Thanks for watching everyone. You can watch the full episode with Christian Craighead here ua-cam.com/video/PiWkym0T78c/v-deo.htmlsi=nUujAMDx7n4UREDh Additionally if you want to support the Shawn Ryan Show you can join the community. www.patreon.com/VigilanceElite
Active duty airman now, living in the UK and Scotland, met several former SAS operators in person, awesome people, wish I could train under their command in the future. mass respect for these professional soldiers
The answer to the topic, this is literally, ability to swim. Both SAS and SBS have insane requirements. Getting into either is an act of will, coupled to an already well developed body and mind and a resolute confidence in your ability to persevere. Personal discipline, confidence, fitness and intellect are the required characteristics. SBS are mostly marines - so they have a much better level of basic training and fitness than regular infantry and are encouraged to be independent of thought. They also have specialised maritime/diving training that emphasises their expertise in coastal operations. Coastal operations doesn't sound very useful until you consider 80% of humanity lives near the coast. If someone needs sandy feet - that's literally where the SAS developed their regiment. SAS are mostly Paras, who are Britain's murder donkeys - i.e. Yomp (march) over there with your bodyweight in ammunition and food and then **** everything up on that hill, 100KM away over broken terrain. In the next 72 hours please. The SAS mix in a few engineers and psycho military autism types from other regiments to keep the IQ up (no offence my Liverpudlian friends who jump out of aeroplanes in seach of hubcaps and murder
I remember my mum sending me round to an old ex-SAS and ex-Para guy down the road to give me some advice about training etc. He was quietly spoken but such a nice bloke. Was telling me all sorts of interesting stuff about map reading, geography, how to stay mentally strong etc. People sometimes forget that these guys are just normal blokes in many ways. They have families, often get regular jobs post-service, get ill, have other hobbies etc. But they're all tough as nails ofc.
@@jayden_2954 He said when you're cold, wet, hungry or tired, think one more mile, one more day etc. And to always keep in mind that you're going for something most people would never apply for, so you're already ahead. Just keep going, never give up.
@@goodyeoman4534can’t really get better advice for tackling any type of adversity than that. Solid. The U.K. SF selection and training really does sort the wheat from the chaff.
@@goodyeoman4534good advice for life. When you’re not cold wet and hungry (which is most of the time for most of the pampered west) you’re already ahead…
I took comfort from seeing how other people were responding to any hardship. I know that it seems like take a negative way to profit from witnessing the discomfort and suffering of others, but it is a known fact that people do take strength from their counterparts (during a test phase or training environment) who are displaying signs of weakness, anger, or irrational behaviour, and that the exact same circumstances are not having any such effect on yourself. It is a very good indicator of how well, and how much you are capable of enduring. That’s not to say that you wouldn’t do anything you could in order to help others get through a difficult episode, as it is quite possible that it is just a blip, and they’ll be back on track. I have always been able to crack on with the task at hand with a smile on my face. I could be woken up after a short sleep and open my eyes and get straight up, however tired I was feeling before I went to sleep. I’ve had individuals who turned violent during exercises in basic training. Sleep deprivation is one of the most severe factors that affects an individuals mental and physical well being. This can vary widely depending on your overall condition, and obviously the length of time you have been deprived of quality sleep. I have experienced hallucinations on a few occasions, and one time in particular was a full blown episode. A passenger jet flew over my head and was close enough for me to see details of the undercarriage. A row of cyalumes (glow sticks) were placed in front of my defensive position, which had taken us days to get dug in and without any sleep. I believe that this represented a runway effect in my mind and the imagery kicked in without any warning signs. The experience was unbelievable, but also fascinating, as well as slightly unnerving, due to the fact it was the first time I had ever seen anything like it. The other incidents were far less dramatic and involved me talking nonsense for a short while.
First off, unless things have drastically changed in the past few decades, each SAS Sqn has a boat troop that does diving and small boat work etc. Many people get confused when confronted with this fact and assume one is talking about the SBS. Next, for the yanks (and Canadians), the film Christian is referring to (Who Dares Wins) was released in North America under the title. The Final Option. Fun flick starring the great Lewis Collins, Richard Widmark, Judy Davis and even the great Edward Woodward. I'm older than Christian so I totally remember the Princes Gate rescue in 1980. I was 15 and was enthralled... just like I was 4 years earlier upon learning the details of the Israelis kicking ass at Entebbe. These ops always make me feel warm and happy. The pros - getting it done!
@@OMT988 Okay. I'll take your word for it. When I met guys from one of the boat troops, there were definitely diving every day. They also did a para jump into the ocean from an RAF Herc. This was back in 84. Now, to me, that's like yesterday. However, I have to accept the fact that it was 40 yrs ago. I am getting old...
US army Soecial Forces also have teams that are dive based as do US Rangers. There are also members of Royal Marine Commandos that have dive tracing but no operational teams at present.
From my brothers perspective who’s former colonel was formally one of the officers in Cammand of the SBS. He ran selection and did a lot of the training for Ant Middleton, Jason Fox and Mathew Ollerton. In addition to scouting the Royal Marines for new talent. Even today when my brother joined the Royal Marines as an officer. What separates both units now is just the name. Now ofc the SAS specialise in Land and air warefare and the SBS maritime. But realistically they could all be in each others units if they wanted too. These guys as they say are the best off the best. Most of them as well know how to fly planes and helicopters as well. In addition to learning undercover surveillance techniques as well. To work closely with the special renaissance regiment and the Secret services. They do it all. Obviously when they join up they don’t know it all. But after a few years they know it all.
