Table of Contents
Introduction to the SAS
The Special Air Service, more commonly known as the SAS, is an elite special forces regiment of the British Army, renowned for its rigorous selection process and high-level training regimens. The SAS was established in 1941 during World War II by Colonel Sir Archibald David Stirling with the aim of operating behind enemy lines to disrupt German communication and supply lines in the desert.
Organisation of the SAS
Little publicly verifiable information exists on the contemporary SAS due to the nature of their work and the British government's policy of not commenting on special forces matters. The SAS comprises three units: one Regular and two Army Reserve units. The regular army unit is the 22 SAS Regiment and the reserve units are the 21 Special Air Service Regiment (Artists) (Reserve) (21 SAS(R)) and 23 Special Air Service Regiment (23 SAS (R)), collectively known as the Special Air Service (Reserve) (SAS(R)).
The 22 SAS Regiment typically consists of 400 to 600 members divided among four operational squadrons: A, B, D, and G. Each squadron is made up of approximately 65 members commanded by a Major, with troops under the command of a Captain. Each patrol within a troop consists of four members, each possessing a unique skill set such as signals, demolition, medic, or linguist, in addition to the basic skills learned during their training.
Specialisations within the SAS
The SAS is distinguished by its specialization in various fields of operation:
Boat Troop: This troop specialises in maritime skills, including diving, kayaking, and operating rigid-hulled inflatable boats. They often train with the Special Boat Service.
Air Troop: These are experts in free fall parachuting and high-altitude parachute operations, including High-Altitude Low Opening (HALO) and High-Altitude High Opening (HAHO) techniques.
Mobility Troop: These specialists use vehicles and are experts in desert warfare. They are also trained in advanced motor mechanics to field-repair any vehicular breakdown.
Mountain Troop: This troop specialises in Arctic combat and survival, using specialist equipment such as skis, snowshoes, and mountain climbing techniques.
Influence on Other Special Forces
The SAS has had a significant influence on the formation of special forces units in other countries, both within and outside the Commonwealth. Examples include the Canadian Special Air Service Company, the New Zealand Special Air Service squadron, Australia's 1st SAS Company, and the American unit, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta. Other countries such as Belgium, France, Israel, Ireland, and the Philippines have also formed units modeled on the SAS.
The Role of the SAS During the Cold War
During the Cold War, the 21 and 23 SAS played a significant role in preparing for potential Warsaw Pact invasions of Western Europe. They were trained to operate behind enemy lines, collect intelligence, conduct target acquisition, and slow the enemy's advance.
Please note that as of my last training cut-off in September 2021, the SAS continues to play a vital role in the British Armed Forces. For the most recent updates and specific operations, further research would be necessary. The operations and activities of the SAS often remain classified due to national security concerns. Nonetheless, the SAS maintains its reputation as an elite and highly effective military unit, recognized for its expertise in a variety of operational environments and its influence on special forces units worldwide.
