The Rhodesian Army

1977 CIRCA

This is a basic table of organization or order of battle, of the Rhodesian Army as it appeared in 1977. it lists the major player/units in the Army and gives you an idea of manpower and ethnic breakup. Note that the Selous Scouts are well seated and highly recognized within the Army. 

Regulars

• Rhodesia Regiment: 8 battalions (600— 700 men, all white) with recent addition of colored and Asian reserve. 
• Rhodesian Light Infantry: 3 commando units and 1 weapons support group (about 1000 men, all white); between one-quarter and one-third mercenaries. 
• Rhodesian African Rifles: 3 battalions (600—700 men, all black) with white officers.
• Rhodesian Artillery (1st Field Regiment): 1 regular battery of 105mm howitzers and 1 reserve battery of 25-pounders; white officered. 
• Support and administrative troops: (signals, engineers, pay corps etc) all white officered.
• Rhodesian Armored Car Regiment: About 400 men, black and white; duties include reconnaissance, patrolling, convoy escort, crowd control and manning road blocks.

Irregulars

• Special Air Service: 3 squadrons (60 men each, all white); specialize in laying counter-insurgency ambushes and raids.
• Selous Scouts: About 1000 men, large majority of blacks; some mercenaries; specialize in pseudo operations, mantracking and abduction (snatch) missions.
• Grey’s Scouts: 150—200 men, black and white; horse-mounted infantry for tracking, pursuit and patrolling.