The SRR Needs You
15.02.2016
The Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR) is having a recruitment drive. According to the Mirror, the secretive unit is reportedly suffering from a shortage of personnel and has been placing adverts in military publications. [1]
One such advert appears in the Winter 2015 edition of the Royal Air Force publication, Envoy.
Beneath the title of 'Special Reconnaissance Regiment', the advert features a night-vision-tinged depiction of a pair of SRR operatives, one who appears to be hacking an electrical panel while the other keeps watch, armed with a submachine gun. Above the photo, the advert says: 'Looking for unique, sensitive and rewarding employment?'. Contact details finish out the advert.
Note: while the Mirror reports that this is the first time the SRR has advertised 'across the armed forces', this is not the first SRR advert that has been seen. In 2009 a similar advert appeared in the Royal Marines periodical, the Globe and Laurel.
The Special Reconnaissance Regiment is open to men and women from all service branches. Potential SRR operators undergo a rigourous selection process and training regime. SRR detachments deploy around the world on highly secretive and dangerous operations. They have operated in Afghanistan, Iraq, Northern Ireland and on the streets of London. The Mirror reveals that the SRR is currently commanded by a Royal Marines Colonel and that it is under pressure to keep staffing levels up in order to deploy to 'new areas', a reference to the rising threat from ISIS. The SRR made the news recently when 2 female SRR soldiers were involved in a firefight with ISIS in Iraq.[2]
The news follows a recent story that reported that the 22nd Special Air Service (22 SAS) has had its ranks swelled by veterans returning to the unit.[3] While such stories might indicate a ramp up of special forces capability, they may also simply reflect the ongoing struggle to maintain troop levels faced by units with such stringent entry standards.
More Info / Further Reading
- 1. Crack special forces regiment appeals for extra troops against ISIS
(the Mirror)
- 2. Female SRR Soldiers In Iraq Shootout
(Elite UK Forces)
- 3. SAS Veterans Re-Enlist To Fight ISIS
(Elite UK Forces)
