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| 22 SAS Regiment | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | 22 SAS Regiment |
| Dates | 1980–present |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | British Army |
| Type | Special Forces |
| Role | Counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, special reconnaissance |
| Size | Regiment |
| Garrison | Hereford |
22 SAS Regiment
22 SAS Regiment is a United Kingdom Special Forces regiment formed to provide counter‑terrorism, covert direct action, and close protection capabilities across the British Isles and overseas. The regiment operates alongside Special Air Service elements, SAS (reserves), and other units within United Kingdom Special Forces while liaising with civilian agencies such as Metropolitan Police Service and international partners including United States Special Operations Command, NATO, and the European Union.
22 SAS Regiment traces its origins to post‑Cold War reorganisations linking to earlier units such as the Special Air Service (Regular), Military Intelligence Corps, and the wartime history of Special Operations Executive. Its formation in the late 20th century reflected lessons from incidents like the Iranian Embassy siege and the Moscow theatre hostage crisis, prompting closer integration with police counter‑terrorism structures including the Special Demonstration Squad and coordination with the Home Office. The regiment evolved through operational lessons from conflicts like the Falklands War, Gulf War, and deployments in the Balkans and Iraq War, adapting doctrine influenced by operations in Northern Ireland and cooperation with units such as the Special Boat Service and Royal Marines.
22 SAS Regiment specialises in counter‑terrorism, hostage rescue, covert surveillance, and high‑risk protection tasks under the authority of United Kingdom Special Forces and national policing agencies. It provides rapid response to incidents involving aircraft, maritime platforms, critical infrastructure, and diplomatic missions similar to operations run by the SAS Regiment and supported by air assets like the Joint Helicopter Command and fixed‑wing platforms from the Royal Air Force. The regiment contributes to international missions alongside partners from Joint Special Operations Command and provides training support to foreign forces including personnel from United States Army Special Forces, French GIGN, and German GSG 9.
The regiment is organised into squadrons and troops with roles mirroring elements in Special Forces Support Group and airborne infantry structures like Parachute Regiment. Command relationships link to Special Air Service headquarters and higher commands within British Army structures. Dedicated support from units such as the Royal Logistic Corps, Royal Engineers, Royal Corps of Signals, and Army Air Corps provides sustainment, mobility, and communications. Interoperability with civilian agencies like the National Crime Agency and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary shapes operational planning.
Personnel are selected from across the British Army, drawing candidates with backgrounds in infantry regiments such as the Coldstream Guards, Scots Guards, and Royal Regiment of Scotland as well as specialists from corps like the Royal Army Medical Corps. Selection mirrors rigorous courses used by Special Air Service (Regular) and includes physical, navigation, and resistance training influenced by programmes at the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape school. Advanced instruction covers close quarters battle techniques taught alongside doctrine from institutions such as the United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School and joint exercises with units like Delta Force and French 1er RPIMa.
22 SAS Regiment has been credited with domestic counter‑terrorism responses and overseas operations supporting coalition campaigns in regions including the Middle East, Horn of Africa, and the Western Balkans. Deployments have seen coordination with agencies engaged in stabilization tasks following events like the Iraq War and War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), and taskings similar to those undertaken during the Pan Am Flight 103 investigation and other high‑profile incidents. The regiment has worked with international partners including Interpol, NATO Special Forces, and national police units such as the New York Police Department on training and capability exchanges.
The regiment employs a range of small arms, support weapons, and specialist equipment comparable to that used by Special Air Service (Regular), including carbines, submachine guns, and precision rifles from manufacturers used by forces like United States Special Operations Command and NATO allies. Vehicles range from armoured personnel carriers to covert mobility platforms allied to equipment used by Royal Marines and Royal Engineers. Maritime capability is supported by craft and diving equipment similar to assets used by the Special Boat Service and Royal Navy.
Insignia and ceremonial practices draw on heraldic and regimental traditions shared with Special Air Service units and British Army precedent exemplified by badges and mottos present across formations like the Parachute Regiment and Household Cavalry. Ceremonies and memorial events align with national commemorations such as Remembrance Day and liaison occasions with civilian agencies including the Cabinet Office and the Home Office.
Category:Special Air Service Category:United Kingdom Special Forces