The SBS was first into battle a month before the SAS in the Falklands War and again in the Gulf War, yet hitherto it is the SAS that has had by far the higher profile. The SBS draws its manpower solely from the Marine Commando Units, and the Royal Marines are the oldest and most battle-honoured regiment in the world.
The Special Boat Squadron (SBS) was formed as a separate unit from the Special Air Service (SAS) in early 1943. It was an elite fighting force which never comprised more than 200 soldiers.
The operational capabilities of the SBS and the SAS are broadly similar. However, the SBS (being the principal Royal Navy contribution to UKSF) has the additional training and equipment required to lead in the maritime, amphibious and riverine environments.
UKSF(R) comprising of 21 SAS(R), 23 SAS(R), SBS(R) and 63 (UKSF) Sig Sqn, is tasked to the highest level and can operate in difficult and often changing circumstances, sometimes in absence of guidance and within situations that have significant operational and strategic importance.
Desert origins
The Special Air Service (SAS) has its origins in the North African desert. It was formed as L Detachment, Special Air Service Brigade, in July 1941 to undertake small-scale raids behind enemy lines.
The Special Air Service Regiment, officially abbreviated SASR though commonly known as the SAS, is a special forces unit of the Australian Army. Formed in 1957 as a company, it was modelled on the British SAS with which it shares the motto, "Who Dares Wins".
The Special Air Service traces its origins to 1941 and the Second World War. It was reformed as part of the Territorial Army in 1947, named the 21st Special Air Service Regiment (Artists Rifles).
They are among the most elite and capable soldiers in the entire British military.
Billy is TV's most experienced, highest ranking and most decorated SAS leader and SAS instructor. He is Chief Instructor on Channel 4's hit show SAS: Who Dares Wins, alongside DS Rudy Reyes, Jason Fox and Chris Oliver.
It went through several name changes, including the Special Boat Company (1951) and Special Boat Squadron (1974), before becoming the Special Boat Service in 1987. Today, SBS recruits share the same gruelling selection process as the Special Air Service (SAS) and develop similar skills.
Special Air Service Regiment (SASR)
Formed in 1957, the SASR is Australia's top-tier SOF unit. It specializes in counterterrorism, special reconnaissance, and direct action. SASR operators have seen action in Vietnam, Borneo, East Timor, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Africa.
the special boat service selection process
The selection process for entry into the SBS, along with the SAS, is undoubtedly the toughest of any of the worldwide Special Forces. What makes it so tough is the fact that it tests both one's physical and mental stamina over a prolonged period of time.
The SBS maintains very close training and operational links with the U.S. Navy's SEAL Team 6. The SBS was formed in July 1940, during World War II, as the Special Boat Section.
With the SBS (until recently) drawing its ranks from the Royal Marines, it is suggested that an SBS operator has a greater level of experience of soldiering than many of their SAS counterparts. The demands of working in the water demands a higher level of fitness and mental toughness than the SAS.
Applicants must be no older than 43 years 364 days on the Selection Induction Weekend (SIW).
SAS training requires resilience and physical and mental strength. Due to the extreme demands and training regimen, the army only accepts physically healthy candidates. Typically, recruitment is open to people between the ages of 18 and 32.
Life and works. In 1959, at the age of eighteen, Wiseman became the youngest person ever to pass selection for the SAS, joining from the Parachute Regiment, which he had joined a year earlier. He went on to serve in the SAS for 26 years, rising to the rank of Warrant Officer.
The two soldiers were arrested and taken to the Al Jameat police station. The two SAS operators were part of Operation Hathor whose objective was keeping an Iraqi Police officer (who ran a crime unit with rumoured links to corruption and brutality in the city) under surveillance.
Lieutenant-Colonel 'Paddy' Mayne is a legendary figure in the history of the Special Forces. A celebrated sportsman with a turbulent character, he played a vital role in the early successes of the Special Air Service (SAS), becoming one of its most important commanders.
Commando Green (Commando Forces/Royal Marines) The Commando Green Beret is famously worn by the Royal Marines and Members of the Special Boat Squadron SBS however it is also worn by attached ranks to 3 Commando Brigade, Only those attached ranks who have passed the elite All Arms Commando Course are entitled to wear ...
Major Roger 'Jumbo' Courtney led an extraordinary life which culminated in the founding of the Special Boat Section during the Second World War. This unit became one of Britain's most important Special Forces.
The Special Boat Service is usually commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel with a Major as second in command. Each SBS squadron is commanded by an Officer, usually a Royal Marines Major or Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander.
Women have been able to serve with the SAS after transferring from covert surveillance units – such as the Special Reconnaissance Regiment – since 2018. A handful have even donned the regiment's iconic badge: a winged dagger with the motto 'Who Dares Wins'.
Mike Sadler, 101, is the last surviving member of the original SAS and today tells the Mirror what it was like to fight in the desert with the unit, which was the idea of Scottish aristocrat and mountaineer David Stirling.
Tattoos and Piercings – SAS Eligibility Criteria
Piercings are not allowed, unless the area will heal overtime. Tattoos cannot be excessive, offensive, or obscene and must be hidden under dress uniforms.