"Disgusting" The Reason US Troops Hated Australian SAS

That was the word some U.S. troops used to describe the Australian SAS in Vietnam. But why did American soldiers react with such hostility—and what did they later realize they were wrong about?

When U.S. units first encountered Australian SAS patrols, the reaction wasn’t admiration. It was disgust. The Australians rarely washed. Their uniforms were permanently filthy. They smelled of sweat, rot, and jungle. To American troops trained on hygiene, inspections, and appearance, it looked undisciplined and unsafe. Some believed the Australians simply didn’t care.

But the jungle rewarded the opposite of cleanliness. Over time, U.S. troops began to notice something unsettling. SAS patrols were harder to detect. They were ambushed less often. They moved closer to the enemy without being seen—and came back alive. What looked disgusting in camp became a survival advantage in combat.

Based on veteran interviews, joint-operation accounts, and field analysis, this documentary explores why U.S. troops initially hated Australian SAS habits—and how combat experience forced a change in perspective.

What You’ll Learn:

→ Why SAS deliberately avoided washing for weeks
→ How smell and dirt reduced detection in jungle warfare
→ Why American hygiene standards clashed with jungle reality
→ What changed once joint patrols entered enemy territory
→ What U.S. veterans later admitted about SAS effectiveness



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DISCLAIMER⚠️: This video is based on historical accounts and documented experiences of WW2. All details represent composite narratives drawn from veteran testimonies and declassified operational reports. This content is educational and intended to honour the service and professionalism of all soldiers who served.



© All footage used falls under fair use for educational documentary purposes.


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