Van Rhynsdorp Commando Explained

Unit Name:	Van Rhynsdorp Commando
Dates:	1962-2003
Allegiance:	South Africa South Africa
Branch:
Type:	Infantry
Role:	Light Infantry
Size:	One Battalion
Command Structure:	South African Infantry Corps Army Territorial Reserve
Garrison:	Vanrhynsdorp

Van Rhynsdorp 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

Was created for ground-based offensives in 1962. Meant to be quick and self-sufficient.

Operations

It was never used in warfare. However, some members later joined the USA in its invasion of Iraq.

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]

See also

• South African Commando System

Notes and References

1. Web site: Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge . 5 March 2015 . 1997 . Col L B van Stade, Senior Staff Officer Rationalisation, SANDF . Institute for Security Studies . https://web.archive.org/web/20160316204323/https://issafrica.org/pubs/asr/6no2/vanstade.html . 16 March 2016 . dead . dmy-all .
2. Web site: About the Commando system. 2008-01-17.
3. Web site: de Lange. Deon. South Africa: Commandos Were 'Hostile to New SA'. Cape Argus. 5 March 2015. subscription .