The New Zealand Special Air Service: Who Dares Wins

The 1st New Zealand Special Air Service, also known as 1 NSAS Regt or the NZSAS, is the special forces unit of the New Zealand Army. Modelled on the British SAS it was formed on 7 July 1955. Tracing its origins to WW2 and the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG), it is the supreme special forces unit of the New Zealand Defence Force. 

Having been operationally deployed to many combat theatres throughout its nearly 80-year history, several members of the unit have also been awarded high honours and awards. Notably, the unit received the United States Presidential Unit Citation for the contribution of the NZSAS in the War in Afghanistan. Tasked with conducting counter-terrorism and overseas special operations, the NZSAS is highly trained and is well equipped to deal with any threat that faces New Zealand.

1 Motto and Logo of the NZSAS

1.1 Motto of the NZSAS

The motto of the NZSAS is inherited from the British SAS, on which the unit was based. This motto is:

“Who Dares Wins”

1.2 Cap Badge and Logo of the NZSAS

The logo, which is present on the beret, is identical to the British SAS’ cap badge and is displayed below.

It has several identifiable features, which include:

• Downwards pointed Excalibur sword
• The ‘Wings’ are actually flames (a common misconception)
• The motto of the unit

2 Early History of the NZSAS

The New Zealand Special Air Service has a long and operationally active history going back to WW2. Its predecessor unit was the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG), back to which NZSAS traces its roots. The unit has deployed all over the globe, not only in a traditional counter-terrorism/insurgency role, but also in a peacekeeping function in Rhodesia and Bosnia.

2.1 The LRDG and the SAS

The NZSAS can trace its roots back to the Long Range Desert Group, which was a unit of the British army that fought in the North African desert in World War Two. This unit, which was composed of British and also Commonwealth forces and originally called the Long Range Patrol (LRP), was a reconnaissance and raiding unit of the British Army founded in Egypt. The majority of the LRP’s original personnel were from New Zealand. After British and Southern Rhodesian volunteers joined the unit, it was renamed the LRDG.

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2.2 Formation, disbanding and re-establishment of the NZSAS

In February 1955, the New Zealand government decided that a special forces unit should be formed, based on the British SAS it was to contribute to the Far East Strategic Reserve and the British counter-insurgency campaign in Malaya.

Major Frank Rennie was appointed to form the unit and to command it. After a call was put out to recruit from the general public and to base them around a selection of Regular Force personnel, over 800 people applied. From this number, 182 were selected to start training in June 1955. After the unit’s return to New Zealand from Malaya in late 1957, it was disbanded. However, the NZSAS was re-established in October 1959.

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3 Operational Deployments of the NZSAS

The New Zealand Special Air Service has throughout its history deployed to a variety of theatres, including South East Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Pacific islands.

3.1 Malaya 1955-1957

The NZSAS was deployed to Malaya in 1955 in support of the British operations against the Malayan National Liberation Army (MNLA). The MNLA was the armed wing of the Malayan Communist Party which declared a pro-independence war from the British Empire in 1948 (known as the Malayan Emergency). 

A 133-strong NZSAS squadron was attached to the British SAS and, after undertaking jungle training, it went on to spend 18 of the 24 months it was in the country operating against the MNLA.

3.1.1 Operational Deployments in Malaya

The NZSAS deployed on several operations in Malaya:

• 2 April 1956 – Fort Brooke area, bordering the states of Perak and Kelantan
• Late 1956 – Negri Sembilan area, between the towns of Seremban, Kuala Pilah and Tampin

In both of the above locations, the NZSAS successfully eliminated local MNLA groups.

During the two-year tour of Malaya, NZSAS patrols were involved in 14 separate engagements with the MNLA. This resulted in 15 kills, 1 capture and also the taking of 9 surrendered MNLA militants.

However, the deployment to Malaya also resulted in several fatalities. 

