In most countries, special forces of the armed forces appeared on the basis of the landing forces. Where, if not there, special preparation is needed. After all, an airborne landing practically wages a battle with the numerical advantage of the enemy, and even in isolation from the main forces of its army, and often even behind enemy lines. Ordinary soldiers can’t do it, but the elite formed quite quickly in the landing. British SAS was born in the same way.
Title
Let the British not be offended, but their super-duper unit has a postal transport name that is ridiculously laughable - "Special Air Service". At the time, and the airline name. By the way, an airline with such an abbreviation is even available. The name of the British special forces - Special Air Service (SAS) - this, like many English - a tribute to tradition and origin. If you remember that it all started with the airborne troops, then everything more or less falls into place.
Base
The appearance of the landing troops - the beginning of the Second World War. The successful operations of the German paratroopers forced to organize similar units and their opponents. One of the approbators of the landing in the UK was the Scottish Guard lieutenant named David Stirling. He is considered the founder of "El Squad."
By the way, Stirling is also considered the founder of the system of modern military companies. His “Vatchguard” (“Sentinel”) was one of the first places where you could hire a very small, but very skilled army.
Development
The actions of the British "El Squad" were so successful that by the end of the war it had grown into a brigade and modern name - SAS. At the end of World War II, they were going to liquidate it as unnecessary and too great isolation, but the special forces found a residence permit in the Territorial Army.
Some conflicts involving British special forces
Consider a few conflicts. Spetsnaz rivals and conflict results are shown in the table.
| Title | Time | A place | Rival | Nature of war | Exodus | SAS Contribution |
| War in malaya | 1948-60 | Malaysia | Malay rebels | Partisan | Rout of rebellion | A key contribution to victories, battles at the level of small units, an example of a successful struggle against the partisan movement. |
| The conflict between the Sultanate of Muscat and the Imamate of Oman | 1963-68 | Modern Northern Oman | Oman rebels | Partisan | The suppression of the internal uprising in Muscat, the destruction of the sabotage detachment of Oman | Direct participation in the elimination of the leaders of the rebels. Defense of key points in Muscat. |
| Oman | 1970 | Oman | Partisans from Yemen | Partisan | The abdication of the Sultan of Oman from the throne in favor of his son - Sultan Muscat. The formation of a single Oman. | Elimination of the partisan threat, stabilization of the situation in the country. |
| Riots in Northern Ireland | 1960-80s | Northern Ireland | Terrorists of the Irish Republican Army | Partisan | No outcome | The brutal extermination of all (including unarmed, women and children) suspects. Partial reduction of the terrorist threat, but at the expense of harsh criticism due to methods of struggle. |
| Falkland war | 1982 | Falkland Islands | Armed Forces of Argentina | Direct armed clash | Britain defended the rights to the islands | No contribution due to huge losses. One downed helicopter led to the death of 16 "Sasovtsy" at once. |
| Hostages in Mogadishu | 1977 | Somalia | Rebels | Hostage release | Released | Direct involvement |
| Hostages at the Iranian Embassy | 1980 | London | Iranian terrorists | Hostage release | 2 out of 26 hostages died. 5 out of 6 terrorists killed | Direct involvement |
| Operations in Zaire, Bosnia, Sierra Leone, Peru, Kosovo | 1990s | - | Classified | Classified | Classified | Classified |
| "Desert Storm" | 1991 | Iraq | Classified | Classified | Classified | Classified |
| Further | Classified | Classified | Classified | Classified | Classified | Classified |
Video details of SAS activities are presented below.
SAS Tasks
What are the tasks of SAS? It:
- Service to the UK and its government.
- Anti-terrorism activities around the world.
- Transfer of experience to colleagues from other countries.
- Capturing or destroying objects or individuals in the interests of the UK.
- Studying potential opponents.
- Sabotage for the United Kingdom and its Armed Forces and the British Navy
Service in British Special Forces
All fighters have extensive service experience and recommendations from army units. Including from the British Navy.
The minimum service life is three years.
The average age of "debutants" is 25-30 years.
Social origin of the fighters: mainly the working class.
The main combat unit of the SAS is a group (4 people). The specialization of groups is practiced. For example: "highlanders", "motorists", airborne landing, "" sea landing.
Specialization of fighters in each group is also practiced. For example: sapper, signalman, medic, translator. Although everyone is undergoing general training.
An employee of the British special forces has no right to disclose his identity. The names of the personnel are classified. Employees are highly recommended to hide their face when completing tasks.
Armament (British and American)
What are the fighters armed with? In their arsenal:
- A variety of submachine guns, which have become a kind of symbol "Sasovets".
- Shotguns.
- Assault rifles.
- Machine guns.
- Sniper rifles.
- Grenade launchers.
- There is access to special military equipment.
SAS today
Recent reforms in the UK are leading to a decrease in the size of the British army. However, SAS is expanding. So, in 2004, the staff reached a record high of 80 employees. How many of them are now, for obvious reasons, is unknown.
In general, now the British special forces are one of the most effective special forces in the world.