Special Tactics and Operations

Organization
Each Regiment comprises a number of "Sabre" Squadrons with some supporting functions being undertaken within Headquarters, Planning, and Intelligence Section, Operational Research Section, Counter Revolutionary Warfare Wing, and Training Wing. ('Sabre' Squadrons are so called to distinguish the operational squadrons from administrative or HQ squadrons.)

22 SAS Regiment 21 SAS Regiment (Artists) 23 SAS Regiment 'HQ' Squadron (Credenhill) 'HQ' Squadron (Regent's Park) 'HQ' Squadron (Kingstanding) 'A' Squadron 'A' Squadron (Regent's Park) 'B' Squadron (Leeds) 'B' Squadron 'C' Squadron (Basingstoke/Cambridge} 'G' Squadron (Newcastle/Manchester) 'D' Squadron 'E' Squadron (Newport/Exeter) 'D' Squadron (Invergowrie/Hamilton) 'G' Squadron[3]

Each 'Sabre' Squadron of 22 SAS is divided into four 16-man Troops which specialise in a variety of insertion skills (Air Troop, Boat Troop, Mobility Troop, and Mountain Troop).

The Squadrons also rotate through the CRW Wing (originally designated "Pagoda") and is relieved every 6 – 9 months. The squadron is split up into two combined troops, "Red" and "Blue", with each troop made up of an assault group and a sniper team. Though the counter-terrorist teams are based at RHQ in Credenhill, a specialist eight-man team is based within the outer London region (4, south London border & 4, north London border/Hertfordshire). This team rapidly responds to any situation in London as required.

'L' Detachment, formerly 'R' Squadron, is a TA unit comprising former Regular soldiers and assigned to 22 SAS for the provision of casualty replacements or to supplement manning levels for operations. Optionally it also had its own role in the event of limited or general war.

The three regiments have different roles:

21 SAS - to provide depth to the UKSF group through the provision of Individual and collective augmentation to the regular component of UKSF and standalone elements up to task group (Regimental) level focused on support and influence (S&I) operations to assist conflict stabilisation. 22 SAS - Medium and deep battlespace ISTAR and offensive operations, Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW), Counter-Terrorism (CT), close protection and defence diplomacy. 23 SAS - to provide depth to the UKSF group through the provision of Individual and collective augmentation to the regular component of UKSF and standalone elements up to task group (Regimental) level focused on support and influence (S&I) operations to assist conflict stabilisation.[4] Each TA Squadron and the Honourable Artillery Company, includes attached regular personnel as Permanent Staff Instructors - a ruling established by the then Brigadier Peter de la Billière, as Director SAS, specifying that promotion within the Regiment for any officer or senior NCO would be predicated on experience with the SAS(R).[citation needed]. In the 1980s and 1990s the SAS provided the Commanding Officer and some directing staff for the NATO International Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol School (ILRRPS) [5] based at Weingarten and then Pfullendorf[6] as well as men for the British Army Jungle Warfare Training School in Brunei.

The SAS was formally garrisoned in based at Stirling Lines (formerly Bradbury Lines) 52°2′20.85″N 2°43′10.67″W﻿ / ﻿52.039125, -2.7196306, Hereford which was named after the founder of the regiment, Sir David Stirling. The unit has since 1999 been relocated to a former RAF station in Credenhill.

[edit] Troops 'Sabre' Squadrons in 22 SAS are organised as four specialised Troops, although personnel are broadly skilled in all areas following 'Selection' and 'Continuation' training. The specialised troop provide a focus for particular skillsets and personnel may move between Troops over the length of a career. 21 and 23 SAS do not so distinguish.

[edit] Air Troop Air Troop personnel specialise in airborne insertion from fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. Leaving the aircraft at high altitude personnel are capable of delivering personnel and equipment into the deep battlespace far beyond the forward edge of battle area in support of their ISTAR or offensive operations.

Personnel are trained in three principal forms of parachute infiltration; Basic static line, High Altitude, Low Opening (HALO) and High Altitude, High Opening (HAHO). HALO insertions involve a long free fall followed by canopy opening at low level, about 2,000 feet (600 m), leaving the operator exposed to detection and fire for the minimum possible period. The aircraft must overfly in the vicinity of the Drop Zone to effect delivery, risking a compromise to the mission should it be detected. HAHO insertions allow the aircraft to deliver the operators from a significantly greater range from the Drop Zone, thus reducing risk of mission compromise. Operators leave the aircraft and immediately deploy a canopy which allows a long glide over great distance. To avoid hypoxia, the parachutists are provided with an oxygen supply to survive the depleted air at high altitude and warm clothing protects from the extreme environmental conditions.

[edit] Boat Troop Boat Troop personnel specialise in water-borne insertion techniques.

Personnel are trained in diving using Open and Closed Circuit breathing systems, learning skills in sub-surface navigation, approaching the shore or vessels underway and the delivery of maritime demolition charges. Much of this training is undertaken with the Special Boat Service.

Once proficient in diving, personnel learn methods of surface infiltration. One of the main forms of transportation is still the Klepper canoe. The first SAS folding boats were designed during World War II for use by Commandos, based on existing designs. The German Klepper has been in service since the 1960s. Other methods include the Gemini inflatable, used primarily for sending small groups of soldiers onto a shore undetected, and the fibreglass hulled Rigid Raider fast patrol boats which are larger carrying more personnel or cargo ashore.

Entry to the water from rotary wing aircraft and by parachute drop; the helicopter hovers some 50 feet (15 m) above the water, personnel simply jumping out. Airborne entry to the water carries a significant risk to equipment with weapons and other equipment sealed using a dry bag.

Deployment from submarines is taught. Submarine egress bears a high risk given the effect of pressure at depth (nitrogen narcosis and oxygen toxicity), the cold, and the risks inherent in the use of mechanical breathing aids while underwater.

Whenever possible, naval warfare tasks are handed over to the SAS sister unit, the SBS

[edit] Mobility Troop Mobility Troop personnel specialise in vehicle insertion techniques, similar to those of the Long Range Desert Group of the Second World War and allows a more sustainable patrol in the medium to deep battlespace but create logistical and force protection challenges.

Personnel are required to gain skills in vehicle maintenance across the range of vehicles used by the Regiment, particularly whilst on patrol with limited opportunity for combat support. Vehicles include the Jackal MWMIK, Land Rovers, Supacat HMT[7], Honda 350 cc Quad Bike, and the Honda 250 cc motorbike. These vehicles can be variously configured with a range of weapon systems including; Browning .50 Cal HMG, Mk.19 grenade launcher, L7A2 7.62 mm GPMG and the Javelin anti-tank guided missile.

[edit] Mountain Troop Mountain Troops personnel specialise in the conduct of operations at high altitude and in mountainous terrain, requiring advanced skills in climbing, ice climbing, skiing and cold weather survival. Training is conducted in deserts and mountain ranges around the world. Those members that show particular aptitude are seconded to the German Army where they undertake the 18-month long Alpine Guides course in Bavaria. A number of members from the mountain troops have participated in major military and civilian expeditions to some of the worlds highest peaks although this has not been without loss[8].