• Trooper A.R. Thomas – Fatally wounded on 2 May 1956 whilst on patrol
• Corporal A.G. Buchanan – Died of heatstroke while on patrol on 11 May 1957

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3.2 Thailand 1962

During the Laotian crisis, a detachment of 30 New Zealand Special Air Service troopers were stationed in Thailand at the request of the Royal Thai Government. Split into two troops, one worked with US Special Forces and also US Marines at Udon in the north-east and the other was deployed with a US Army battle group at Khao in the central region.

Neither of the troops took part in any operations involving direct action against the enemy. However, the deployment provided the NZSAS detachment with training in jungle and mountain operations alongside American and Thai forces.

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3.3 Borneo 1965-1966

During the Indonesian Confrontation in West Malaysia in late 1964, the New Zealand Government deployed a NZSAS detachment. This was done in order to counter the Indonesian Communist insurgents in Borneo. 

Deployed alongside its British and Australian SAS counterparts, it served under the operational command of the 22nd SAS. Employed in reconnaissance tasks and ambush operations, they crossed the border into Indonesia in order to gather intelligence and deter Indonesian communists from crossing the border into Borneo.

3.3.1 Timeline of Operations in Borneo

The NZSAS was deployed several times in the near-2 year deployment it was in Borneo:

• February 1965: The first detachment of 40 operators departed for Malaysia under the command of Major W.J.D Meldrum (Known as 1 Detachment)
• 3 April 1965: Major W.J.D Meldrum was replaced by Major Brian Wosnop due to perceived operational security breaches
• 8 April 1965: Initial patrols are initiated following training with 22 SAS
• June-July 1965: Training break 
• 11 October 1965: 2 Detachment, commanded by Major Rod Dearing, took over from 1 Detachment
  • 2 Detachment performed similar tasks to 1 Detachment with 2 Detachment’s later patrols being conducted in the Sabah area.
• 10 February 1966: 2 Detachment is replaced by 3 Detachment commanded by Major David Ogilvy
• February 1966: 3 Detachment begins conducting patrols
• 16-28 May 1966: Last patrol of 3 Detachment (also the last Operation CLARET patrol conducted by the NZSAS)
• June 1966: 4 Detachment arrives in Borneo and begins conducting a ‘hearts and minds’ campaign to gain the support of Punan tribes living near the border
• 12 August 1966: A formal peace treaty between Indonesia and Malaysia is signed
• 9 September 1966: 4 Detachment becomes non-operational
• September-October 1966: 4 Detachment remains in Borneo until October before returning to New Zealand

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Operation CLARET

Operation CLARET (July 1964 – July 1966) was the codename given to a series of operations conducted from East Malaysia (Sarawak and Sabah) across the border into Indonesia by British and Allied forces. These operations involved several different units, both special and conventional (including the New Zealand Special Air Service), and involved special forces infiltrating to collect information whereas conventional forces were to act on this under a policy of ‘aggressive defence’.

It was largely successful and inflicted significant casualties and damage on the Indonesians until CLARET was suspended late in the war.

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3.4 Vietnam 1968-1971

The NZSAS was deployed to the Republic of South Vietnam to support US and allied operations in the country. Originally tasked with intelligence gathering and some ambush duties, the NZSAS also supported allied forces in various duties throughout its deployment. NZSAS Troops in Vietnam were primarily employed in Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrols (LRRP) across Phuoc Tuy and Bien Hoa province, mostly around the Mây Tào Mountains where communist HQs were located. During operations in Vietnam, the NZSAS completed 155 patrols in 26 months and suffered 1 KIA and 4 wounded.