Shawn, I’m proud of you. It doesn’t surprise me that your podcast has grown Into the millions. We learn so much from you. As you know I’ve watched your podcasts for years. Your probably the most honest man I know. It’s nice getting the straight truth. Your honorable and humble. I respect that greatly. Your guest Christian - WOW Talk about a mammoth skill set. I watched your other podcast with Christian… This man is also a humanitarian This world is a better place because of men like you !!!
For those that have completed SCBC at Brecon, back in the day there was a training seminar held by the SAS guys. Where in they would talk about who they were looking for and what was expected. Since you are considered in the top 3% of the Army by making it to SCBC.
When SBS was a brigade asset and pretty much consisted of ranks from the Royal Marines. Probably 99.9%. The selection process to make it as a badged SC was harder than the respective selection for 22. It was a course that was ran by Marines for Marines. Some courses had six candidates and the same amount of instructors. There was no chance of anyone slipping through the net, as is definitely the case in lieu of the amalgamation that was SF 2000. Prior to that point the lads from Hereford (Boat Troop) were not exactly ecstatic about being sent to Poole for cross training. The same thing was true with their (Mountain Troop), who had tuition from ML’s in the Cadre. They are not on most people’s radar, but they are probably the best bread and butter, conventional soldiers in the United Kingdom, if not the world. They were instrumental in the Falklands War. Their constant patrolling and continuous harassment of the enemy was responsible for breaking their resolve. The assaults on certain targets were essential in gaining the high ground and providing the head shed with much needed intelligence.
@dendemano. Finally someone who knows what he is talking about. I remember the change to the joint SF in 2000 very well. I was a Royal marine at the time and had a friend who was recently badged and was trying to convince me to go for selection. I decided against it and one of the reasons was because of the amalgamation with the sas. I have always been bias towards the marines having been one but I do genuinely believe that the SBS is the best SF unit in the world. There training is now joint but the SBS do further training to work in the water. They don’t need to ram it down peoples throats and they are just a humble unit who in my opinion are the best in the world
Might well be the case but it could be argued that without the closer working relationship the SBS might well have still been the poor relations in terms of kit and operational experience.
@@trident1314 I hear you, and it's certainly a valid point, although the MOD has recently invested quite heavily in 3 CDO Brigade, as in terms of modernising current equipment, as well as additions to the standard, and long regarded as below par for the needs of their role, which as we know has taken a more specific and defined role, which aligns with their original and historic roles.
One thing I'll hit back with is: yes Marines training is ran by Marines and its actually been found to be a significant flaw. if you compare Para reg ( for example) as they're widely considered their equal. Para reg are trained purely by Para reg instructors in training (unless they go via Harrogate, but well leave that out of this) once in Battalion they do courses where theyre competitive across the military...so promotion courses for example, Para reg have to prove theyre better by performing better in front of varying unit instructors. Marines on the other hand are self assessed. its some thing that was widely considered to be a good thing but actually when the marines became part of SFSG they were found wanting. There were commando level issues that the Army had to address and now have over come. I dont know the exact issues but one of the problems that was regularly highlighted was that they were internally assessed and had a mind set that they were marines and had proven their worth....so why should they have to prove it again.A very unhealthy mind set.
During the Falklands war there was a big Argentinan camp when suddenly an SAS soldier appeared on a hill shouting insults, the Argentinan General sent five men to kill him but they all rolled back down the hill dead. Again the SAS man appeared shouting insults this time the General sent ten men and again they all rolled back down the hill dead, when SAS man appeared again the General screamed that one hundred of his best men should go kill him but a minute later they all rolled back down the hill but this time one man was still clinging to life he looked up at the general and said "it's a trap there's two of them!"
geniune human there. Stand up guy. Humble Go watch the episode its yet another great one from Shawn Ryan another humble warrior may both these guys live an easy life after living a hard one serving their respective countries
Yep, I still have the Time magazine with Darth Vader on the cover that reports on the SAS Iranian hostage raid. My father thought I saved it due to Vader, nope it was due to the SAS - 1st time I ever heard of them.
For some reason i thought you were inferring that the Iranians thought the SAS were a bunch of Darth Vaders attacking and somehow that made just as much sense to me
Fun fact: The UK gov had air traffic have their planes fly lower to the ground on that day to cover the sounds of the SAS entry and assault on the building
I had the privilege of sitting next to a British bloke flying from the ME to London with a diplomatic bag, I told him I was not expecting to occupy the empty seat next to him for security reasons and therefore accepted to fly economy without a fuss, after a few minutes he came to me and asked me to sit next to him and we spoke about our families and personal stuff, what a fantastic bloke, and what honor I was given...
When I was a Canadian peacekeeper in Cyprus (infantry) sometimes in our platoon weapons locker at Ledra Palace, Woolsley Barracks in Nicosia, there would be a little pile of 9mm Browning Hi Powers & Uzis. I was told these are not to be touched and owned by a four man SAS detachment doing whatever they did in Cyprus 1988. And stored there during thier 72 hours off duty break. I find it kind of odd and funny they didn't temporarily store thier weapons with the British contingent. True story.
