Regiment Oos Rand


Regiment East Rand is a reserve infantry battalion of the South African Army. The unit was intended initially to be predominantly an Afrikaans speaking citizen force. As a reserve force unit, it has a status roughly equivalent to that of a British Army Reserve or United States Army National Guard unit.

History

Origin

In the period before 1960, 4 military units existed on the East Rand:
With the re-organisation of the military, the four units were disbanded and Regiment Oos-Rand was formed from the integration of Regiment Kemp and Regiment Andries Pretorius. The April 1960 Government Gazette declared that Regiment Oos-Rand was activated on 1 January 1960 as a Citizen Force Unit.

Under the SADF

Just one week after it was activated, the regiment was mobilised for Operation Duiker and within 24 hours, 240 members were available.
The regiments first Honorary Colonel was Senator C.C, Schabort on 9 August 1960. From 1976 to 1979, Regiment Oos-Rand called up members for the border war.
By September the unit received it regimental emblem. During 1962 the regiment was re-organised as a motorised infantry battalion and on 14 September 1963 it received its Colours.

Freedom of Benoni

The regiment received the Freedom of Benoni in 1967.
The regiment received its ceremonial sword on 18 October 1969.

Operations

From 1983 onward, Regiment Oos-Rand was involved in internal stability and township control.

Motorised to Mechanised

In 1990 the regiment was converted to a mechanised infantry battalion.

Divisional Command

Regiment Oos-Rand was assigned to the command of 73 Brigade in this era.

Under the SANDF

Today Regiment Oos-Rand, is a typical reserve light infantry battalion.

Deployments

Regiment Oos-Rand is also involved with Operation Corona, a continuous anti poaching operation in the Kruger National Park.

Name change

In August 2019, 52 regiments of the SANDF had their names changed to reflect the diversity of the current SANDF.
This unit would henceforth be known as OR Tambo Regiment.

Leadership

Regimental Symbols

Insignia

Previous Dress Insignia

Current Dress Insignia

Training

Regiment East Rand specialised in 81 mm Mortar platoons, Medics, Signals and Drivers