History of the Special Air Service

[Yosy]

All from: http://home.hccnet.nl/22.sas/

Origins: Born in the desert in 1941, fighting in North Africa

"The boy Stirling is quite mad, quite, quite mad.
However, in a war there is often a place for mad people."
Field Marshal Montgomery

The idea and the man
In 1941 a Scots officer, David Stirling, had an idea to start a small, highly trained, extremely motivated, dedicated raiding force working in groups of 4 or 5 so as to better avoid detection. (German supply lines were long and difficult to guard.) Stirling took his idea right to the top and received the go ahead to start training 100 men.
Most of the recruits were already commandos but still got a hard training in endurance and weapon skills.

The first task was to "arrange" camp items from the New Zealand forces. Stirling could not afford to wait six months for supplies.
A special bomb was needed which would be both incendiary and explosive. A specialist sapper told the men it was impossible, but after two weeks of experimentation Jock Lewis came up with the solution - a mixture of plastic, used oil and thermite did the trick. It was called the Lewis bomb.

Camp and training was at Kabrit near the Suez Canal where, although most of the recruits were already commandos, they were given hard training in endurance and weapon skills.
By trial and error special men were selected and methods researched. Parachute training was a must. 'Jump-practice' was done by jumping from Bedford 15cwt. trucks moving at 30 mph. The new unit was called, ‘L detachment’, and was accredited to a non-existent Special Air Service Brigade so as to fool the Germans.

Into battle
Their first mission was in November 1941. Due to very bad weather and high winds only 22 of the 66 "originals" survived. Lessons were learned and contact made with the Long Range Desert Group, professionals who knew the desert, and had learned to cope with it’s many problems. They invented a sun-compass because an ordinary compass proved ineffective in the desert. They fitted a condenser to the vehicle’s radiators to create a vacuum to allow steam to cool off and the resultant coolant to be sucked back in.

From the oasis at Jalo the LRDG was to ferry the SAS to and from their targets.
In December `41 the next raid took place with 12 men over a distance of 350 miles. This time they succeeded and managed to destroy 24 planes and a fuel dump. Running out of bombs Paddy Mayne pulled an instrument panel out of a cockpit with his bare hands.The next day Fraser and three other raiders demonstrated Sterling's ideas. In one attack the four men destroyed 37 planes at Agedabia. Within two weeks 90 planes alone where destroyed.

Stirling took part in a raid at the harbour of Benghazi. Later on 50 Free French parachutist joined.

The winged dagger, symbolising the sword Excalibur, with the motto: ‘Who Dares Wins’ was to be worn on the beret. At first the beret was white, later changed to a sand colour. The SAS had distinctive ‘wings’ which where worn on the right arm and earned after seven jumps.
If a man distinguished himself in battle he could wear the wings on the left breast.

In June `42 Stirling managed to get 15 jeeps, had them fitted with Vickers K machineguns, usually in twin mountings.
Later the .50 Browning was added to some jeeps.

Changing tactics
When some of the Lewis bombs failed to explode due to bad pre-handling firing at planes with their guns was tried.
It was a success that caused the Germans to put a guard next to every plane, so a change in tactics was needed. The Germans were more alert and camouflage during the day became more important.

The airfield of Sidi Haneish was attacked by 18 jeeps with a total of 64 guns blazing away at the airplanes. It was damned effective. The attack started with the airfield in lights and aeroplanes landing.
It was a stunning success, though three jeeps where lost and some men got killed.

The SAS grew.
The Greek Sacred Squadron and the Special Boat Section was added into the command.
Official regimental status was given in the autumn of `42.

The SAS took part in a large raids on Benghazi and Tobruk which turned into a disaster, and proved a lesson in how not to use the SAS. The scale was too large and the enemy knew they where coming.

It was a blow for The Regiment when, in February`43, David Stirling was captured while hiding in a cave.
Paddy Mayne took over 1 SAS which was re-designated Special Raiding Force.
The SBS became the Special Boat Service under command of Earl Jellicoe.
In April `43 2 SAS was formed.

The SAS destroyed nearly 400 aeroplanes in Africa, and hitting numerous fuel dumps, lorries, workshops, spares and equipment. The railway was sabotaged many times.

In Europe the fighting continued.
The SAS was active in Sicily, Italy, France, Norway and the rest of Europe.

In Italy the SAS took part ahead of the landings and captured coastal batteries but the SAS was most effective behind enemy lines. Operation Speedwell, September '43, was aimed at destroying railway lines. In december '44 again action in Italy this time with the partisans.

In France there was a lot of action behind the lines as SAS men made contact with the Maquis (French resistance). Enemy convoys were attacked and bridges and railway lines destroyed. The jeeps were also used in France. Various Operations, Houndsworth, Gian, Loyton took place.
Another operation was "Bullbasket". To get some insight about the bravery and sacrifice I get deeper into this one below.

Operation "Bulbasket"

Several operations were to harass the Germans and slow down the movement of reinforcements to Normandy just after the invasion in June 1944. Another goal was to support the French resistance, the Maquis.

Operation Bulbasket started on 6 June 1944.
By the end of June it totalled 56 men of all ranks, mostly men from B squadron 1 SAS.
They made 12 attacks on the railway running north to Tours from Poitiers and to this rail centre from Limoges to the south-east.

Also intelligence and detailed targets for allied bombing were given.
I.e. 12 Mosquito bombers successfully bombed a very large petrol depot at Chatelherault following the given intelligence.

But nearly a month after successful operations they were betrayed by German agents infiltrated into the Maquis. An SS battalion (500 men) encircled the SAS base near Verrieres on the night of 2/3 July, searching the woods at first light with mortar and artillery fire.
The SAS men made a break attempt. 34 men kept together in moving down a forest track and were ambushed and captured. One wounded officer was clubbed to death with rifle butts before villagers.
Three wounded men were taken to hospital and never seen again. The other prisoners disappeared as well.

Those who managed to break out of the woods eventually were evacuated to England.

In the autumn 31 bodies were discovered in the woods near the SAS base.
30 SAS men and one shot down allied fighter pilot that managed to reach the base and stayed there.

Later the real events could be traced:
After capture the prisoners were handed over to the Sicherheids Dienst (SD) led by Kieffer (security service of the Germans). The men were held prison in Paris for a month.

The death records were fudged and Kieffer had the prisoners dressed in civilian clothes and they were taken back to the woods near their base and shot with stenguns to make it look like a misunderstanding between Allies.

One SAS trooper managed to escape and after the war gave evidence that led to a death sentence at the Nuremberg trail for Kieffer.

Formations 1944: After 1945:
1 SAS (British) disbanded
2 SAS (British) disbanded
3 SAS (French) into French army ( 2e Régiment Chasseur Parachutistes)
4 SAS (French) into French army ( 3e Régiment Chasseur Parachutistes)
5 SAS (Belgian) into Belgian army (1st Battalion Belgian Para Commandos)

[bigjeff]

Nice reading.

[Yosy]

Malaya: Rebirth of the SAS in the jungle

"Kill one, frighten a thousand"
Sun Zu, the Art of War

Revolutions
After the Second World War many countries suffered from revolutions. Malaya was no exception.

During the war, with guns and their know-how, the British supported the native struggle against the Japanese invaders. Directly after the war ended arms-caches were dug up and the guns were used to fight for communism. The, so called, Communist Terrorist (CT) in Malaya were mostly ethnic Chinese, the leader was Chin Peng.

In 1948 the CT started killing civilians (farmers) and policemen. They came out of the jungle, attacked and went back to the safety of their jungle hideouts. Support, in the form of food and intelligence came from natives, often after being threatened. The regular army had problems pursuing the CT, therefore, a different force was needed to root them out of the jungle.

