SAS Special Forces History

Overview

The SAS (Special Air Service) is a special forces unit of the British Army, established in 1941.

History

• Formed during World War II to conduct reconnaissance and sabotage missions behind enemy lines
• Initially composed of 60 volunteers, led by Lieutenant David Stirling
• Successfully completed numerous operations in North Africa, Italy, and France

Selection and Training

• Candidates undergo rigorous selection process, known as "Selection"
• Training includes:
  • Jungle warfare
  • Desert warfare
  • Mountain warfare
  • Arctic warfare
  • Unarmed combat
  • Marksmanship
  • Language skills
  • Survival skills

Operations

• Conducts various types of operations, including:
  • Counter-terrorism
  • Direct action
  • Special reconnaissance
  • Unconventional warfare
  • Hostage rescue
  • Counter-insurgency
• Operates in small, agile teams, often behind enemy lines
• Utilizes advanced skills, such as languages, surveillance, and sabotage

Organisation

• Part of the UK Special Forces (UKSF) umbrella
• Comprises three squadrons:
  • 21 SAS Regiment (Artists Rifles)
  • 22 SAS Regiment
  • 23 SAS Regiment
• Each squadron has its own specialisation and operational focus

Equipment and Vehicles

• Utilizes cutting-edge equipment, including:
  • Firearms (e.g. Glock 19, HK G36)
  • Explosives and demolition gear
  • Communication devices
  • Surveillance technology
• Operates various vehicles, including:
  • Land Rovers
  • Jackals
  • Pinzgauers
  • Helicopters (e.g. Apache, Chinook)

Notable Operations

• Operation Flavius (1988): Successfully neutralized an IRA bombing attempt in Gibraltar
• Operation Barras (2000): Rescued British soldiers and civilians from a Sierra Leonean militia
• Operation Telic (2003): Participated in the invasion of Iraq
• Operation Shader (2014): Conducted operations against ISIS in Iraq and Syria

Overview

• The SAS is a special forces unit of the British Army, established in 1941.

History

• Formed during World War II for reconnaissance and sabotage missions behind enemy lines.
• Initially composed of 60 volunteers, led by Lieutenant David Stirling.
• Successfully completed numerous operations in North Africa, Italy, and France.

Selection and Training

• Candidates undergo rigorous selection process, known as "Selection".
• Training includes jungle, desert, mountain, and Arctic warfare, as well as unarmed combat, marksmanship, language skills, and survival skills.

Operations

• Conducts counter-terrorism, direct action, special reconnaissance, unconventional warfare, hostage rescue, and counter-insurgency operations.
• Operates in small, agile teams, often behind enemy lines, utilizing advanced skills, such as languages, surveillance, and sabotage.

Organisation

• Part of the UK Special Forces (UKSF) umbrella.
• Comprises three squadrons: 21 SAS Regiment (Artists Rifles), 22 SAS Regiment, and 23 SAS Regiment, each with its own specialisation and operational focus.

Equipment and Vehicles

• Utilizes cutting-edge equipment, including firearms (e.g. Glock 19, HK G36), explosives and demolition gear, communication devices, and surveillance technology.
• Operates various vehicles, including Land Rovers, Jackals, Pinzgauers, and helicopters (e.g. Apache, Chinook).

Notable Operations

• Operation Flavius (1988): Neutralized an IRA bombing attempt in Gibraltar.
• Operation Barras (2000): Rescued British soldiers and civilians from a Sierra Leonean militia.
• Operation Telic (2003): Participated in the invasion of Iraq.
• Operation Shader (2014): Conducted operations against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

Learn about the history and formation of the Special Air Service, a British Army special forces unit. From its establishment in 1941 to its operations during World War II, test your knowledge of this elite unit.