The Special Air Service (SAS) was founded in 1941 by David Stirling as a commando force to fight behind enemy lines during the British campaign in North Africa during World War Two. It was disbanded after the war on 30 November 1946, but on 1 May 1947, the regiment was revived as a territorial army unit.
Over time, the SAS developed into the regiment that it is now. The SAS has three regiments within it: 22 SAS, based at Credenhill, 21 SAS, based in London and 23 SAS, based in Birmingham.
The Role of the Special Air Service
The SAS is divided into four sections:
- Air Troop-soldiers are specially trained at insertion from planes and helicopters and also parachute insertion.
- Boat Troop-personnel specialize in nautical insertion and train extensively with diving and underwater demolition.
- Mobility Troop-specialize in vehicle insertion techniques and train to use a large variety of vehicles and are experts in vehicle maintenance.
- Mountain Troop-soldiers have advanced training in climbing techniques, skiing and cold weather survival.
Although most information about the SAS is kept very secret it is believed that the SAS are involved in collecting intelligence deep in enemy territory, counter-terrorism both inside and outside of the United Kingdom. They are also thought to train soldiers outside of the UK and train guerrillas in unconventional warfare.
There is also an anti-terrorism section of the SAS which was made famous by the Iranian Embassy seige in 1980.
Selection for the SAS
Selection for the SAS is thought to be of the toughest selection procedures in the world. It takes about sixth months to complete, although an SAS trooper's training carries on throughout their career in the special forces.
Phase 1-The first phase of selection is the endurance part of selection and last 3 weeks. It involves a number of timed hikes in the Brecon Beacons in Wales with an ever increasingly-heavy pack. Most of these hikes are done individually with no encouragement or direction from senior staff. This phase concludes with a 40 miles hike to be completed carrying a 55lb pack in under 24 hours.
Phase 2-The jungle phase of selection takes place in Belize where selection candidates learn survival techniques and also basic patrolling techniques. The phase weeds out those who cannot keep organised or keep themselves and their kit is good condition.
Phase 3- The final phase of SAS selection is an escape and evasion exercise. The remaining candidates are let loose in a Welsh forest wearing World War 2-style coats and have to evade a hunter force who are usually the elite Parachute Regiment.
They are giving checkpoints which they must reach without being found by the chasing enemy force. At the end of three days, even if the candidates have not been captured, must turn themselves in for the final part of the challenge-the tactical question and interrogation.
This tests the selectee's ability to withstand tough interrogation if they are captured by the enemy. They are often made to stand in stress positions for hours at a time, withheld food unless they agree to give up information.
They may only answer with the 'big 4': Name, Rank, Serial Number and Date of Birth. Any other questions must be answered with "I'm sorry, but I cannot answer that question.' If this is not done successfully done the candidate automatically fails selection.
The Special Air Service have been involved in the troubles in Northern Ireland, the Falklands, both Gulf Wars and the war in Afghanistan. The other main part of the British Special Foces in the Special Boat Service (SBS).
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