3.4.1 Timeline of Operations in Vietnam

• 16 November 1968: 4 Troop from 1 Ranger Squadron NZSAS was deployed to South Vietnam. It consisted of one officer and 25 other personnel of varying ranks. Based in Nui Dat, South Vietnam it served under the 1st Australian Task Force attached to the Australian SASR which arrived in 1966
• 7 January 1969: After  a build-up period the NZSAS commenced patrols
• End of February 1969: A new Australian SASR rotation arrived and joint operations continued
• Late 1969: First Troop commanded by Captain Terry Culley was replaced by another Troop commanded by Captain Graye Shattky
• 15-16 December 1969: Replacement Troop inserted via parachute in order to provide intelligence for Operation Marsden. Op Marsden involved both Australian and New Zealand forces and was aimed at destroying the communist stronghold in the Mây Tào Mountains
• 14 January 1970: Sergeant G.J. Campbell was KIA, the only fatality of the NZSAS during its participation in Vietnam
• 18 February 1970: New rotation of Australian SAS arrived and Vietcong activity had been reduced due to the success of operations by the New Zealand and Australian SASR.
• March-April 1970: Australian and New Zealand SAS elements were sent out to patrol the Mây Tào Mountain approach and to conduct LRRPs in the Binh Tuy Province
• August-September 1970: Australian and New Zealand SAS participated in Operations Cung Shung II and III
• Late 1970: Final rotation of NZSAS and replacement of the Troop by another Troop commanded by Second Lieutenant Jack Hayes
• 4 February 1971: The last contact with Vietcong forces which resulted in 2 Vietcong deaths north-west of Thua Tich
• 20 February 1971: 4 Troop withdrawn from South Vietnam

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3.5 Bougainville 1997-1998

The New Zealand Special Air Service were deployed between November 1997 to 15 February 1998 as a part of Operation BELISI. Op BELISI was a peacekeeping operation in Bougainville, Papa New Guinea. 

They were tasked with the provision of security, medium/long-range communications support and medical support. Although they were unarmed, except for pepper spray, they were involved in a number of confrontations. They were also involved in conducting a ‘hearts and minds’ campaign.

Additionally, the NZSAS was tasked with providing personal close protection to various groups involved in peace negotiations held in New Zealand in 1998. This involved escorting delegates from their homes in Papa New Guinea and the Solomon Islands to New Zealand.

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3.6 Kuwait 1998

In February 1998, 24 NZSAS operators were deployed to Kuwait on Operation GRIFFIN on a two-month-long tour. They were tasked with rescuing downed airmen in hostile territory in the event that the US began an aerial campaign. This initial 24-strong group was replaced with a smaller force in May 1998 for a further two-month-long tour.

Although no missions were undertaken in Iraq during their deployment it was considered a useful opportunity to practice mobile desert warfare skills. They also had contact with US forces. Prior, such contact was severely limited, and had been so since the US suspended the ANZUS relationship with New Zealand in 1986 due to disagreements over US warships being allowed to dock in New Zealand ports.

Once this initial contingent was withdrawn, a New Zealand Coalition force liaison officer was established with this position being most commonly held by a NZSAS officer. Acting Major John McNutt was in this role as liaison officer when he was accidentally killed in a bombing demonstration which led to this position being withdrawn.

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3.7 East Timor 1999-2001

In response to a humanitarian and security crisis in East Timor beginning in 1999, the New Zealand Special Air Service deployed a squadron (40 men) under the command of Major Peter Kelly to provide security and track militia elements in the country.

3.7.1 Timeline of operations in East Timor

• 1999: NZDF (New Zealand Defence Force) personnel were deployed to East Timor; including the NZSAS
• 9 September 1999: 9 NZSAS personnel left New Zealand in an RNZAF C-130 as a contribution to Operation DORIX
  • Op DORIX was the evacuation of selected personnel from Dili, East Timor to Australia – 1500 people were evacuated by the NZSAS and Australian SASR
• 20 September 1999 – A ‘Response Force’ consisting of 3 Squadron SASR, NZSAS troopers and UK SBS elements were tasked with securing the airport, seaport and heliport to enable regular deployment of regular forces.
• September-December 1999 – NZSAS patrols were tasked with direct-action, special reconnaissance and close protection missions
• 14 December 1999: The NZSAS elements departed East Timor
• August 2000: Following the deaths of 2 members of the New Zealand Battalion Group in late June/Early August, a Troop of 12 NZSAS combat trackers were deployed. They were tasked with locating militia forces that were crossing the border into East Timor. Their efforts led to the placing of several ambushes which resulted in the deaths of three militiamen.
• 6 September 2000: The NZSAS Troop was also utilised to conduct a cross-border helicopter extraction operation of UN staff who were based at Atambua, West Timor
• January 2001: The NZSAS Troop departed East Timor and returned to New Zealand.