The Malayan Scouts
WW II veteran "Mad Mike" Calvert was asked to examine the problem. He did so for six months while touring the country and participating in patrols.

Calvert was the last SAS commander in Europe. He had jungle experience in Burma with Gen. Lord Wingate's Chindits. Calvert was asked to form a force at short notice which was to be named: The Malayan Scouts.
Initially three squadrons were formed:

* A squadron - consisting of men drawn on the spot
* B squadron - British volunteers, mostly from 21 SAS, TA
* C squadron - Rhodesian volunteers

Training was hard and often with live ammunition.
Stalking was practised with airguns and fencing masks for protection.
Throwing hand grenades in the jungle was trained.

Birth of 22 SAS
Because there was no real selection, the reputation of A squadron was bad, some men were indeed "cowboys".

The SAS was disbanded in 1945.

In `47 - 21 SAS, Territorial Army (reserve) was formed. Many members were WW II SAS veterans, the men were linked to the Artist Rifles.

In `51 Calvert had to stop because of illness and strain due to 12 years of hard service in the orient. The Scouts were reorganised and men not up to standard were thrown out. The Malayan Scouts were renamed 22 SAS Regiment.

In `53, because the Rhodesians went home, Johnny Cooper, one of Stirling’s "originals", formed D squadron. John Woodhouse had made his name and left Malaya in `52 to set up ‘selection’ in the UK. According to Stirling, John Woodhouse was the father of the modern SAS. When he returned to Malaya in `55 he reinstated Calvert’s principles.

The fight in the jungle
About 75 % of Malaya is covered with jungle and swamps. It is indeed hostile in itself. Snakes, leeches, mosquitoes and jungle fever are some of the natural dangers.

The enemy could be only meters away. This gave need for slow motion, discipline, and expert tracking.
From Borneo some trackers from the Iban and Dyak tribes were flown in - the British became even better trackers than the Iban.

Adaptation of the westerners was very good. The men became experts in making basha`s, shelters to sleep and rest off the ground. Poles, leaves or ponchoos were used to construct a shelter.

In 1952 jumping into the jungle was tried. It was very dangerous and resulted in a lot of severe injuries. This led to the emergence of a new technique - ‘tree jumping’ was developed. A special harness was made attached to which was a 150 ft. rope with knots every 18 inches. This was used to climb down to the jungle floor after parachuting into the treetops. Some men broke their backs…

Helicopters were a better use but dangerous to fly in the hot jungle.
Staying in the jungle for three months in a row was no exception.
Supplies came every two weeks by helicopter.
Deep penetration patrols to hunt the terrorist in their "safe" areas was one mean to fight the terrorist. Another plan was to move aborigine to safe camps to deny food and intelligence to the terrorist. Also the hearts and mind policy was used. Trust was won by giving the local people medical treatment and sincere social contact. Language skills became thus essential.

Even in the swamps the enemy was not safe. Operations there lasted for several weeks, during the day in the water and at night sleeping in a hammock strung between trees.

A lot was learned in Malaya.
Selection of the right people was important.
Rations were tried and it was proven that staying in the jungle for a very long time was possible.

The terrorists eventually lost ground and support. The SAS managed to kill 108 terrorists.
More important was the fact that there was a constant pressure on the enemy and there was no safe place.

[Yosy]

Borneo: Return to the jungle

"Proper planning and preparation prevents piss-poor performance"
SAS trooper Peter McAleese's comment on the attention on details (the seven P's)

"Go No Further, Winged Soldiers of England"
Inscription found on a tree near the border with Kalimantan

http://home.hccnet.nl/22.sas/borneo-map.jpg

Borneo
The island of Borneo consists of the regions Sabah (former North Borneo), Brunei, Sarawak, and Kalimantan. Kalimantan, the biggest part, belongs to Indonesia.
Natives originally named the whole island Brunei.
The Europeans later called it Borneo.

In 1963 Malay, Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah together wanted to create the Federation of Malaysia. The Indonesian president Sukarno had his own plans for the region and wanted to add the countries to his empire.

In December 1962 a revolt broke out in Brunei which that was crushed with the aid of British troops.

Back into the jungle
The SAS was eager to get involved in the region, as there were possibilities for the expertise of the Regiment. At first General Walker wanted to use the SAS as a mobile reserve unit. This would have been a waste of talents.

A lot was learned from the time in Malaya but this proved to be another type of conflict.
Malaya was considered an emergency; Borneo was called a confrontation.
The SAS operated in three stages:

* Hearts and minds
* Reconnaissance and mapping
* Cross-border operations

Main goal was the protection of the Sarawak border about 700 miles long.
A lot of the terrain is covered with thick sometimes-unmapped jungle.
The terrain was often mountainous with steep edges and some large almost impenetrable swamps. Some rivers could also be used to get near the borderline.

Hearts and minds
In 1963 A squadron started their first four-month tour.
They started with 21 SAS patrols of two to four man each.
Each patrol covered a distance of 150 km of land and the villages in that area.

As the SAS had insufficient men to seal off the entire border the 'hearts and minds' policy was used as they made contact with the local population. The SAS lived outside the villages, making contact with the local people during the day. SAS patrols would provide early warning of incursions across the border by Indonesians and/or Chinese Communists. A large reaction force of infantry could then be called upon to deal with the problem. Large distance radios were taken along on patrol. Small SAS patrols lived in the jungle (ulu) for months at a time.

The SAS had not enough men to seal off the entire border so the heart and minds policy was used to make contact with the local people. Living outside the villages the SAS made contact during the day with the local people. Respect and real friendship, and later living with the tribes inside the longhouses provided the support needed. Medical help, and speaking the language and dialects became important.

The villagers became the eyes and ears of the SAS. Information of enemy movement across the border was obtained from the villagers who went across for trading and hunting.
Some jungle forts with British infantry were set up close to the border.

Shoot 'n' scoot
Border crossing by the SAS was not allowed in the beginning.
Officially, war was not declared by Britain or Indonesia and large escalation of the "confrontation" was to be prevented.

Some local tribesmen were trained by the SAS to assist as Border Scouts. Their training was later taken over by the Ghurkas.

All the border areas were visited and in some cases mapped in the process. A squadron commander, John Edwards, travelled almost the whole border on his own to contact his teams.

The small SAS patrols avoided direct contact with the enemy, however, if enemy fire contact was made the policy was to break contact as soon as possible so as to live and fight another day.
The enemy came often grouped in large groups of 10 to 50 men. In some cases two hundred men crossed the border.

Jungle routine
The jungle is hard and very dangerous in wartime. Great caution was taken by the patrols not to leave any traces. Walking was done off tracks, and the vegetation could not be cut away. Leaves and grass were sometimes put back as to leave no sign of passing.

Moving is a disadvantage in the jungle. Lots of time is spent waiting and listening for signs of the enemy, sometimes 20 out of 30 minutes. The mental pressure is intense. Visibility is often not beyond a couple of meters, and around every corner there may be an enemy ambush. Most of the time it is hard routine: no lights, smoking or hot food. Canned sardines became very popular.
Moving should be silent and without a trace. Whispering became standard. Some men still even whispered when back in England...

Nutrition is also a problem. Because of the duration of the patrols a maximum weight was set to keep the soldiers fighting fit. That resulted in about 22 kg of supplies, sardines and dehydrated food etc. in the rucksacks. The needed energy was higher than given by the food. The men lost a lot of weight out on patrol and looked like ghosts when they emerged out of the jungle.

Some SAS soldiers did not think highly of their enemy because they were easily found. Traces of urine, crushed grass, bruised moss, broken bark on exposed tree roots and sometimes even cigarettes gave them away.