I have met many x servicemen who knew of Ledra palace. They always asked me if my family came from Cyprus. Because of my surname, many Leddra's down in Cornwall.
Close protection only. More than likely you were storage for operators to protect the United nations ambassador. The whole cypress thing is a joke. And I served there.
Soap, it's your turn for the CQB test. Everyone else head to observation. For this test you'll have to run the cargo ship solo in less than 60 seconds. Gaz holds the current squadron record at 19 seconds.
I'm missing whats very obviously a reference to something here. But whatever the source is, its total bs. A small cargo ship is about 200 meters long. If you can do 200 meters in 19 seconds, you're breaking Usain Bolts world record.
~1999, they opened up the Swimmer canoeists to all arms for the first time. Previous to that they had only taken Bootnecks. I switched over to SIGINT specialist RN (CT) instead because I didn't have faith in myself and that regret has remained with me for life. Any young servicemen reading this, if you want to, please at least try.
Likewise my friend. I was a boot neck at the time of the switch and had a friend in 98/99 had recently been badged trying to get me to apply for selection. The amalgamation in 2000 to joint SF put me off and I ended up leaving the corps in 2001. I regret this decision also but on one hand at least we are both still alive 👍👍
Both of you made a decision @ that time on a particular day/s. Never regret a past decision, it gave you experience & you still both served yr countries. Ex ADF myself, 1st female chosen to go into what was then classified “field force/frontline.” It’s not all guns, guts & glory, be proud yr still around to be who yr meant to be. The “idealisation” of theatres of war by movies & TV doesn’t cut the mustard imho. I use my old unit’s motto daily “nulli secundi” - non equal, bad days give you experience, good days give you joy & what’s to come who knows⁉️ Take care, stay safe.
22 SAS and SBS are the British version of US Delta Force and DevGru. The Uk Special Reconnaissance Regiment and 18th Signals Regiment is the British version the American JREG and COMTECH. The Uk SFSG although structured much differently is the same template and charter that the 75th Rangers have with JSOC. The Path Finders and Royal Marine Recce Troop are much like Force Recon marines in that they are not technically Special Operations and specialize in AFO for conventional battle space commanders. Then you have the new UK Army Special Operations Brigade which was meant to emulate the US Green Beret ODAs in their focus on Foreign internal Defense and “Triple A” - Advise, Assist & Accompany. The SAS and SBS preferred the American template of keeping the unilateral and bilateral roles separate from each other, which is how Charlie Beckwith built Delta Force in the mid 70s. Delta was built to be operate unilateral and the Green Berets would handle the bilateral (training and advising of host nation partner forces.) For decades the SAS and SBS were having to do both roles. Christian Craighead was actually doing exactly that when he was in Kenya training the Nairobi’s crisis response force. Going forward, the SAS and SBS will no longer have a hand in those mission sets.
@@spammodump correct. Stirling created the SAS in WWII, comprising of 2 regiments. after the war these regiments were disbanded, at which point the Reserve SAS regiment was created (21 SAS created from from Artists Rifles TA regiment, based in Southeast England, later to be joined by 23 SAS in the North of England).). Charlie Beckwith in his book actually details his time with 22 SAS, before returning to USA to start Delta. As Delta would take some time to get up and running smaller interim unit was created called Blue Light.
The SAS aren't like Delta, Delta is based on the SAS and the SAS advised on the training of Delta. The SAS were running around in Europe during WWII and before that the LRDG were running around in North Africa before the Americans even turned up for the fight,
The SBS has always been the pinnacle of special forces and the SAS don’t like this fact so feel it necessary to slag them off in a subtle way. The bottom line is before the selection process merged the SBS was a longer and harder course. It’s now exactly the same but the SBS do further continuation training to work in the water. TheSBS still recruit 90% from the Royal Marines. The humbleness and intelligence shines through the Navy - enough said
It isn't. They are the same, albeit SAS are kings of the air and land, SBS the ocean ('and land'). SAS also continually train--desert/jungle/mountainous terrains etc. While I tend to agree regard the marines/navy being a slightly more refied breed, this means squat on the battlefield. It is all a bit petty to even divide them; sort of like my dad's bigger than yours. They are on the same side and are as equally impressive, albeit the SAS is thought of as the pinnacle because they are in the public perception by what has gone on.
@@daverudd-zt3ob You make some good points Dave. I am responding to the bloke being interviewed who is being petty himself by subtly trying to suggest the sas is better. This is simply not the case and the SBS in my opinion are the best there is. This is my opinion but I personally couldn’t give two hoots 👊👊👍👍
@@JammyDodger45🤣 I used to work at a microbiology lab where we would process the HVS swabs (vaginal swabs) sent to us from the local GUM clinic. Whenever the naval ships came into port the number of samples went through the roof. It became a saying to anyone that looked busy: "ships in?".
There’s also the US Special Activities Division (called something else now I think) who are CIA-based. They draw candidates from Tier 1 (and other) units. Probably similar to UK’s E-Sqaudron. The 1% of the 1%.
Yeah they work extremely closely with E squadron. The British equivalent and Mi5 and Mi6 special forces unit. Pretty much exactly the same as the US special activities centre which it is now known as. And Recruits from the SAS, SBS and SRR. All ik is thank god we are allies because having the two best special forces together is a devastating threat for our enemies
Ground branch is the CIA unit theres a army tier 1 unit called the activity for formerly known as task force orange barely anybody has heard of them @@BigBoy-ql5rn
Between the ages of 13 to 16 my mother played tennis with a woman married to an original member of the SAS .He was very humble and softly spoken not to mention interesting.
