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The 3 Reconnaissance Commando was a South African special forces unit.
| 3 Reconnaissance Commando | |
|---|---|
| Active | May 1976–1980 |
| Disbanded | 1980 |
| Country | South Africa |
| Allegiance |  Republic of South Africa |
| Branch |  South African Army |
| Type | Special forces |
| Role | Reconnaissance |
| Part of | South African Defence Force |
It was established on 1 May 1976[1] as an administrative umbrella for various small team operations such as Delta 40 and Barnacle which were the fore-runners of the Civil Co-operation Bureau (CCB). It operated as the covert arm of Special Forces.[2]
In April 1980, a new unit called 7 Reconnaissance Commando was formed. This unit was created to accommodate the Rhodesian soldiers who did not wish to remain in Rhodesia after majority rule. These were primarily Selous Scouts with a smattering of soldiers from other units. 120 of these soldiers and their families were housed on a new base created on the farm Schiettocht, outside Phalaborwa. They formed the nucleus of the new unit.[1]
The name of the unit was changed from 7 to 3 Reconnaissance Commando to avoid confusion with 7 South African Infantry Battalion (7 SAI) which was also located in Phalaborwa.[1] The Truth and Reconciliation Commission does not seem to have picked up on this distinction, getting the two units confused.[2]
In December 1980, 5 Reconnaissance Commando moved from Dukuduku to Schiettocht and on 1 January 1981, joined forces with 3 Reconnaissance Commando to form 5 Reconnaissance Regiment.[1]
Officers commanding were:[2][1][a]
- 1980–1981: Capt J. Atkinson
- 1980–1983: Garth Barrett[b]
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