Cross-border: Claret operations
In 1964 permission was given to cross the border into Kalimantan.
These ultra-sensitive operations were called Claret operations. The first patrols were limited to 3 km across. Later the maximum distance was about 20 km. Four man patrols of experienced men were to leave nothing behind.

Main goal was information on kampongs and the forward bases of the enemy.
Detailed maps were made and suitable ambush sites marked.
Counter strikes by artillery and later by infantry groups led by SAS guides were the next step. The enemy got no rest on his own ground and his morale was lowered.

SAS patrols later, also, attacked enemy approach routes, ambushed tracks and rivers. Sometimes they only succeeded after several attempts, as with the ambush at Koemba river. Finding a way across the swamps was very difficult. Eventually, after hard study of air pictures and with info of preceding patrols, success was achieved. A large vessel was ambushed and sunk.
The rivers are the highways of the jungle and the Indonesians used them for transportation.

The SAS soldiers called themselves The Tiptoe Boys. They hit swiftly and then vanished into the jungle. ****y traps were also placed. The Claymore mine was taken into use. The American Armalite became popular. This light rifle is ideal for use in the jungle. In some cases however the penetration power of the SLR was preferred.

The Australian SASR and New Zealand SAS also served in the campaign. The New Zealanders had the best trackers in the world.
In 1964 B squadron was raised, trained and deployed.
The SBS was also active in the region.

The SAS worked closely with the Guards Independent Parachute Company (in 1966 some of them formed C sqn.) and the Ghurka Independent Parachute Company. They were trained in the SAS jungle role.

In 1965 operations across the border got more intense.
The hunter-killer teams became bigger. In some cases success was achieved because the Indonesians attacked what they thought to be small SAS teams.
Slowly the Indonesians withdrew their forwards bases close to the border.

The end
A coup in Indonesia replaced Sukarno and in 1966 the war ended.
On 11 August 1966 peace was declared.

The SAS had played a vital role in the conflict.

The British and Commonwealth troops lost 114 men and 181 were wounded.

Seven SAS soldiers died.
Among them three staff veterans due to a helicopter crash.
Helicopters played an important role in the campaign.

The Indonesian troops had 590 men killed and 222 wounded. (Of those who could be counted.)
The number is higher for casualties across the border.
Another 771 were captured.

For loads of information about jungle tracking and manhunting go to the site of the Selous Scouts.
This very good site is made by T. Dozer, SF soldier and a graduate from the Malaysian mantracker school.

http://members.tripod.com/selousscouts/

[Yosy]

Before this, see Mirbat (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?p=1250611#post1250611).

Embassy: Ending the siege in 1980

"Gentlemen, there is nothing sweeter than success, and you boys have got it!"
Prime Minister Mrs. Thatcher`s comment to the SAS group, at 9.45 p.m., after the operation.

Terrorism
In the seventies the world faced a different threat - terrorism arose in many forms. In 1972 terrorists struck at Munich taking Israeli hostages. The resulting disaster illustrated that the Germans did not have the answer, however, they went on to form a special group in order to be ready for the future. A special group was formed in Germany to be ready in the future.

In Britain the SAS was given the task to be prepared for the impossible. With no limit placed on budget or resources the SAS was given the task of preparing for the future. A special wing was formed, and the Counter Revolutionary Warfare Department was born.
The SAS, using their previous experience in close quarter battle and body-guarding, trained for their additional role in counter revolutionary warfare for a further seven years before they were able to rise to the occasion by ending the Embassy siege in May 1980 with limited losses.

Mogadishu
No operation is the same; each challenge has its own problems. In 1977 the SAS had been involved in the freeing of hostages at Mogadishu after a German Lufthansa airplane had been high-jacked. This resulted in members of the German Grenz Schutz Gruppe 9 (GSG9) successfully storming the plane. Two specialists of the SAS on the scene to help, aid, observe and learn took part in both the planning and action. This cooperation resulted in Ulrich Wegener, head and founder of GSG9 being invited to observe the SAS in action at the Embassy siege in 1980.

The SAS introduced the stun grenade to the world and in their turn got a close look at the superb Heckler and Koch MP5 sub-machinegun.

When detonated the stun-grenade, ‘flash-bang’, creates an ear deafening bang together with a ‘blinding’ flash of light which causes a couple of seconds disorientation, thus, allowing the attack force to enter and eliminate the threat before the terrorist can regain their senses and react. Several variations are in use with a multiplicity of effects. Often the shockwave causes electric lights to go out.

Wednesday 30 April 1980, the start of the siege
At 11.32 on a Bank Holiday, six armed terrorist entered the Iranian Embassy at 16 Princes Gate, London. They were armed with two Polish versions of the Russian Scorpion machine-pistol, one Spanish . 38 revolver, three Browning 9mm pistols and several Russian RDG-5 fragmentation grenades. Inside Trevor Locke, a policeman, managed to alarm the police by radio. From that moment 26 people, 19 Iranians and 7 non-Iranians, were held hostage.

Within minutes the police arrive. Specialist police teams: D11 (marksmen), C13 (anti terrorist squad), C7 (technical support branch) and the Special Patrol Group arrive on the scene some time later.
The SAS is contacted by a former squadron member, a police dog handler.
The beepers of the Blue and Red team of the SAS men go off at 11.48.

The terrorist leader named Oan, who called himself Salim, made the demands on behalf of the Group of The Martyr:
- Freedom for Khuzestan, a part of Iran
- The release of 91 Arab prisoners held by Iran
- Arab ambassadors to mediate

The deadline was set - failure to meet the demands by noon the following day would result in the blowing up of the Embassy and the hostages being killed.
That night police carpenters build a scale model of the Embassy with doors moving in the right direction.
The next day at Regents Park Barracks the building of a life sized replica in timber and hessian starts.

Thursday - Hostages were freed; a pregnant woman and a man who had stomach pains. They were debriefed for information by the police. Now six terrorists are confirmed instead of five.

Friday - The demands change, only a coach to Heathrow and a plane to take only the Iranian hostages out to a country in the Middle East is now demanded. Also a statement must be broadcast by the BBC. The broadcast was incomplete and the tension rose again... And still no ambassadors to mediate. No demands about the 91 Arab prisoners, later it turned out that Iran had already executed them.

The SAS is briefed by a caretaker of the Embassy who knows every corner inside. They learn that the windows and the front door are reinforced and that there are 50 rooms in the building. So much for busting with sledge hammers. C7 men with the SAS manage to plant microphones and television cameras in walls and chimneys. From a next-door building a piece of the brick wall is removed until only a thin layer of plaster has to be pushed to go in. To camouflage the noise a gas repair is faked at the front outside. The terrorists get nervous and planes to Heathrow are diverted to fly low over the building to cover the noise.

Saturday - Because the terrorist don`t speak English very well some hostages start playing an increasingly important role. They shout statements from a window to the police and speak on the negotiation telephone. Another two hostages are released. In the evening the correct demands are broadcasted. At 11.00 pm the SAS discovers an unlocked skylight at the roof. It gives free access to a bathroom.

Sunday - Better mood inside the Embassy. Only one Arab ambassador is demanded and another sick (Syrian) hostage is released.

On Monday things start to go wrong - fast.
The hostages are moved around a lot, now the men are in room 9 and the women in room 9a. Oan is nervous again because of the "noise".
At 11.00 a.m. Oan is raged and the men are moved into room 10, the telex room. Tension is rising again.

Over the telephone it is said that something should be done.
Threats to kill hostages every 45 minutes are made. Lavasani is to be shot... In the afternoon four shots are heard. A bluff? Real killing?
At 18.50 three shots are heard and a body is pushed outside the front door. Examination of the body learns that Lavasani has been dead for more than one hour. At 19.00 command is temporarily handed over to the army (SAS) for military action.