Very diplomatic? He was trying to suggest the SAS are better. He is an arrogant clown who knows the reality is that the SBS has always been the pinnacle of special forces. They do further continuation training and 90% come from the Royal Marines.
@@rob8493I’ve seen you crying on like 4 comments it’s actually embarrassing. You could never make either and would not say anything to anybody’s face from any SF group. That’s why your sat crying on UA-cam get a life pal seriously absolutely embarrassing.
If all that were needed were one unit, one regiment there would only be the SAS. Selection then you go to Hereford as people know, or do your diving, go to poole. There are differences, hence the need for both. Most go down the SAS route, but army can stay on a bit longer and go to Poole. Other than that questions about interrogation etc, you will get vague answers from the guys, it's not Americans. Every single one of them is SF.
My impression from the TV shows is that they are looking for people who are highly capable, quick learners, humble mavericks and who can work well in a team, which is obviously an unusual combination of skills.
@@StimParavane Think outside the box, be able to improvise, adapt and make life or death decisions without going up the chain of command and doing it on the spot, the ability to remain calm and collected under severe and extreme amounts of pressure and uncertainty. The things you described would apply to the regular military in a more general way. A lot of it is psychological . Most people that apply to these tier 1 units are already super fit etc coming from the pathfinders or paras or commandos, rangers etc... A huge part of tier one training is not so much physical as it is psychological .
Legit. Mental. Preparing for any situation, any amount of toruture someone can expect. Giving their lives for their 'country' and having no qualms about it. @@lagarto83
in the 70s the SBS were the crème of the Royal Marines Commandos all volunteers but selection was restricted by spaces available, when i passed selection i was sent back to my commando unit until a space came up, they did not recruit from run of the mill army personnel, the SBS was a much smaller probably about 80 guys detachment and were less equipped but they had to cross skill much more than the SAS because they were fewer, the SBS mainly utilised canoes & rebreathers and basically worked in multiples of two man teams, there selection was the same as the SAS including parachute training but had an added maritime aspect. harbour assaults, cliff assaults, underwater infiltration arctic and mountain warfare.
British Marines tend to veer towards Special Boat Service & British Paratroopers go for Special Air Service. Although there are no hard & fast rules, if you're good enough you will eventually get there, Who Dares Wins!
As my dad said after over 40 years in military "What I did is between me and the MOD and is nobody else's business." It drove him spare when some one would talk or write about a mission. I've just retired after 22 years same response.
British government classifies military info routinely and there is no absolute freedom of information in British law. America has FOIA so everything is available to the public if requested by the citizenry.
In 2000 I believe that RM were out numbering guys from the army in the SAS. SBS selection was around 9 months back in the 80’s. Around 2 months of that was dive training. Smaller courses than the SAS selection in terms of numbers, but candidates were exclusively from the RM so the basic standard was higher on average. Failure rate was still 50-80%. The unit was pretty small back then. Less than 100 personnel including training and admin roles. Big changes these days.
60 percent of the regiment are from the PARAS.1 PARA are SFSG anyway the other 40 percent are crap hats coming from various other regiments anyway .Selection has a 90 percent fail rate . There are a few that failed first time around and went back Mainly due to injuries it happens as you no Selection goes on for a good few months from tabbing up beacons to to LLRP in the Big green then back again for CS with the SFSG from 1 PARA playing enemy for the E&E Then the TQ .hopefully you will see the White Arm band . Then life begins as a trooper in either A,B,D,G squadron in the regiment .who rotate on a Six monthly bases .Air ,Boat mobility and Mountain troop. in selection Process the SBS go on to complete SC phase then you have the SRR lads that complete the Aptitude Phase go on to there own SCSR training . Up until the Late 90s selection was separate wasn’t it .There is a lot of cross over with the SBS it’s the MCT isn’t it and the regiment with the CT the red and blue.All the UKSF are highly motivated highly trained effective. Me personally got a lot of respect for the SBS lads The regiment and SRR both at Credenhill.i think the SRR are overlooked because of the Cucci label the regiment and the SBS have
The reason people select SAS. Is because the SBS years ago was nothing they didnt get used for nothing up until the falklands war. People who bang on about the SBS being superior are wrong the SAS had more power in the higher ups and got more work.
SAS and SBS - what's the difference? "They're supposed to be the same" (smirk). The banter between the two must be hilarious! The rest of us would never dream of joining in.
@@joeblow9657 I think SAS have a boat squadron too. My guess is SBS do more frogmen stuff, and SAS do more HALO jumps and the like. But I'm probably also talking out of my arse.
@@nigeisfree7837 Wherever you have served, I am convinced you are right. No arguments from me. Just you crack on and thanks. Thanks aplenty. I spoke to a Dutch lad, just recently and he had so many medals it would make Idi Armin feel second best. Poor sod! - Stefan, not Idi. Special forces personnel are a different breed. Beautiful, brave, self-sacrificing... lunatics. In the right way. REspect.
I love how British this guy is that it almost threw off Shawn. Because you have to remember a lot of guys from U.S. are blowing things out of proportion not in a big way, but a lot of interview seems sometimes like "crazy story bruh..". This guys is nervous obviously but also like "yeah, we did that, but that's normal". Professionals. Silent killers.
