|
| |
|
UNIT PROFILE OF THE SELOUS SCOUTS
|
|
Perhaps the best comment on
the fighting ability of the Selous Scouts is the fact that during Rhodesia’s
anti-terrorist war they accounted for more dead ‘terrs’ than the rest of the
Rhodesian Army combined. Formed in 1974 as the Tracker Combat Unit and
eventually performing long range recon missions, tracking terrorists internally,
and undertaking cross border raids against terrorist strongholds, the Selous
Scouts were highly skilled, parachute trained long range recon/raiders. Their
selection process was somewhat similar to that of the British SAS. In addition
to parachute training, bush survival and tracking were emphasized during Scout
training. Clandestine and counter-guerrilla skills were also taught. The Selous
Scouts normally made operational jumps from about 500 feet using the T10 static-line parachute,
but many
members within the unit were also free-fall parachutist trained.
In
August, 1976, the Selous Scouts launched the first cross border strike against
terrorist bases in Mozambique. In that raid alone, they killed 1,184 terrorists.
Later, the Selous Scouts under took many missions in conjunction with the
Rhodesian SAS which had a strength of 110 men, many of them former members of
the British SAS. By comparison, the Selous Scouts numbered at about 700-1000
men. The Selous Scouts were especially feared and hated by the terrorists,
perhaps the best comment on their combat effectiveness. As a result of this
hatred, many former Selous Scouts left Rhodesia after Mugabe came to power,
probably a smart move since members of the SAS had at one time been sent to
assassinate him. Now serving in the South African forces, many former Selous
Scouts were continuing their war against Communist backed terrorists from their
new residence of South Africa.
|
|
|
 SELOUS
SCOUTS ON PARADE
On
the 16th June 1978 (the picture to the left is the rededication
parade on the 17 February 1979.), over 1500 men of the regiment of the Selous
Scouts marched onto the drill square at Andre Rabie Barracks - the only time
that this fine body of men was ever to parade at full strength. The occasion was
a medal parade at which the Grand Cross of Valour was presented to Captain Chris
Schulenburg. This recording is a rare glimpse into the private world of these
professional soldiers.
|
|
CLICK ON THE ABOVE PICTURE TO HEAR THE SCOUTS IN
CADENCE! |
SELOUS SCOUTS REGIMENT: A general
overview of the regimental history.
SELOUS SCOUTS: A small look at the Scouts
history and employment. If you read but one article, read this one. Its brief
and covers all the major points.
RHODESIA'S SELOUS SCOUTS: This in
depth report on the Scouts will be of great interest to anyone interested in
Terrorist activities and unconventional warfare.
THE SELOUS SCOUTS: A brief overview of
the scouts employment, training and mission in the war of independence.
UNCONVENTIONAL WARFARE LESSONS FROM THE SELOUS
SCOUTS: A good article on the scouts and their operational techniques they
employed through hard learned lessons.
SCOUTING FOR DANGER: A look at the
Rhodesian Selous Scouts from 1973-1980. Some very good insight.
PAMWE CHETE: The Selous Scouts carve their name
with pride! Great little article, covering history, training and operations.
RHODESIA'S ELITE; A COMPARISON:
A brief description of the major elite units.
THE MULTIRACIAL UNIT- SELOUS
SCOUTS: A look at the Scouts, were blacks and whites fought together side by
side in the same unit; to stop tyranny. Now that is a far cry from racism.
SELOUS SCOUTS AND THE SOUTH
AFRICAN CONNECTION: A look at the post war lineage of the scouts and their
relationship and influence with the RECCEs.
SELOUS SCOUTS 1974 - 1980:
A brief look into the short lived unit.
|