During the siege a lightwell was discovered (see drawing) which ended in a glassdome. Eventually on a rope two charges would be lowered and blow at the time of the attack to confuse the terrorists even more with explosions form "inside".

At 19.30 the attack started with Oan still on the phone. Red team abseiling in pairs from the back-roof to the balcony and ground floor. Another group through the now only plaster wall next-door. At the front frame charges are blown to bust the windows. A sniper kills a terrorist with one shot. Stun grenades and CS (tear gas) grenades are thrown in. Because the terrorists had put newspapers with lighter fuel under the windows fire rapidly broke out.
Only one charge by the lightwell went off (and premature). At the back one trooper got entangled in his ropes. He was later cut down. Because of that no charges were possible on the French windows. One hit with a sledge- hammer just above the lock and the men were in.

At the front Oan nearly killed a SAS man. Trevor Locke managed to tackle him and Oan was shot by the SAS. In the telex room a terrorist started shooting into the hostages. One hostage dies and one is wounded. Then suddenly the shooting stops and two terrorists hide among the hostages on the floor. They were pointed out by the hostages and killed.

The terrorist who was with the women in another room is spared.
Another terrorist is at the stairway between the hostages as a SAS trooper, Pete Wignall, detects a grenade in his hand. The trooper hits the man with the stock of his MP5 in the neck. With his mates standing in the direct line of fire shooting is not a possibility. The trooper hits the man in the neck with the stock of his MP5 causing him to fall down a flight of stairs where he is shot dead by 32 bullets from 4 SAS guns. The pin remains in the grenade...

Luckily there were no ****y-traps and all rooms were systematically cleared. Some locks are shot open by a burst of 9mm bullets. The hostages were almost thrown down the stairs from trooper to trooper into the back garden. There everybody was handcuffed and searched for weapons and identity.
The action lasted 17 minutes; command was then handed back to the police.

The raiders wear black so that they are better visible in the smoke. A gas mask and hood help for disguise and fear, and of course for the CS gas. Nomex gear is also worn for protection, as is the body armour.

Before the attack 40 % casualties were anticipated.

From the original 26 hostages:
- 2 died
- 5 were previously released
- 19 were rescued

From the SAS three troopers got wounded: one burned, one finger injury, one legwound.

Five terrorists were killed and one is for life in prison.

On 5 May at 10.00 p.m. the Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher sat crosslegged on the floor between SAS troopers watching the event on the news.

http://home.hccnet.nl/22.sas/embassy-dwra-1-half.jpg
The men in red are the terrorists, only those shot by SAS man inside are drawn, the fith was killed by a sniper with one shot.

[rajkhalsa]

Interesting articles :) Thanks

[Musashi]

two Polish versions of the Russian Scorpion machine-pistol
There was not ANY Polish version of the Russian Scorpion submachine gun, but the CZECH one! This weapon was neither produced in Poland nor used by our army.
Compras?

[mack pl]

There was not ANY Polish version of the Russian Scorpion submachine gun, but the CZECH one! This weapon was neither produced in Poland nor used by our army.
Compras?

AFAIK they were armed with Polish smg's, PM-63 RAK

[Para]

The first unit that came into being and was probably the fore runner of the SAS was a unit known a Popksi Private Army. It was run by a former BP petroleum engineer who navigate across the desert using a sun compass. They did reconnaissance, raids and all sorts of work but up set to many people in HQ with their unusual methods and lack of discipline well thats how the Arny saw it.

[mack pl]

Popksi Private Army.

Popski's ;)

[2/1kiwi]

dosent the LRDG fit in here somewhere?

[Para]

LRDG came after Popski and before the SAS

[baboon6]

LRDG came after Popski and before the SAS

I'm afraid you're wrong. Vladimir "Popski" Peniakoff only got his own unit (the eponymous Private Army) in late 1942, well after both those other units had been formed. Before that Peniakoff had served with the Libyan Arab Force, mostly on garrison duties, on intelligence work with Arabs behind enemy lines, and on attachment to the LRDG. PPA first saw action in the reconnaissance and raiding role after Second Alamein and went on to serve in Tunisia and then Italy, growing from a strength of 22 to about 80.

The LRDG, formed in 1940, was the original special forces unit in the desert.

[Yosy]

Falklands: Fighting in the cold, far from home

"Just like the Brecon Beacons in a wet winter"
An officer's comments on the 14th. April as to the expected conditions in the Falklands.

http://home.hccnet.nl/22.sas/falkmap-k3.jpg

Invaded
In 1770 Britain, Spain and France were close to war regarding the ownership of the Falkland Islands.
In 1883 Britain occupied the islands.

Historically the Argentineans have maintained that the Malvinas (Falkland Islands) belong to them.
On the 2nd. April 1982, in order to establish this claim, some 600 Argentinean soldiers invaded and seized the British Falkland Islands.

Armed only with standard weapons the Islands were defended by a small garrison of 67 Royal Marines.
After a short fight the British garrison, so as to prevent civilian casualties, were the next day ordered to surrender.

Britain was determined not to give up the islands. As diplomacy started so did the military preparations.

The SAS is deployed
By 1982, after the extensive publicity given to the Regiment following the 1980 Embassy siege, the secrecy of the SAS was ‘blown’. Now was the chance to show their masters very different military skills. The new battle was a long way from home in a very cold and moist world with very little cover.

The SAS were again to play an important role.
D and G squadrons went overseas a couple of days after the invasion.

Their first task was reconnaissance of South Georgia, an island about 1,300 km to the east of the Falkland Isles. On 21 April a helicopter inserted 16 men of Mountain Troop (D sqn) to establish an observation point (OP) at a place called Fortuna Glacier. The weather was horrific and arctic. Some weapons froze up. The men managed to go for 500 meters and then spend the night.

Because of the severe danger of frostbite and hypothermia extraction was requested the next day. One of the Wessex extraction helicopters crashed just after picking up seven SAS men at around 1.30 PM. One SAS soldier damaged his back.
A second helicopter crashed. A third helicopter flew away with some of the SAS men.

When the helicopter returned it was unable to land. Later that day, after five attempts, the pilot took the remaining 17 men with him. Overloaded, and under appalling flying conditions, the pilot managed to crash land and get the men safely on board a British ship. The pilot was awarded a DFC for his actions.

The next attempt to reach the Island was by boat. Five inflatables set out for Grass Island on South Georgia.
Only three boats made it to the shoreline. Later, SBS troops were inserted by helicopter.
There was not much enemy activity on South Georgia, only 150 poorly organised enemy troops.

The attack on the Island started 25 April with naval gunfire directed from a patrol on the Island itself.
Helicopters inserted 30 more SAS troops and the Argentineans surrendered. The threat was enough. The Island was retaken without bloodshed. Operation Paraquat was a success.

Reconnaissance and OP's
From 1 May G sqn SAS and SBS patrols were inserted on the Falklands to look for sites suitable for an amphibious landing. Eventually, the SBS found San Carlos almost undefended.

Other four men patrols located the enemy's position, ascertained the weapons and equipment used etc.
These patrols were inserted up to 20 miles away from their final objectives. Heavily loaded, and with stores for up to 14 days, the patrols moved by night and laid up during the day.

Observations came from a hide, often a fold in the terrain covered with chicken wire and hessian net covered with local vegetation so as to blend into the terrain. Digging into the ground was almost impossible. Because of the variety of the terrain every OP was different. The hides were very good. The enemy discovered not one. Some patrols even had the Argentineans almost on top of them.