It's different in England compared to Australia and New Zealand our SAS do everything from amphibious to air troop to mountain troop then mobility troop we do it all NZSAS & SASR
you do understand that its not luck that SASR and NZSAS operate and are structured very much like the SAS? I'll give you a clue, SAS were the first and now most of the world special forces do a similar role...Australia and New zealand chose to literally take the same name.
To think the soldiers that attempt the course have been in the millitary for 4 + years they are regarded as proberbly the most well trained infantryman on the planet, the Paras and the royal marines aswell as professional infantry regiments around the UK....also they would be the top soldiers within those corpse/ regiments which is hard core. Put it this way other "special forces" around the world recruit straight from civilian life.
At 2:27 you can see the answer of Craighead and his smirk like saying "SAS are better than SBS but we dont tell them". Shawn gets it (like Seal Team 6 and Delta) , smiles and continues. The beef between operators is worldwide
The SBS are far superior they literally do everything the SAS does and more. The operational capabilities of the SBS and the SAS are broadly similar. However, the SBS (being the principal Royal Navy contribution to UKSF) has the additional training and equipment required to lead in the maritime, amphibious and riverine environments including underwater missions and sabotage
Honestly I’m not concerned if it diminishes globally, because the next conflict will drive a surge of applicants. However if they lower standards to increase numbers. Well then you’re blunting your spear tip.
SAS - don't mind heights. SBS - don't mind a swim. Both prefer a cup of tea and only to be used when needed, preferably transported by a vehicle driven by them?
Shaun, what would you say to having former South African Special Forces on the show? Seems like a lot of stories from there that we don't typcially hear about.
Yeah they got up to some heavy stuff. I met a South African who had an AK 47 hole in his shoulder after getting shot up in one of the civil wars they SA got involved in.
joint selection is only recent, before it was separate . anyone as a Moutain Leader (ML) class 1 like myself could not go Canoeist but I worked with Boaties in my time. ML's are the Mountain and artic warfare unit and the Cadre course was considered harder than the SAS and SBS courses
I’m all my time in the RM corp I have never heard anyone say the ML course was harder than selection. Yes it’s a hard course but selection into the SBS is the pinocle.
its simple...SBS are the british Navy special forces and the SAS are the Army and airforce special forces historically.....things have changed how they can apply to each now and the selection is integrated....it never used to be.....but historically the Parachute Regiment provided the bulk of the SAS and the Royal Marines supplied the SBS...they both do the same job, the SAS have boat troop that are as capable as the SBS in water then the SBS will learn freefall and HALO/HAHO etc and be just as capable on land or in the air. both the Paras and Marines are classed, or used to be...as special forces in the UK hence they provide the bulk as they are already very highly trained lads
@@samcerulean1412no, that's not true. Everyone gets badged and then goes off to do extra training. So boat troop go off with the SBS, Mountain Troop go off to do an advanced mountaineering course. Mobility troop and air troop go off to do their thing. Biases aside it's like saying the Paras are better than the bootnecks because we go to Brize. It's disingenuous because they do water stuff so it's not like they're just training to be a regular infantry battalion but even then there's bootnecks that can jump just like there's sas that dive
Super hot take, feel free to rail my arse for this. 22 SAS is equivalent to US Army Special Forces in terms of the stuff they do that just so happens to also do stuff that lines up with CAG since they're based off of 22SAS during it's initial creation in 1977, making the 22 SAS a hybrid between SF and CAG.
SBS I thought were Royal Marines & SAS are Army. But hey, both teams are badasses. I'm sure the SBS has done way more "holy shit" stuff than any other team because no one hears about them
I think SBS, like the Marines are ostensibly part of the navy. SAS ostensibly part of the army, but in practice both come under some kind of special forces command along with SFSG, the new army rangers unit, and some unois within the paras and marines like Pathfinders etc (tier 2 SF).
@@crowbar9566 close, army rangers and paras/ marines (other than SFSG) are not part of the SF group. SFSG and SRR would be considered tier 2 (if we used that system) because they do a special task (SF) but they support the 'tier 1' units....ie they aren't really stand alone strike units like SAS/SBS who are capable of doing the full spectrum of tasks. I missed out; Pathfinders etc are the brigade recce for their respective brigade, so aren't considered SF although Paras and Marines are seen as elite troops.
@Abefroman1812 cool story big lad...only in SRRs mind are they tier 1...for any one that understand why theres the tier system knows they support Tier 1. (yes they do stand alone tasks but their job is to gain intelligence to allow tier 1 to target...thats a Tier 2 role as SAS and SBS also gather intelligence to target their own targets.
The sbs, RM SFC, RM smg, RM smu are navy but come under the command of UKSF. The RM and all it's teams come under ukcf (navy command) although various RM teams have a back up domestic CT role. The RM is a NATO level 2 (white) sof raid/ vbss/ maritime ops force. The sbs is a level 3 (black) sof force. Although the UK does not classify any unit based off level or tiers (bare in mind NATO's sof level classification does not follow the same format as the US tier system). The sas, srr, 18 sigs are army units that come under the command of UKSF Sfsg is a Tri service unit that comes under the command of UKSF.
