The Atlas Commando was formed to assign males of military service age to meet their commitments at the
Atlas Aircraft Corporation[attribution needed], 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.[1][2] 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 SecurityCharles Nqakula.[3]
The Atlas Commando was formed to assign males of military service age to meet their commitments at the
Atlas Aircraft Corporation[attribution needed], 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.[1][2] 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 SecurityCharles Nqakula.[3]