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3.8 Afghanistan 2001-2012

The New Zealand Special Air Service was heavily involved in operations in Afghanistan from 2001 up until its withdrawal in 2012. The NZSAS was redeployed to the country in 2021 to evacuate New Zealanders and other foreign nationals from the country following its collapse and the resumption of Taliban control.

3.8.1 Afghanistan 2001-2002

On 11 December 2001, the New Zealand Special Air Service, through Operation CONCORD, was deployed as a part of New Zealand’s contribution to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. This saw them being deployed as a component force of Task Force K-Bar on operations in Afghanistan.

They performed a variety of mission types in Afghanistan which included:

• Special Reconnaissance
  • Initially performed on foot with the insertion and extraction being conducted via helicopter in high-altitude areas of southern and central Afghanistan.
    • Three NZSAS patrols were deployed and extracted via this manner during Operation Anaconda in March 2002.
• Direct Action
• Close Protection Services
• Sensitive site exploitation

The focus of the NZSAS changed from aerial insertion and extraction to mounted operations in May 2002. Using modified American Humvees and supported by motorbikes the NZSAS conducted ‘long-range extended duration patrols.’ These patrols often lasted 20-30 days and covered areas between 1000 and 2000 kilometres.

Three 6-month deployments of NZSAS elements of 40-65 soldiers served in Afghanistan during this time. The unit returned to New Zealand on 12 December 2002.

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3.8.2 Afghanistan 2004- 2005

In February 2004, the NZSAS returned to Afghanistan on Operation CONCORD II in the run-up to the Afghanistan Presidential elections. Like on the previous deployment, similar operations were carried out and on 17 June 2004, 2 NZSAS soldiers were wounded in a gun battle in central Afghanistan. NZSAS Trooper Willie Apiata was awarded the Victoria Cross for New Zealand for his actions in this engagement.

The Squadron returned home in September 2004. However, Operation CONCORD III was conducted in 2005 in the run-up to the Afghan parliamentary elections. They were initially scheduled to commence operations in March 2005 using the newly purchased Pinzgauer Special Operations Vehicles, however, problems with these new vehicles pushed back their deployment to June 2005. They conducted long-range patrols and direct action operations prior to being withdrawn in November 2005.

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3.8.3 Afghanistan 2009-2011

82 NZSAS and accompanying support personnel were deployed to Afghanistan in September 2009 under Operation WĀTEA to form a Task Force known as Task Force 81. Different from previous deployments, this one was based in Kabul and was primarily tasked with counter-insurgency operations in the Greater Kabul area in direct cooperation with the Afghan Police’s Crisis Response Unit (Task Force 24). 

This deployment of the NZSAS was unknown to the public but was accidentally revealed in Norwegian media. 

The New Zealand Special Air Service were involved in several contacts during their deployment:

• January 2010: Part of the forces which responded to the terrorist attack in central Kabul.
• 29 June 2011: Two members of the NZSAS were injured during the terrorist attack against the inter-continental hotel in Kabul where the NZSAS also provided ‘helo sniping’ support
• 19 August 2011: Corporal Douglas Grant was killed responding to an attack on the British Council building in central Kabul.
• 28 September 2011: Lance Corporal Leon Smith was killed in an operation in Wardak Province.

Three rotations of the NZSAS were deployed. Deployments were initially scheduled to end in March 2011, but they were extended for a further year and personnel numbers were reduced to 45 operators.

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3.8.4 2021 Afganistan Evacuation

On 19 August 2021, NZSAS personnel were deployed, including the Female Engagement Team, to guide evacuees safely through crowds and onto RNZAF C-130 aircraft. This was aimed at evacuating New Zealanders and other foreign personnel from Afghanistan under Operation Kõkako.

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3.8.5 Operation Burnham War Crimes Allegations

Members of the New Zealand Special Air Service and the Afghan Crisis Response Unit on 21 and 22 August 2010 participated in an operation in the Tirgiran Valley known as Operation Burnham. However, in March 2017, a book was published by investigative journalists Nicky Hager and Jon Stephenson that alleged that NZSAS personnel had committed war crimes during this operation. These crimes, they allege, occurred after Lieutenant Tim O’Donnell was killed by a roadside bomb.