All hides were cold, wet and cramped. Trench foot was a problem. One man would be on watch as the others tried to cook and get some sleep. Stretching the legs was only possible at night, and even then it was dangerous.

One patrol with Capt. Alan Wight lasted 26 days on Beagle Ridge overlooking Port Stanley. Another OP watching Bluff Cove lasted 28 days. Try that yourself on 14 days rations...!

Raid on Pebble Island, Operation Prelim
North of West Falkland air reconnaissance showed an airstrip, and possible radar station on the small Pebble Island. Aircraft using this base could attack the ground troops, so there was a problem there. Bombing was impossible as local people lived close to the runway.

On the 11 May, using Klepper canoes to approach the island, a recon of the area was made by two four men SAS patrols. The OP was difficult as there was very little cover. Eleven aircraft were discovered and a small garrison but no radar station.
On 14 May the rest of D sqn (45 men) was flown in at 7 km from the target.
They had only 30 minutes on target. A 81mm mortar was used to illuminate the target and for support fire.

Mountain Troop led the assault. In the garrison were 114 Argentineans.
The mortar and naval fire started the action. Bunkers on each side of the airstrip were successfully attacked. Two seven men groups dealt with the planes.
Explosives, machineguns and grenades were used to destroy the planes. All eleven aircraft were destroyed. The ‘Argies’ detonated a mine, which slightly wounded one British soldier with shrapnel. Helicopters safely picked up all SAS men.
It was a classic success.

On 19 May during a night cross decking operation disaster struck as a helicopter dropped from 400 feet altitude into the cold water. Twenty SAS soldiers and attached specialists died. Ten men survived the crash. Probably a bird in the engine intake was the cause of the accident. It was a severe blow for the Regiment and experienced soldiers lost their lives.

On West Falkland itself D sqn. was inserted to simulate an attack on Darwin and Goose Green by making a lot of noise after a 20-hour approach march. They attacked 1,200 Argentineans with 81mm mortars, machine guns and Milan missiles. They diverted attention from other areas.

On 21 May ground forces landed at San Carlos, uninterrupted by the enemy.

Other plans
There were some other (wild?) plans.
Crash-landing B sqn. on C130 Hercules planes into Port Stanley for what some said was a suicide attack in an Entebbe-style raid.

Then there is the fact that a helicopter crashed in Chile near Punta Arenas, close to airbases with Super Etendard aircraft that carried deadly Exocet missiles.

Only the RAF crew gave themselves up after several days hiding. The crew dropped eight SAS men.
Some say it was a recon mission for a later big attack. After the discovery of a radar station close by and ships guarding the airbase the whole operation was given up.
Other sources state the mission was to monitor aircraft movements form the bases Rio Grande and Rio Gallegos.

On 14 June 1982 the battle was over.

[2/1kiwi]

I'm afraid you're wrong. Vladimir "Popski" Peniakoff only got his own unit (the eponymous Private Army) in late 1942, well after both those other units had been formed. Before that Peniakoff had served with the Libyan Arab Force, mostly on garrison duties, on intelligence work with Arabs behind enemy lines, and on attachment to the LRDG. PPA first saw action in the reconnaissance and raiding role after Second Alamein and went on to serve in Tunisia and then Italy, growing from a strength of 22 to about 80.

The LRDG, formed in 1940, was the original special forces unit in the desert.

Cheers for the info

[Yosy]

Gulf War, Part 1: Back to the desert in '91

"I wanted peace, I did not want the glory.
I walked in Hell, And now I tell my story"
Part of a poem in the book "The One That Got Away" by Chris Ryan

Start of the war
On 2 August 1990 Iraq invaded Kuwait and the Western World had to react to protect their economic interests. The UN demanded that Saddam Hussein would pull his forces out of Kuwait before 16 January 1991. Forces build-up in the Gulf proceeded. The British called it operation Granby.
Lieutenant General Peter de la Billiere was the British commander. Rising from the lower levels to his role as commander of the SAS he was a veteran of many feats and a true hero of the SAS. The freeing of Saddam’s hostages, being used as a human shield against allied bombings, was seen as the first roll for the SAS. The (American) plan was called operation Pacific Wind. However the hostages were released on 6 December `90 so the SAS was available for other plans.

Overall Commander in Chief of the Allied Coalition was `Stormin` Norman Schwarzkopf, nicknamed The Bear. Based on his own negative experiences in Vietnam and Panama he distrusted the Special Forces. Besides, aeroplanes and spy satellites could do the job of intelligence and locating scud rocket launchers. Bombs and technology should bring the Iraqis to their knees.

Technology not enough
Events proved him wrong. On 17 February `91 the air raids started. Scud missiles were fired on Israel and Saudi Arabia. The Israelis wanted to strike back at Iraq. If they did the Coalition would surely break.
The SAS, Delta Force and 30 % of the air war capacity was put on the task to find and destroy the Scud threat. Patriot missiles were sent to Israel to counter the threat of the Scuds.
The Patriot missile was original build to intercept planes and explode into 300 cubes of metal near an enemy aeroplane to destroy it. It proved useful against Scuds as well. However, not all Scuds were intercepted. Some Israelis died and a lot were wounded.

The SAS was used in two ways.
First there would be three 8 men teams to watch Main Supply Routes (MSR) for military traffic, Scuds and destruction of underground optic fibre cables which were used for communication.
After the road watch teams motorised patrols would be sent into Iraq for tracking the mobile Scud launchers. Successful road watching should help win Schwarzkopf for the British Special Forces.

Bravo Two Zero
Three roadwatch patrols were sent out. Call signs would be Bravo One, Two and Three Zero.
B squadron supplied the men. Plan was to lie up in an Observation Post (OP) for up to ten days monitoring enemy movement on the MSR`s. The teams were to blow up the underground fibre optic communication cables as a second goal. Above ground dishes and comms were already severely attacked by aircraft. The Scud commanders had to receive their commands from the top level of the Iraq Army and would, therefore, not make decisions on their own.

The SAS men had been practising OP digging in the loose sand. With help from sandbags two camouflaged puts, each about three by two metres, had to be made.
The two OP`s should cover each other and keep an eye on the MSR.
Maps and pictures from satellites were studied. The maps were old and some pictures misinterpreted. The region where B20 was to be inserted was populated. The Americans put strong pressure on continuing the missions. So off they went....
The South watch team, Bravo One Zero, came out of their chopper and saw a gravel plain with no cover. They went back with the insertion helicopter. The Central team, Bravo Three Zero, decided to abandon the mission the first afternoon. They called in an air strike on an Iraqi convoy and managed to take prisoners back the following day.
The patrol Bravo Two Zero was inserted in the North of Iraq, 300 km from the Saudi border and some 120 km from Syria. They were to make SAS history.
Because of the 120kg + each men had to carry warm clothing and sleeping bags which were discarded. This was to prove a fatal mistake.

On 22 january a helicopter, flying 10-20 m high, inserted the team 2 km from their Lying Up Position near the MSR. At this point the ground proved too hard to dig. It was bitter cold and the camouflage smocks from WWII were too pale, they stood out in the moonlight. The team took cover in a low wadi in a cave and between rocks. Dogs were heard and in the morning at 300 meters from their hide was an anti aircraft gun with personnel. Radio contact was not possible. The team thought it was due to bad atmospheric conditions. In fact the given frequencies were wrong. It was a blunder. There was much traffic on the MSR and they were discovered by civilians. The team fought their way out leaving their bergens and other stuff in the process. A lot of Iraqi soldiers were killed. With only their webbing-kit and weapons, four M16`s fitted with m203 grenade launchers and four minimi machineguns, they fled into the desert.

