Special Air Service (SAS) - Organisation

The 22nd Special Air Service Regiment is organised in the following way:

Sabre Squadrons

22 SAS is divided into 4 main Squadrons - A,B, D & G. Each squadron is divided into 4 specialised troops and a command/HQ element.

HQ Element

Comprising officers and support staff:

• At the head of each squadron is the OC (Officer Commander), usually an Army Major.
• The 2nd in Command, or 2ic, with the rank of captain.
• Operations Officer
• Squadron Sergeant Major (SSM)
• Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant (SQSM)
• Staff Sergeant
• Assorted armourers, clerical and logistics staff.

Troops

SAS troops comprise of 16 men, led by a captain. There are 4 troops within each squadron, each specialising in a different method of insertion. The troops are Air Troop, Boat Troop, Mountain Troop and Mobility Troop. Non-officers who pass SAS selection lose their previous rank and are assigned the rank of trooper.

Each squadron will rotate through different roles:

• counter terrorism
  one squadron is on alert to deal with any terrorist threat, at home or abroad.
• squadron training
  consisting of training exercises to teach new recruits the ropes and hone the skills of the veterans.
• 'strip duty'
  on standby to respond to any emergency anywhere in the world
• operational deployment
  - an SAS squadron is currently depoyed to Iraq as 'Task Force Black', part of TF-88, a coalition task force set up to battle Al-Qaeda.
  - during peacetime an SAS Squadron would often perform so-called 'team tasks' - training foreign militaries.

Other Elements

Counter Revolutionary War Wing (CRW)

The CRW is a specialised wing created during the 70s to prepare the SAS for its counter terrorism and bodyguarding role. The CRW developed advanced pistol shooting techniques, explosive entry methods and room clearing drills for the Anti-terrorist role. The CRW is responsible for training whichever Squadron is on counter-terrorism duties.

Operations Research Cell.

The Operations Research Cell Research Unit usually comprises of a couple of experienced SAS men who's job it is to evaluate and develop new equipment, weapons and techniques. Working with MOD technicians and scientists, the cell ensure that the Regiment stay on the cutting edge. The cell came up with the concept of Stun Grenades during the 70s. These stun grenades, or 'Flash Bangs' have since been adopted by militaries and police forces around the world.

Northern Ireland Cell

During the Troubles, the SAS provided a troop for deployment to Northern Ireland.