Big boys’ rules | The Strategist

Article looking at the scandals in discussion in the Australian media on the Special Air Service Regiment. "Autonomy from the restraint of regimentation in part explains the propensity for scandal to routinely afflict SASR. That it mostly goes unpublished and unpunished is down to much the same reason.

The special nature of SASR can make rule-breaking a virtue as well as a command nightmare. The ‘who dares wins’ freedom to operate with agility and independence is a defining characteristic. ‘Big boys’ rules’ they call it when stretching the budget to rent a Porsche or treat the elite, if the Seals, 22 Squadron or Kopassus come to town.

Perth itself also bestows special entitlements and a unique form of ‘top cover’. Beyond the comparative isolation, SASR became aligned with wealthy benefactors who were eager to join arms with Australia’s most prestigious regiment and, along the way, leverage influence and support.

The special privileges accorded Special Forces and SASR in particular are a source of broad resentment across ‘Big Army’.

But this is long offset by an equally enduring reality, that supreme skills sets, risk profile and sensitive tasking earn them special status."