Separation of the team
At night while the leader, Andy McNab (fake name) tried to make contact with an aeroplane, the eight men got separated. Three men were lost and on their own. One of these three drifted away and died of hypothermia during a blizzard. The other two went on. As one made contact with a civilian to get a car he was captured. Chris Rayan managed to attack two searching vehicles with his 66 mm Light Anti tank Weapon (LAW) and 40mm grenades and was now on his own. Bitterly cold with only ten biscuits to eat and nothing to drink he managed to get over the Syrian border. He lost 36 pounds of weight and was severely dehydrated.
He walked 290 km in seven nights and eight days. He tried to drink contaminated water from a chemical plant during his trails. It lasted two weeks before he could walk again and six weeks to regain sensation in his fingers and toes. He was the only one to escape death and capture. He was awarded a Military medal .
His book "The One That Got Away" is a must read! Chris wrote regimental history.

The other five headed northwest and hid during the day. They decided to hijack a vehicle. Of all the vehicles in the desert they got hold of a yellow cab. They drove in the cab for a long time until coming upon a vehicle control point. There the men went further on foot. Stopping another car later proofed futile. Shooting at them increased and one of the men held the Iraqis off for 30 minutes before he was killed. He was awarded a posthumous Militay Medal for his actions. Another patrol member got shot in the arm and leg. Andy was captured some 5 km from the border.
The last two were trying to swim the Euphrates. Legs Lane got severe hypothermia and was taken back by Dinger into a shed where they were locked up. Dinger escaped the locals but was later captured. Legs Lane died and was awarded a posthumous Military Medal.

The surviving patrol members were severely beaten by civilians and tortured during captivity.
They told the Iraqis they were part of a medical team. At first the Iraqis were convinced they were Israelis.
After the war ended they were released and their dead comrades came home as well.

Out of the eight men:
three died,
one got away,
and four were captured.

[Yosy]

The Gulf War, Part 2: Mobile fighting columns in the Gulf

"The Gulf War was like teenage ***.
We got in too soon and out too soon."
American Senator Tom Harkin

Mobile fighting columns
A and D squadron each formed two mobile units with up to twelve four wheeled vehicles and a few Harley Davidson motorcycles. The majority of the vehicles consisted of Land rover 110's with 3.5 litre V8 petrol engines. This was a tested vehicle with a low centre of gravity and capable of carrying a large load of stores. Each column had a Mercedes Unimog which was a load horse for the supplies. The bodywork is stripped down to bonnet level, and mountings added for a variety of weapons.
The armament was heavy, .50 machineguns, GPMG`s, M19`s, capable of firing three 40mm grenades per second in machinegun fashion plus personal weapons. Also LAW`s and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and various mines were taken along. MIRA thermal image equipment and night vision goggles were used.

On 20 January the border was crossed into Iraq. The penetration being limited in distance due to the fear of the Israelis striking back because of the Scud attacks.

The mission was to search for mobile Scud launchers and attack anything that could be a threat to the Allies. Driving was done mostly during the night. In daytime each vehicle of the column was hidden under separate camouflage nets set up with six poles. Every patrol group had a designated search area. The American Delta Force also took part in Scud hunting in northwest Iraq.

Events
Crossing the border proved difficult at some of the chosen points. After several days the search for the enemy went deeper into Iraq. The first kill was an Iraqi officer who drove to the camouflaged vehicles with a Russian jeep. The officer and two other Iraqis were killed; the fourth was taken prisoner. Both maps, found on the officer, and the prisoner were taken out by the helicopter that had brought supplies and warm clothing for the SAS patrol. The maps were used to bomb previously unknown positions of Iraqis close to the Saudi border.

Also an Iraqi listening post was attacked. The underground bunker did not show on aerial photographs.
So a SAS column searched for the spot. It was difficult to find. After three days two trucks were spotted dropping people off. The SAS decided a hit and run raid. The attack started with .50 machinegun fire and Milan rockets. 45 seconds later it was all over. The SAS men searched the bunker, took equipment and other stuff with them and then blew up the bunker. Just to be sure an air attack was called in.

Some optic fibre cables were destroyed. Several Scud launchers, missiles and army convoys were detected and attacked or air support was called in to handle things. Observation towers for aircraft detection were also prey for the SAS. Some footpatrols (D sqn.) were also deployed for Scud hunting. A large radar station was successfully attacked. Another great achievement was a resupply/repair convoy, designated E squadron.
The men crossed the border on 10 February at 03.00 to reach a point 180 km in Iraq at 15.30 hrs.
One Milan expert from the regular Army came along for repairs. The mobile workshop stayed for five days.
On their way back the resupply convoy managed to call in air support to destroy an observation post.

The SAS lost several good men.
Four SAS soldiers died, the three members from B20 and one bike rider who was shot.

The Iraqis thought that some 10.000 men were fighting behind the lines.
In all some 300 men and 15 from R(reserve) squadron SAS were deployed in Iraq.
The SAS played a crucial role.

The "official" ground war started on 24 February and was over within 100 hours.
The SAS columns, however, were 36 to 45 days behind enemy lines wreaking havoc.
The Land Rovers covered an average of 1500 miles.
The motorcycles averaged 1875 miles.

Next is two bonuses: Anti-terrorist and Selection articles

[mack pl]

Because of the 120kg + each men had to carry .

120 kilograms??? wtf??? they meant pounds I think

[Musashi]

120 kilograms??? wtf??? they meant pounds I think
If I am able to pick up 125 kilograms on my chest, why is somebody unable to carry 120 kgs on his back? It's much lighter. However it would be extremely tiresome to carry it for long, especially in the mountains.

[mack pl]

However it would be extremely tiresome to carry it for long, especially in the mountains.

dont even compare what are you doing in the gym, with foot patrols...I think it was just a typo or smth... anyway, there are guys with personal military experience, so maybe they could tell us, If its possible(and sensible) to carry 120 kg on back....

[eucalyptus]

Offcorse you can but you wont go far. I think it reffers to 120 in total, man+equipment.

[mack pl]

I think it reffers to 120 in total, man+equipment.

that make sense now


pzdr

[Yosy]

Anti-Terrorist: Fighting terrorism, CT unit

"When you enter a room full of armed men, shoot the first person who makes a move, hostile or otherwise.
He has started to think and is therefore dangerous..."
Paddy Mayne, co-founder of the SAS

"Keep the boys in the s***, they're used to it"
Steve Devereux, comment on the accommodation provided by politicians during the Libyan embassy siege

Keeni Meeni
The SAS had some experience and know-how in fighting terrorists in Aden (1963-1967).
Arab terrorists dressed as civilians started killing unsuspecting victims.
To counter this threat Close Quarter Battle (CQB) skills were needed and the SAS formed a unit of 20 men, with specialised skills.
In early 1966 Peter de la Billière started a CQB school.
To pass selection for the school, men had to remove the Browning from the folds of the native robe and fire six rounds into a playing card at 15 metres. SAS patrols operated in local clothing watching for terrorist activity. Success was meager, only two terrorists were killed.
The tactics were called Keeni Meeni after a Swahili phrase describing the slick movement of a snake through the grass.

Between 1967 and 1970 the SAS trained the bodyguards for overseas heads of state.
When the training teams returned to England a lot of practical lessons were passed on.

Operation Pagoda
The Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW) task started in the seventies when the world faced another threat, terrorism. Already before the Munich massacre the SAS HQ had made plans for an anti-terrorist unit in the SAS.

After the tragic events in Munich (1972) governments around the world wanted to be prepared for future terrorist attacks. In Britain the SAS was choosen to counter terrorist actions if necessary. The plan was taken of the shelf and a specialised team was promised to be ready within five weeks time. Operation Pagoda was underway.

