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:

• Special Air Service
  • 22 SAS
    • L Det (reserves)
  • 21 SAS (reserves)
  • 23 SAS (reserves)
• Special Boat Service (SBS)
  • SBS (R) (reserves)
• Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR)
• Special Forces Support Group
  • 1 Para, Parachute Regiment
  • F Company, Royal Marines
  • elements of RAF Regiment
• 18 (UKSF) Signals
  • 264 (SAS) Signals
  • R Troop (reserves)
  • SBS Signals
  • 63 (SAS) Signals (reserves)
  • 267 (SRR) Signals
  • 268 (SFSG) Signals

note: 22 SAS, the SBS and SRR are sometimes termed 'Tier 1' special forces, due to fact they are the units usually tasked with direct action. The SFSG, 18 (UKSF) signals etc are 'Tier 2', as they fulfill a supporting role for the 3 Tier 1 units. 21 SAS, 23 SAS, SBS(R) and 63 (SAS) Signals are collectively termed UKSF(R) in some Ministry Of Defence (MoD) publications.