I come from a military background. Both my grandfathers and 3 uncles 2 cousins my own mom and 2 brothers and my eldest son have all been in some branch of the military. I have nothing but respect and pride for any branch of our military. Including the T.A. I have the same respect for all military. I hate seeing others treat our soldiers with so much disrespect. The UK is the only European country that routinely recruits people aged under 18. SAS or SBS are the pride of the country. Us Brits are laid back we only rose up if you threatened our way of life. Sadly those days are gone as the youth of today have been taught by the media, their schools that they're evil. Recruitment is so bad that politicians are pushing for conscription. I personally think they should have done this a long time ago. Taught them some god damn respect. You are more likely to find these days WOMEN rising up to defend these shores. This man right here is a legend but if you didn't know his story you would never have guessed it. That's the entire point we don't know who are SBS or SAS
While I acknowledge your pride and respect your family history, most ordinary people in the UK will have in their family tree dads, grandads, grandmothers who did WW1/WW2/ National Service (which included Korea and lots of nasty 'police actions'). My paternal Grandfather fought in both World Wars - very young in the War to End all Wars and as a Pioneer in WW2. He wasn't braveor a total warmonger but apparently had a hard time dealing with civilian life (and a big family) in the 1930's, so joining up took a lot of responsibility off him The thing that triggered me (what a horrible phrase) was when you said "Recruitment is so bad that politicians are pushing for conscription". That's absolute bullshit. The problem that the Forces have filling positions is the box ticking that the senior ranks are bowing down to. The RAF won't recruit white pilots, the Army and the RN are going through a similar spasm. In other words the current administration for reasons best known to themselves are ignoring the vast pool of potential that the UK have - the working class white young male. Until they address this incomprehensible folly they will struggle with recruits as the other elements of the UK population don't seem to buy into a life of service to the Crown. As a PS - could this conscription musing be a subtle way of dissuading the illegal immigrants? They would not be best pleased if they got out of their boats and were immediately issued with a uniform, a rifle and seconded to the 'Anglo-Ukrainian Volunteer Battalion' of the 2nd No Hope Brigade 5th Infantry Division (The Meatgrinders). Just a thought...
Nowadays - yes, it's accurate. Formerly - the SBS was purely RM thing and was the one of their SQs (qualifications) to obtain your SC qual. and get in. But these days yes - SBS is SAS with gills :)
Not strictly true SBS were far superior and this is why. Previously anyone can apply for SAS selection from an RAF chef or a Navy storeman but SBS selection was only taken from members of the Royal Marine commandos which clearly are a high standard and specially trained already at that time SBS training was also longer it was possible to fail SBS selection and still make SAS depending on what part you had failed at . The only exception to the intake being from RM was medics which were taken from The Royal navy which at that time had Royal Navy Commandos .this all changed circa 2002 ish . So SBS was longer and had higher standards.
the SBS also recruit from the royal engineers . members of the royal engineer commando squadron can also go for SBS. the royal engineers are the only ones in the British military that can apply for any other unit they feel they would enjoy doing be it SAS/SBS/SRR/SSR or SFSG
That last bit about numbers dropping. That's the reason the UK created a new special ops unit The Ranger Regiment in 2021 this is to take on the guys that are tough but didn't make the cut for SAS and to give guys a taste of special ops to persuade them to try to join.
@@crowbar9566 the RAF only has one unit they can draw from with infantry experience RAF regiment(not that its essential, but its sure helpful for a fighting unit) . so they'd struggle to get enough of the type of 'SF characters'. But the RAF guys do join the SAS.
@@OMT988 Yep. Some RAF Regiment guys successfully joined the SAS. Scotsman Bob Shepherd rose all the way to Seargent Major. Was on the Iranian Embassy op, and Falklands. Bloody warrior.
@@YARROWS9 SBS currently come under special forces command not Navy. What is more than likely going to happen is that the Navy will create its own social operations teams similar to the British army probably staffed by Commandos.
@@Art-is-craft The Special Boat Service is under the Royal Navies command, unless they are needed for land based operations, then it is under Army command.
The SAS are like the Grandfarther of all Special Forces world wide, of course there were units before that but nothing like the SAS, they even advised on how to train Delta Force and had a hand in the Seal Teams too, same with the French SF and others all took notes from SAS, whats crazy is the SAS were running around behind enemy lines in Nazi germany in WW2 before anyone even knew what they were and to this day are seen as probably the best Special Force unit in the world 80 odd years later, for such a small country its amazing.
There is no real difference. Just SBS has an extra water element, and they work together in UKSF, taking tasks as they come. You should get some more UKSF members on the show Shaun.
SAS also have the water element with boat troop. The difference is in primary responsibility with SAS doing land based operations and SBS doing amphibious stuff.
It's not just an extra water element though. They literally train and invent tactics for covert water based operations, it's a completely different skillset.
What the issue is these days is the forces used some kind of third party recruiter for ALL the forces and they are largely responsible for the dwindling numbers of actual regular personnel. That is before anyone changes unit !
Such a different vibe between American Seals and British SAS probably reflecting the difference between a Brit and a typical North American and yet lots of similarities too.
I remember during the 2000s when people kept saying the War on Terror would be an eternal war, no possible end in sight. And now here we are, just stamping out the odd spot fire.
Problem with this explanation is that there is no real difference now, but there was a massive difference back in the day before joint selection. SBS had a tough time before that, they got all hand me down gear from the SAS shitty funding compared to the SAS and they never got the same chances to go on missions. I don't know when the obvious happened as in the big wigs realising, we don't just have to use them in the water lol.