The team was called Pagoda team and during the seventies also named Special Patrol team. After the Embassy siege (May 1980) the name Counter Terrorist unit is commonly used. SAS troopers call it "the team".

Initially the CT team held 20 men out of all four squadrons.
The Counter Revolutionary Warfare Wing was created and after the Mogadishu raid (1977), one officer and four instructors were permanent cadre.
The CT force grew as well and the squadron rotation system was introduced.

An entire squadron is on the job for a six months tour. After 4-6 weeks build-up the task is handed over to another squadron. One team is on 30 minutes standby and the other one three hours.
The teams rotate monthly and alcohol is not allowed. One squadron can handle two events, but other squadrons are also have CT capability. Contrary to other SF and police units in the world the SAS rotates this task.

The active CT squadron is split into two teams:
1 Red (Air/Mountain troop)
2 Blue (Boat/Mobility troop)

The teams
Each team consist of:
- Sniper group
- Assault group

Sniper group:
Snipers play an important role in perimeter security and are constantly updating real time information. They also take pictures.

Each building has a colour code and special codes for each side of the building to ease fast and clear communications.
Hostages are called Yankees and terrorists are designated X-rays.

Sniper training is done on 600 m ranges and the aim is always for a head shot. Urban sniping differs from field sniping so each discipline is trained. Rifles in use are the Accuracy International L96A1 7.62mm PM sniper rifle and the Heckler & Koch PSG1.
Snipers have two rifles each, one for daytime use and the other for night use with a special night scope.

Snipers are also trained in the assault role.

Assault group:
These are the "Black Knights ".
One day the RSM ran out of green overalls and black overalls were used. Most of the kit used is blue-black. Teams are flexible depending on the situation at hand but mostly consist of four men split into two men units.

The MOE (Method Of Entry) soldiers specialise in explosive and non explosive entry of objects/buildings.
They make the explosives for the rest of the team.

Also non-explosive devices are used like the grit grot machine for almost silently taking bricks out of a wall or the Harvey Wall Banger (a wall breaching canon that works on pressured water).

Sledgehammers and special crowbars (Hooligan bar) are also used for gaining entry or as backup (in case explosives are not possible).

Shotguns with Hatton (solid shot) rounds are used to blow hinges of doors without damaging people inside rooms. Shotguns in use are the Remmington 870, SPAS and others.

Outfit:
- Blue-black overall; protection against heat and flame, reinforced with extra flame retardant felt at the fore arms, knees and shins. The overall has a drag handle so a casualty can be dragged out of the way fast
- CT12 respirator fitted with communication device and throat microphone
- Body armour; for different grades of protection extra ceramic plates can be added (2,5 kg each)
- Fire proof underwear, facemask (Balaclava) and gloves
- Non slip boots
- MP5 Heckler & Kock submachine gun (9mm) (replaced the Ingram submachine gun)
- Sig Sauer pistol as back-up weapon plus three extra magazines or the proven Bowning High Power pistol
- Flash bang grenades
- Charges (framed)
- Sledge hammer
- Crow bar
- Night Vision Goggles
- Knife

Entry procedure:
No 3 is the MOE man and provides an entry
No 2 throws a stungrenade with CS or CR gas
No 1 goes in first, followed by No 2
No 3 and 4 are for backup, in case of injuries or weapon stoppages
Room clearing is done "normally" under 4 seconds.

Depending on the type of mission it can be a hostage-snatch, room clearing or a total clearing of a building/object. Procedures are never the same.

The Killing House
At Hereford a special single-storey building is used for CQB training, the killing house.
Every type of room, furniture, lighting, walls, obstacles etc. can be set up for training.
The training is organised by the CT teams and video and sophisticated equipment is used for debriefing.
Two rooms exactly alike are connected with cameras and projectors for safety precautions.
People and (special) life ammunution are thus separated.
The walls "absorb" the fired bullets.
Also other buildings, trains, underground stations, aeroplanes, ships, etc. can be used for training.
Facilities on other locations are organised by the CRW Wing.

Research
A lot of research is constantly done on buildings, layout plans, walls, trains, the canal tunnel and other objects to be ready and to have the right data. This data is stored in computers, which can generate a CAD (Computer Aided Design), 3d model of objects, buildings, widows, doors, arcs of fire etc.

The Operations Research cell is also searching for the latest in weapons and technologies in any field the SAS can use.
Rubber padded ladders and other special gear is tailor made.

Tactics
The tactics vary depending on the situation.
After an alert out of all at that moment available information an Immediate Action plan is made to be ready.
This IA plan is constantly updated and changed as more information arrives. All external points of entry are physically checked and rechecked. Information from inside objects can be obtained trough microphones and cameras. Plans on points of entry are upgraded and modified according to the movement of people inside. Daily routines also play a role.
Helicopters can be used to get fast on top of objects.
Range Rovers and a C130 Hercules are also available for transport.

The SAS also trains the Royal Protection Group and other police and soldier units in CPP (Close Personal Protection). In CPP the person to be protected is called the Principal.

Members of the Royal family and other VIP's sometimes train with the SAS.

The CT team used to be on stanby for assistance in Northern Ireland.
This is not a task of the CT squadron anymore.

The SAS often trains with other anti-terrorist units in the world.
Some troopers take part in foreign exchange programs so know-how is also exchanged.

[Argyll]

Offcorse you can but you wont go far. I think it reffers to 120 in total, man+equipment.

Nope just equipment and it is indeed 120lbs

[mack pl]

Nope just equipment and it is indeed 120lbs

I knew it.....they aint fecking camels....so, its smth like 60 kilograms?

[Yosy]

Selection: the long, hard road into the SAS

"The SAS is only as effective as the people in it."
Directing Staff (DS) comment on selection

"Death is Nature's way of saying you have just failed SAS selection."
"The will to live is the greatest factor in survival itself."
John " Lofty" Wiseman
Survival expert


Joining the Special Air Service
Selection for the SAS is a very special occasion.
Twice a year a course is held, one in the summer and one in the winter, regardless of the weather.
The SAS is made up of volunteers from all arms and corps of the British Army, Navy and Air Force.
You need at least three years in a regular British unit before you can apply for selection.
As you eventually pass selection a further minimum of three years and three months left to serve is required.

Selection
The SAS is looking for men with initiative, stamina, intelligence, patience and a sense of humour.
Not specific team players but an individual who can survive on his own and has the self-discipline to work as part of a team. After application to join the SAS a visit to Hereford gives you some insight at what to expect.
Selection is based on experiences from the desert in `41 and further based on the new system which John Woodhouse set up in 1952

The whole process of selection is basically divided in three parts:
1- Fitness and Navigation
2- Jungle Training
3- Combat Survival

The above process can take up to almost six months.
If you manage to succeed three phases you are "badged" into the SAS.

1. Fitness and Navigation
The first part of selection is held in the mountains of South Wales, mostly in the Brecon Beacons.
The weather there can change quickly. A couple of soldiers have died during selection, mainly due to hypothermia. It is even dangerous for experienced soldiers as Mike Kealy, one of the heroes of Mirbat, sadly proved. He died of hypothermia doing selection again to prove himself.

This first stage is where most men don't succeed. It is more rejection than selection.
In four weeks there is a build-up to test week and the Endurance march.
The first two weeks for officers and three weeks for not-officers is a build-up training period since some applicants can't read maps and navigate. Also not really motivated men are weeded out.

The actual selection starts with the Standard Battle Fitness test, a 2.5 km run in under 13 min and the same distance run alone in under 11.5 min.

The first week is mostly runs in the neighbourhood, up and down hills with a small load in the Bergen.
Lessons in navigation and map reading are included. Navigation runs in small groups in woodland areas and night tabs follow shortly. The load in the Bergen gets heavier further in the process. A SA 80 rifle with no slings has to come along. You have to keep the rifle in your hands as you climb up the slopes and jog down again.

