SAS (special forces)

SAS (special forces)
Unit name	Special Air Service
Native name	Special Air Service
Caption	Regimental cap badge
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	British Army
Type	Special forces
Role	Special operations
Size	Regiment
Garrison	Herefordshire
Nickname	SAS
Motto	Who Dares Wins
Anniversaries	November 16

SAS (special forces) The Special Air Service is a British Army regiment formed for special operations, reconnaissance, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism. Originating during the Second World War, the regiment has influenced global special operations doctrine and conducted operations across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Its personnel have worked alongside units from the United States, France, Australia, Canada and other nations in multinational campaigns and covert actions.

History

The unit traces roots to operations in the Western Desert campaign during the Second World War, conducting raids against the Afrika Korps and Axis supply lines. Post-1945 reorganisation saw involvement in the Malayan Emergency, operations during the Suez Crisis, and deployments in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. During the late 20th century the regiment was active in the Falklands War and the Gulf conflicts including Operation Desert Storm and subsequent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of coalition campaigns led by the United States Department of Defense and NATO elements such as ISAF. The regiment's lineage has been affected by defence reviews including the Options for Change reforms and the Strategic Defence Review.

Organization and structure

The regiment is organised into squadrons and troops with headquarters elements at a regimental depot. Operational squadrons have specialised troops comparable to counterparts in the United States Army Special Forces and elements of the French 1er RPIMa; administrative control involves the British Army chain of command and coordination with the United Kingdom Special Forces Directorate. Liaison relationships exist with the Special Boat Service, MI6, GCHQ analysts, and allied special operations commands such as United States Special Operations Command and NATO Special Operations Headquarters.

Roles and missions

Typical tasks include long-range reconnaissance, direct action raids, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism and training of indigenous forces. Missions have ranged from deep-penetration surveillance in theatre with units like the Long Range Desert Group antecedents to close protection and counterinsurgency advising similar to roles undertaken by soldiers attached to the Soviet–Afghan War proxies. The regiment conducts maritime operations with ships and submarines in coordination with the Royal Navy and airborne insertions using assets from the Royal Air Force and allied airlift such as the C-130 Hercules and V-22 Osprey.

Selection and training

Candidates undergo a rigorous selection pipeline influenced by practices from historical training at locations like Aldershot and Hereford. The selection emphasises navigation, endurance marches, survival in austere environments and resistance to interrogation techniques debated in tribunals such as proceedings related to the European Court of Human Rights. Specialist training covers close-quarters battle, demolitions, advanced medical training akin to curricula in military colleges like the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and language and cultural instruction for deployments to regions including Iraq War provinces, Helmand Province in Afghanistan, and African theatres such as Somalia and Sierra Leone.

Equipment and weapons

The regiment employs small arms and specialist equipment comparable to those used by contemporaries including the United States Navy SEALs and the GIGN. Standard-issue rifles have included variants of the L85A2 and carbine platforms, whilst specialist marksmen use rifles such as custom precision systems similar to the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare. Sidearms, submachine guns and light machine guns complement breaching shotguns and support weapons like the FN Minimi. Vehicles include modified Land Rovers, armoured patrol vehicles and parachute and rotary-wing insertion using assets like the CH-47 Chinook and fast-roping from platforms akin to the Eurocopter Tiger.

Notable operations

High-profile engagements include early wartime raids in the North African campaign, the regiment’s role in the recapture of Mayotte and operations during the Iranian Embassy siege in London. Later deployments saw actions during the Gulf War coalition, counter-insurgency and direct-action operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sierra Leone during Operation Palliser, and sustained operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of multinational efforts alongside units such as Delta Force and the Australian SAS Regiment. Covert and surveillance missions have been linked in public accounts to special operations during the Cold War and post-Cold War counterterrorism campaigns.

Insignia, traditions and culture

The regiment’s cap badge, motto and regimental customs are part of a distinct esprit de corps celebrated on regimental days and memorialised at sites such as regimental museums and memorials in England. Traditions include selection folklore, regimental colours and ceremonial practices observed in garrison towns and at military ceremonies attended by figures from the Ministry of Defence and members of the Royal Family. Cultural influence extends into literature and film, inspiring works that reference elite units like the Royal Marines, Parachute Regiment, and international portrayals in popular media.

Category:Special forces units and formations of the United Kingdom