Special Operations Component Command (New Zealand)

Special Operations Component Command (SOCNZ) provides command and oversight of the New Zealand Defence Force's special forces unit, the 1st New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment, and reports to the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand for operations. Led by a Colonel (Special Operations Component Commander, SOCC). It was initially established in 2008 as the Directorate of Special Operations, and had its role expanded when it was re-designated Special Operations Component Command on 1 July 2015.

Special Operations Component Command
Active2008 – current
CountryNew Zealand
Part ofNew Zealand Defence Force
Motto(s)Innovative and Agile

History and role

On 25 August 2008, the Directorate of Special Operations was established as an element of the Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force. The NZDF's website states that the role of the directorate was to "reduce the operational and strategic burden" on the commander of the New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS), and that the directorate provided a "strategic-level special operations headquarters".[1][2]

The Directorate of Special Operations was renamed the Special Operations Component Command on 1 July 2015.[1][2][3] This change in designation was accompanied by a significant expansion of the unit's role, with the SOCC becoming equivalent to the NZDF's Maritime, Land and Air Component Commanders. The SOCC reports to the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand for operations, and the Chief of the Defence Force and Chief of Army for other functions. The 1st New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment also reports directly to the SOCC. The SOCNZ maintains a Special Operations Liaison Element in Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand, and is responsible for the NZDF's counter-improvised explosive device capabilities.[4] The SOCNZ badge and motto remained the same as the Directorate's with the name amended.[4]

See also

References
  1. "Special Operations Component Command". New Zealand Defence Force. Archived from the original on 19 September 2015.
  2. Report of the Expert Review Group (PDF). Ministry of Defence. November 2021. p. 62. ISBN 9780473604424. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  3. "Our structure". New Zealand Army. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  4. "Changes afoot for Special Operations Command" (PDF). New Zealand Army News. New Zealand Army (464): 10. July 2015. ISSN 1170-4411. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 September 2015.

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