The SBS are trained to operate even in pitch dark condition under water... Not many people could overcome the claustrophobic environment...let alone doing sabotage or other meticulous manouvre...down there under 100 or 200 feet...with close circuit breathing sets on...😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Called thin slicing apprently. Some university years ago did research on surgeons and also special forces etc people at end of line who must make life death decisions without thinking etc. Was fascinating piece,,
From what I read of books authored by ex SBS members, so take that with a pinch of salt, there's two stages of selection. If you pass Stage 1 you can join the SAS or do stage 2, if you pass Stage 2 you can join the SBS, if you fail Stage 2 you can still join the SAS which creates a lot of rivalry between the two services as the SBS members claim the SAS is just SBS drop outs, people who never passed Stage 2. Now unless the recruitment has changed since those books were published idk.
This is incorrect. Selection has been joint since the 70s - as described in this interview. Once badged you then do the continuation training of the unit you are joining. There is complete parity
Selection has been Joint for about 25yrs not since the 70s. Also you don't get badged until you've passed Continuation Stage which concludes with Resistance to Interrogation. When CF talks about continuation here he's referring to unit routine training once you've passed the course.
Admittedly, I'm no expert. But I doubt there is any difference between the 2. Both were formed roughly at the same time. I guess inter service rivalry (Army/Navy/Marines) is no bad thing.
The original Special Boat Squadron formed in WW2 at one point was part of the SAS. Anders Larsen who won a VC in 1945 at Lake Comacchio in Italy was serving with the SBS at the time, yet is credited as being the only SAS VC holder. At the end of the war when these specialist units were disbanded and the Royal Marines took on the commando role, they looked at the various maritime specialist units such as the Folboat Troops ( which were the precursor to SBS) the Royal Marine Boom Patrol Detachment of Cockshell Hero fame, which with the Paras and the RM Commandos survived the kill, combined Operations Pilotage parties who surveyed landing site for invasions and the Small Scale Raiding Force ( also known as No. 62 Commando) of which Anders Larsen was a member until it disbanded in 1943. After looking at all these units the Royal Marines felt that they didn’t want to loose these skill sets or capability and the RMBPD was given the name School of Combined OperationsBeach and Boat Section. There were also Special Boat Sections formed by the Royal Marines. As time progressed this changed from Section to Squadron to finally Service. A complicated history but. A proud one none the less.
@@rickyyo215 Green Berets and SEALS are tier 3 unless attached to JSOC. "The Army Special Forces and other units like the SEALs, Marine Raiders, and Air Force Combat Search and Rescue teams are classified as Tier 3 units within the special operations commands of their respective services. However, when a Tier 3 unit is attached to the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) to support a mission, it is temporarily reclassified as a Tier 2 unit."
Yea. All UKSF haven't pass the SF swim test (3m entry, tread water for 9 minutes, then a 500m swim and a 10m underwater swim including retrieval of a weight from the bottom of the pool). SBS do the Swimmer Canoeist course post selection which has miles and miles of swimming, including lots of scuba.
The tip of the spear is diminishing not because of a wind down in the GWOT, but instead because of the infestation of wokeness in the western worlds militaries.
I had to come back and comment. Dude. Get out of your echo chamber. It isn't "wokeness" that's diminished it; it's intensive budget cuts across the board. Every country. Every military.
You do a selection test if your deemed worthy by your battalion when you are a full time soldier after you have done other cadre’s ie skill at arms and escape and evasion but your being constantly monitored fitness and mentality are very understanding you are a team player but you can cut loose and perform as an individual if and when required but things could have changed these days who knows with the involvement of politicians?
Special Boat Service, same as the Special Air Service but they specialize in maritime, amphibious and riverine environments. the Brits version of the Navy Seals and Delta Force. Welp, Navy Seals are U.S. Navy and Delta Force is U.S. Army. I get the impression that Delta Force operates more in the shadows by a razor thin margin and the Navy Seals are a bit more out front but the two are very highly equally trained. The top 1 percent. Navy Seals operate with the CIA when they need the muscle so it's kinda nit picking to differentiate betwixt the two. Whenever the illuminati Masonic Order that actually rules the earth needs to recover a crashed flying saucer or some live aliens they probably call Delta operators. The CIA has Delta Force on speed dial at 1-900-DELTA, they use the Navy Seals for bodyguards and assassinations. lol
How did you write that while tugging yourself with your right hand and blasting your prostate with the other? (no one's family takes dictations from you either...)
'working in the shadows' is what all SF units do. The lime light comes from public interest, so if SBS had do the Iranian siege, we'd be hearing more about them. its no where near as much of an influence on the troops or tasks as you might think. well, not until they get out any way lol.
Of course a para and SAS will say they are the same when he knows full well they’re not. RM and SBS will always be superior. Maybe not as much as before they amalgamated training but they are. You all know it. Feel free to argue even though you know it’s true. Cannot be arsed to go into why but for starters better soldiers to start with.