These allegations of war crimes generated significant public and media interest within New Zealand. The NZDF, after initially denying that these crimes took place, acknowledged that the raids in the Tirgiran Valley occurred, but said claims of civilian casualties were “unfounded.” 

However, on 11 April 2018, the Labour-led coalition government announced that they would conduct an inquiry into Op Burnham and the war crime allegations.

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Operation Burnham War Crimes Allegations Outcome

In 2020, after the inquiry finished its report it released it back to the Attorney-General on 17 July 2020. It found that during Operation Burnham, New Zealand Special Air Service personnel operated with

“Proper authorisation and conformed to the rules of engagement and international humanitarian law”.

This meant that the NZSAS was cleared of any wrongdoing during the operation and that they were not guilty of the crimes which Nicky Hager and Jon Stephenson had alleged they were. 

However, the report did state that there were organisational and administrative failings which led to the events which had occurred and the information which was released to the public.

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3.9 Other Deployments of the NZSAS

The NZSAS was also deployed on a variety of other operations and training engagements throughout its history. This includes but is not limited to:

• Training of Malaysian Police Field Force personnel from 1977 to 1980.
• Attached to the New Zealand Contingent involved in the Multinational Force and Observers in the Sinai.
• The NZSAS was deployed to Southern Rhodesia on Operation MIDFORD from 1979-1980 in order to monitor the situation in-country until the Lancaster Agreement led to the establishment of Zimbabwe
• NZSAS personnel were deployed to Bosnia from 1995 to 1996 to contribute to UN peacekeeping operations and to provide close personal protection.
• In response to the Papua New Guinea tsunami in 1998, NZSAS advanced medics were deployed to provide medical aid and care.
• Due to tensions in the Solomon Islands, the NZSAS was tasked with developing an evacuation plan for the New Zealand High Commission and its staff. However, the situation calmed down and the Troop was returned to New Zealand in July 2000.
• The NZSAS has also deployed several times in order to support the New Zealand Police on operations. This includes:
  • Helping to establish the Police Anti-Terrorist Squad (now known as the Special Tactics Group).
  • Searching for David Maxwell Heron, who murdered his brother-in-law and assaulted his wife before fleeing.
  • Supporting police during the Mount Eden Prison riots, during which they “were prepared to shoot if necessary”.
  • Following the arrest of two French agents involved in the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior ship, the NZSAS was requested to support the police in the event that the French would launch a rescue operation.

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4 Organisation of the NZSAS

The New Zealand Special Air Service is subordinate to the Special Operations Component Command of the NZDF. It is tasked with conducting strategic and tactical operations that are usually out of the scope of the wider NZDF, and this mission role is reflected in the NZSAS’s structure.

4.1 Special Operations Force Core Tasks

The NZSAS has several core tasks that influence component squadrons’ capabilities and taskings. These are:

• Special Reconnaissance: Operating in complex terrains and under difficult conditions, often for long periods of time, NZSAS patrols conduct a variety of missions and tasks.
• Direct Action: A flexible force of operators that is capable of complex, joint special operations and short-duration strikes to recover or destroy designated personnel and material.
• Combatting terrorism: Responding, at the request of the New Zealand government, to a terrorist situation, often in support of the NZ police force.
• Support and Influence: Organise, train and advise a host nation’s military and paramilitary forces to maintain internal security. Also provides support to other NZ government agencies in the conduct of national strategic operations.

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4.2 Organisational Structure of the NZSAS

The NZSAS is organised as follows:

• Headquarters
• A Squadron – SAS
• B Squadron – SAS
• D Squadron – Commando
• E Squadron – Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
• Support Squadron

4.2.1 A & B Squadron

A & B Squadron of the New Zealand Special Air Service are combat task units that are capable of conducting the full range of the aforementioned Special Operations Forces core tasks. After the completion of selection (more below), candidates undertake an intensive training process and upon graduation are given the beret of the NZSAS and begin further training.

