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SOUTH AFRICA SADF Air Force Commando Pilot wings, 1970s-1980s, cloth
Embroidered on black felt cloth base.
Air Commandos were formed in September 1963 and consisted of volunteers willing to help the Defence Force in the 'light air support' role. Command of the Air Commandos was handed over to the Light Aircraft Command of the SAAF on 1 October 1978 when it comprised 12 squadrons.
These squadrons fulfill an increasingly important role as the SAAF's capabilities are mainly being restricted by a lack of pilots and technical personnel. These squadrons supplement the role of the light transport squadrons of the SAAF, thus allowing the SAAF to use additional pilots and aircraft at a reduced cost.
Members of these squadrons come from all walks of life, performing a diverse range of tasks. Some of these tasks are performed over weekends, while most of their training is done over weekends as well. Each squadron is unique because the members have particular knowledge of the area of responsibility in which they operate. This local knowledge is very important when operating with the police in crime-prevention operations. Smaller and slower aircraft are generally used for reconnaissance, border patrol and police work, while higher performance aircraft undertake VIP transport roles.
The number of squadrons and personnel has been reduced since 1990, which now consists of nine squadrons.