Special Air Service (Reserve) - (SAS(R))

The 2 territorial SAS regiments, 21 and 23 SAS, who form SAS(R), are independent entities staffed by civilian volunteers (except for senior ranks who are from 22 SAS).

21 and 23 SAS reservists are given communications and signals intelligence (SIGINT) support by 63 (SAS) Signals Squadron, of the Royal Corps of Signals, also manned by volunteers.

The traditional role of 21 and 23 SAS is to carry out long range reconnaissance patrols for the regular UK Army (although these days the focus is on augmenting UKSF operations), freeing the regular SAS from recon tasks and onto direct actions. 23 SAS had previously been trained for combat search and rescue (CSAR) although it's now reported that role has been given to dedicated RAF Regiment units.

In 2003, it was reported that 21 and 23 SAS had been operating in Afghanistan where they have carried out long range reconnaissance operations (see resource box bottom of page).

Another role that SAS reservists are thought to carry out is that of so-called 'hearts and minds' operations. On such missions the SAS give medical and other assistance to local forces and populations in a given theatre. It is thought that 21 and 23 SAS work closely with the 15(UK) Psychological Operations Group, part of the Intelligence Corps, when undertaking hearts and minds ops.

The men of 21 and 23 SAS are issued with standard UK infantry weapons, typically the SA80 and variants.

SAS (R) Selection

Selection is open to men over 18 and under 32 (or under 35 for those with military experience) who are fit and do not have a criminal record. Selection itself consists of a series of physical tests run over a series of weeknights and weekends, in keeping with the part-time nature of TA units.

Selection consists of the following phases:

1. APTITUDE

Physical and mental stamina, along with navigational ability are stretched to the limit over series of tests. The aptitude phase culminates with a 64 kilometer march, with a 60lbs bergen, over the Brecon Beacons in Wales. Aptitude consists of:

• 9 x weekends of endurance training.
• 1 x week endurance training in the Brecon Beacons.
• 1 x week assessment (Test Week) in the Beacons.

2. STANDARD OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE (SOP) TRAINING

Instruction in UKSF SOP'S and tactics comprises of:

• 9 x weekends patrol SOP's including surveillance and reconnaissance.
• 1 x week live firing including patrol contact drills and Tp offensive action.
• 1 x 9 day battle camp comprising:
  • Live firing assessment.
  • Field training exercise to test the skills learned throughout Selection. This culminates in Conduct after Capture (CAC).

On successful completion of this training, ranks are badged as SAS(R) and are assigned to their respective units for continuation training.

SAS(R) CONTINUATION TRAINING

Candidates who successfully complete Selection will enter a period of probation and must complete the following courses to be fit for mobilisation.

• Basic Parachute Course.
• SF Communications Course.
• Main Training Period.

Once successfully through continuation training, SAS(R) soldiers will undergo periodic UKSF Military Annual training Tests (MATTs) and Main Training Periods. Additional qualifications can be sought throughout the SAS(R) soldier's career:

• Patrol Medics
• Enhanced Surveillance and Reconnaissance
• Languages
• Emergency Close Air Support
• Support Weapons
• Close Protection

A further reserves element exists, called L Detachment. Unlike 21 and 23, who are independant entities, L Detachment is directly attached to 22 SAS

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