United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF)

United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) group is a directorate of the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). UKSF is commanded by Director Special Forces (DSF), usually a Brigadier, a post that has to date always been filled by a SAS Brigadier. Note: the current DSF has been reported to be a Major-General, a higher rank than Brigadier.

UKSF was established in 1987 in order to bring all UK Special Forces under a single command structure. This arrangement was intended, amongst other things, to improve co-operation between staunch rivals the SAS and the SBS. One of the results of the formation of UKSF is that the SAS and SBS now have a common selection process for recruits (UKSF selection). The SAS and SBS are also doing more joint operations, leading to speculation that a merger between the two units will eventually happen. Adding to such speculation is the fact that, due to a lack of Royal Marines Officers wishing to command the SBS, SAS Officers are filling vacant positions in the SBS command structure.

The elements under the umbrella of UKSF are:

click any of the above links for more info on each UKSF element