4.2.2 D Squadron

D Squadron was raised in December 2005 as a sub-unit of the NZSAS. Originally known as the Counter Terrorist Tactical Assault Group (CTTAG) it became D Squadron (Commando) in December 2009. This was done in order to align it more with its peer units overseas. D Squadron is primarily tasked with responding to terrorist situations within New Zealand. 

Upon successful completion of Commando Selection, candidates also undergo a 4-month-long Counter Terrorist course. Commandos can take two role paths:

• Assault Operators: These operators continually develop skills in insertion, including aerial and manual/explosive methods of entry, room combat and urban fighting techniques. 
• Marksman Operators: Marksmen also continually train in assault operator skills but also provide real-time intelligence for the Counter-Terrorist Team. They are able to conduct reconnaissance and neutralise selected targets.

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4.2.3 E Squadron

E Squadron is primarily tasked with an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) role. Raised in August 2005, it is responsible for providing immediate support to the NZ police force by rendering Chemical, Biological and Radioactive (CBR) devices safe alongside Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), commercial munitions and also military munitions found within New Zealand and its immediate environs.

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4.2.4 Support Squadron

A multi-functional organisation tasked with addressing the support requirements of the regiment by delivering a comprehensive array of logistics, intelligence, medical, administrative, and communication services.

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4.2.5 Female Engagement Team (FET)

The NZSAS also has a Female Engagement Team (FET) which was established in 2017 in order to provide support on operations where FET members could engage with local women and children in locations where cultural customs would require. 

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5 Candidacy, Selection and Training of the NZSAS

5.1 Candidacy Eligibility Requirements

The New Zealand Special Air Service has several eligibility requirements that prospective candidates must meet to begin selection and training with the unit. This includes:

• Must be at least 20 years of age when you graduate from the recruit course.
• Eligible to meet the national security clearance criteria
• Pass a selection board
• NCEA Level 2 certificate
• New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or residence class visa holder with indefinite stay

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5.2 Selection and Training

NZSAS selection and training is secretive and there is not much publicly available information regarding the specifics of the training course. However, what information is available details a series of tasks and ‘gates’ that candidates must complete and pass through to continue training with the unit.

For Commando candidates, selection is divided into two gates:

• Gate 1: After 4 days of testing, candidates who pass are considered for a role as a commando within the unit. This phase involves completing a NZSAS Regiment fitness testing and mixed terrain navigation course.
• Gate 2: After 9 days of further tests, candidates who pass are considered for NZSAS training. This phase involves completing close-country navigation and other activities
  • On average, 10-15% of candidates pass this point.

NZSAS Commissioned Officer candidates undergo an additional two days of selection to test suitability to solve problems and make decisions under stress.

Following this process, successful candidates undergo further training in the respective roles to which they are assigned. This includes training in varying areas, including:

• Demolition
• Medical training
• Airborne
• Diving
• Communications
• Mountaineering

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6 Weapons and Equipment of the NZSAS

Due to the secretive nature of the NZSAS, much of their equipment is unknown and is classified. It is highly likely that they are able to access and use a variety of equipment including that used by the regular New Zealand Defence Force soldiers. However, what weapons and equipment that are publicly known to be used or have been pictured being used include:

6.1 Weapons

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6.2 Vehicles

Several vehicles are known to be used by the NZSAS. This includes but is not limited to:

• Thales Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle
• Supacat HMT Extenda
• An undisclosed amount of modified civilian vehicles – Supplied by Jankel Armouring
  • Terrorism – Low Profile Utility (LPU)
  • Support & Influence (S&I) – Low Profile Protected

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Conclusion

The New Zealand Special Air Service is the premier special forces unit of the New Zealand Defence Force. Tracing its roots all the way back to the Long Range Desert Group in WW2, the NZSAS has deployed in multiple theatres throughout its 70-year history. The unit is tasked with executing counter-terrorism operations, conducting special operations abroad, as well as managing the disposal of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats for both military and civilian authorities. With some of the highest quality training given to a special forces unit, the NZSAS is a highly organised, lethal special forces unit.