In the third week navigation is alone from grid reference to other points on the map. At each rendezvous you have to show where you are before the next grid is given. You have no idea up front how long the run is and where you will end. No one is pushing you to be on time or to make it. It is up to yourself to get up and be prepared to go.

The last week is Test week.
Every day a race against the clock with each task more punishing as the distances and load of the Bergen increases. The Long Drag or Endurance is the last ultimate test.
About 60 km over the mountains under 20 hours time.

There is no recipe for selection. Don't be overtrained as you start.
The staff advises:
- gain ground as fast as you can
- stay on the high ground as long as you can
- jog on even ground and down the hills
- don't get lost!

Those who fail selection are RTU'ed, returned to their parent unit

2. Jungle training
After the fist stage continuation training starts.
Detailed realistic training in weapons handling, demolition, small patrol tactics for over one month.
A very important next stage is the jungle.
Six weeks in the green hell without a shower or shave.
There is no psychological test to get into the SAS. The jungle asks all the questions.
Divided into patrols of four, watched over day and night by a Directing Staff, every man is thoroughly tested. After lessons in navigation, jungle and contact drills there is a final test where all things learned must be applied correctly. A lot of men fail the jungle stage, sometimes half of them.

3. Combat survival
Again another month of training in survival skills, living of the land whilst using escape and evasion tactics.
Three weeks lessons and lectures in interrogation techniques from people who have been POW's, tortured or have other experiences.
The last week is a survival exercise. In groups of five men dressed in WW2 greatcoats to try to stay away from the hunting force (mostly Paras or Gurkhas).
At the end every SAS man has to withstand interrogation training. The men are blindfolded, put in stress positions and interrogated for over 48 hours. White noise (sound) is also used. After a week on the run, cold, dehydrated and exhausted, the mind sometimes starts to play tricks and reality becomes blurred.
The men only are allowed to give the big four; name, rank, number and date of birth.
Any other questions should be replied with: "I cannot answer that question".

If you manage to pass every stage you are in the SAS and get your beret with the SAS badge.
Every newcomer is one year on probation.
Others who are not up to standards or misbehave in some way are RTU'd as well.

In the SAS training never stops. Starting with a basic skill (signals) which each member of a patrol has to master. Later on cross training on other skills ensures flexibility.

Updates on selection
According to some sources the e an e (escape and evasion) section of selection actually culminates in TQ - TACTICAL QUESTIONING - no longer resistance to interrogation. Selection is without doubt changing.

Some quotes from people who did selection:
Here are some accounts from people who have been there and done UKSF selection...
It makes very interesting reading and you have to have a lot of respect for these blokes for their mental and physical resolve.

"My advice is to learn how to map read and learn how to do it very well !
You're not good to anyone unless you don't know where exactly it is that you are !!
Do orienteering - it'll help fitness and improve map reading skills"

"The guy who is doing selection tell him not to stick out from the crowd. Be Mr. Grey man, not first, not last, always be near the front but not at the front as once you are noticed all eyes are on you. As long as the staff do not have to mention your name to often that is good. Remember they are looking for people who are individuals but can be part of a team"

"We were simply shown a plot of bracken and left there, told to make a note of any activity we saw to the front and that was that. Luckily enough for me Terry, my Royal Marine sparring partner (from the milling) was also an Artic mountain leader and within 15 minutes we had built us a mini-version of the Dorchester in the bracken (sic).
About 4 or 5 hours later one of the instructors came walking around our positions carrying a tea or soup urn.
He poked his head into our little home from home and complimented us on our observation post then quietly whispered `OK lads, pass out your mugs I've got some hot soup here' to which we replied `we have not got ant mugs with us staff (mugs were not issued on this exercise). The instructor then laughingly whispered back `well f****** tough **** then'. (sic). I must say that even though I would have killed for a mug of soup, I though the sick prank was hilarious. Just my sense of humour". Rob Lewis from "Fishers of men"

"The third week included a fully equipped run up and down the steep slopes of Pen-y-Fan three times in under 8 hours............ each day involved not less than 15 hours of marching so sprains and blisters took a heavy toll.
Finally, less than 30 applicants survived the final test known as Long Drag.
This was 45 mile cross country bash carrying a 50 pound Bergen (checked without warning by the staff) 12 pound belt kit and 18 pound rifle without a sling. The exercise is the equivalent of 3 consecutive marathons when steep terrain and the burdens are considered. If you take over 20 hours to finish you are failed. And sometimes, for no given reason, some of those who succeed are failed anyway" Ran Fiennes, from "Living Dangerously".

"What worried me when were doing these walks wasn't whether I could go fast enough - I mean, I'd been in the Parachute Regiment for four years and I was reasonably fit - but I wasn't worried about finding the RV's.
You got taught map reading and such as a paratrooper, but when it cam to an exercise and training it was the officers and sergeants who did it and we just followed along, thumb up bum, mind in neutral.
Like I say I could read a map, but I wasn't confident about it. All through selection there was a big worry that I would get badly lost, miss an RV, get RTU and wind up back at the battalion getting double the bull**** because I'd failed.
It got to the endurance march, and I was doing OK. The map-reading was working out and I was making good time with about five miles to go, and then I slipped and fell. I was going a very small incline at the top a re-entrant and I put my foot on a flat rock and it just slipped off, I landed on my arse but I'd twisted my knee going over, an when I tried to get up, the pain was shooting up my leg and the knee was coming up like a football.

The last 5 miles were the most painful I have done, ever. When I got back to the last RV, I was literally crying with pain and my jaws were aching from gritting my teeth, I was about halfway down the field; not the first back but certainly not the last, and I had time for a brew and a rest before we were taken back to Brecon.
When we got back there, we were taken into the office one by one to be told if we'd passed or not. I went in and was told "Well done, you've passed, take the weekend off" and I limped out, back to my hut and didn't move for about twenty four hours !" Officer, 22 SAS - from "Real SAS" by Adrian Weale

"Week three was the hardest. After travelling in the 4 tonners to the Elan valley every day, we had to navigate and tab between certain grid references on the map. Although it wasn't a hard place in which to navigate and we had good tabbing weather, dry and cool, everything else about the place was a f****** nightmare.
The terrain was covered in huge tuffs of grass - was called them "baby's heads" - which made it impossible to get any speed or momentum. To make matters worse the ground was normally so boggy that it sucked at your boots every step of the way. (sic) I passed one guy who'd obviously fallen for the last time. He was pissed off he was biting into a big tuft of grass with his teeth and pulling it out with his hands screaming "I hate you f****** bastards". He was another guy I never saw again. Mike Curtis - from "CQB"

[sasarchiver]

very good info on the history and operations of the SAS. Not saw this part of the site yet, about the SAS. Very impressed, your info is very accurate. I love the story about the lufthansa flight, GSG9 asked for British Special Forces backup and they just send 2 men, lol brillant. (Sgt Barry Davies and Major Alastiar Morrison). They are truly amazing at what they do. Great topic 10/10

[Royal]

Very impressed, your info is very accurate.

:roll: rofl rofl :D

[Yosy]

Well, well, well someone bumped one of my old articles. Nice.

[rhodtpr]

Must recommend Michael Ashers `The Real Bravo Two Zero` for an in-depth critical look at the story behind the ill-fated patrol during the first Gulf War.

A must read for any student of the SAS.

Cheers!

[baboon6]

Another one worth reading is Peter Ratcliffe's In The Eye of The Storm, which details his experiences in Oman, the Falklands and Iraq. Ratcliffe was RSM of 22 SAS during the first Iraq war.