Atlas Commando

Atlas Commando
Atlas Commando emblem
Disbanded	February 14, 2003 (2003-02-14)
Country	South Africa
Allegiance	Republic of South Africa Republic of South Africa
Branch	South African Army South African Army
Type	Infantry
Role	Light Infantry
Size	One 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.

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, 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. 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.

Insignia

SADF era Atlas Commando insignia

Leadership

Leadership

From	Honorary Colonels	To
From	Commanding Officer	To
From	Regimental Sergeant Major	To

See also

• South African Commando System