Aliwal North 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barberton Commando</span> Military unit

Barberton 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barkly East Commando</span> Military unit

Barkly East 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barkly West Commando</span> Military unit

Barkly West 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brits Commando</span> Military unit

Brits 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bronkhorstspruit Commando</span> Military unit

Bronkhorstspruit 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gatsrand Commando</span> Military unit

Gatsrand 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Germiston Commando</span> Military unit

Germiston 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sandrivier Commando</span> Military unit

Sandrivier 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roodepoort Commando</span> Military unit

Roodepoort 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Insele Commando</span> Military unit

Insele 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kempton Park Commando</span> Military unit

Kempton Park 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kudusrand Commando</span> Military unit

Kudusrand 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lebombo Commando</span> Military unit

Lebombo 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mafikeng Commando</span> Military unit

Mafikeng 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northam Commando</span> Military unit

Northam 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pongola Commando</span> Military unit

Pongola 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Riversdal Commando</span> Military unit

Riversdal 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.

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 5 March 2015.
  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.