You've obviously never heard of Ant Middleton then. He's a famous SBS lad for a few TV shows but arguably his most famous endeavour was when he helped the other hobbit throw the ring into mount doom
@@me5969 yeah he slipped thru the naafi back door him. Sneak out of aldershot and straight into lympston. Hence short and fat HGH helped his looks mind
Shawn has grown in to an amazing interviewer. I’m disappointed in the constant SAS vs. Delta, SAS vs, SEALS and the ubiquity sophistry that comes with those infantile comparisons. But, Shawn is killing it and Chris is a stud
Being careful what he says. Because even though he is no longer serving he is still governed under the UK official Secrets act. Which if he says something he shouldn’t he could end up in Prison.
SAS, Special Air Service = Delta Force Motto - 'He Who Dares, Wins' UK's tier one Army SF regiment SBS, Special Boat Service = DEVGRU/Navy SEALS Motto - 'By Strength and Guile' UK's tier one maritime SF regiment Both were created in WW2. The SAS was born out of a need to para-drop small units behind German/Italian lines in North Africa. They would then rendezvous with the Long Range Desert Group, (LRDG,) who were equipped with jeeps/land-rovers, supplies and weapons to cross the desert and scout/ambush axis positions. Together, they would establish a FOB, from where they would strike axis airfields under the cover of darkness. Depending on the security/alertness of the airfield, they would either sneak in and take out guards quietly, while planting explosives on parked aircraft. Or they would drive in, guns blazing and strafe the enemy hit-and-run style. They rigged up their vehicles with as many machine guns as they could carry to do this, usually a set of twin Lewis guns bracketed together on the front passenger seat, with a Browning .50 cal mounted in the back, taken from an allied bomber, which had a faster rate of fire than the standard gun. These commando tactics were named 'Butcher and Bolt' by Winston Churchill, who was keen to find new, sustainable and effective ways to fight the axis powers where it would hurt them most and least expect. The destruction of these axis aircraft meant that Germany and Italy no longer could establish air superiority over the desert. British and allied convoys could now cross the desert and engage the enemy un-molested by bombing/strafing runs. Air attack was a massive hindrance to allied movement before this.. A convoy occasionally had a couple of self-propelled anti-aircraft tanks or vehicles escorting, but they were an in-adequate defense in small numbers against squadrons of axis fighter/bombers, who would often use tactics to draw their fire, while another plane would swoop down and attack from the other direction, destroying the air defense. Then they would proceed to destroy allied supply trucks, crippling their movement. After that, they would strafe infantry with machine guns and bomb/rocket any armored vehicles they could before heading home. If a convoy's water and/or fuel trucks were hit, you could not carry out your mission and you were a sitting duck waiting for re-supply unless you had enough spare to turn around and head home This was the birth of modern special forces as we know them today. All other special forces regiments across the world, including America's, have since been modeled on the SAS's structure and tactics. They are the most experienced tier one SF unit in the world. The unit specializes in a number of roles including counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, direct action and special reconnaissance. *Continued in reply*
*Copied from Wiki because they can tell it better than I can* The SBS starts with Roger Courtney, who became a commando in mid-1940 and was sent to the Combined Training Centre in Scotland. He was unsuccessful in his initial attempts to convince Admiral of the Fleet Sir Roger Keyes and later Admiral Theodore Hallett, commander of the Combined Training Centre, that his idea of a folding kayak brigade would be effective. He decided to infiltrate HMS Glengyle, an infantry landing ship anchored in the River Clyde. Courtney paddled to the ship, climbed aboard undetected, wrote his initials on the door to the captain's cabin, and stole a deck gun cover. He presented the soaking cover to a group of high-ranking Royal Navy officers meeting at a nearby Inveraray hotel. He was promoted to captain and given command of twelve men as the first Special Boat Service/Special Boat Section. *Back to me for long story short, more info on SBS op's in WW2 on their wiki page* - Afterwards the SBS proceeded to conduct numerous maritime-based raids and operations in the Mediterranean theatre against axis forces, mostly around the Greek islands, Crete, Rhodes, etc. *Wiki* - The SBS's principle roles are Surveillance and Reconnaissance (SR), including information reporting and target acquisition; Offensive Action (OA), including the direction of air strikes, artillery and naval gunfire, designation for precision guided munitions, use of integral weapons and demolitions; and Support and Influence (SI), including overseas training tasks. The SBS also provides immediate response Military Counter Terrorism (CT) and Maritime Counter Terrorism (MCT) teams. *Me* The SBS was formed around a year before the precursors of the US Navy SEALS, 'The Amphibious Scouts and Raiders'. The Navy SEAL's as we know them today were not officially founded until 1962. It is probably safe to say that the British shared their special naval warfare tactics with the Americans, who were seeking to create their own maritime SF unit to conduct operations against the Japanese in the pacific. Again, the SBS, alongside the SAS, paved the way and became the model for special warfare in maritime operations across the world.
Those vehicles in the Western Desert each had roughly the same firepower as a Spitfire or Hurricane, but more ammunition. Up to 20 of them drove around the airfield in formation, all firing at once. Just imagine the noise - you can't imagine being on the recieving end.
0:54 THE DIFFERENCE IS PROBABLY THIS . THEY ARE BOTH ELITE , AND HARD . BUT THOSE IN THE S.B.S ARE BETTER SWIMMERS 🏊♂️. P.S ~ THEN THERE IS THE LETTER " E " !
Interesting to hear him say the numbers are reducing because the "War on Terror is finished". I was 18 in 2002, I didn't join up then because the non-specifc nature of that emerging conflict was not attractive. It looked clearly Iraq 2 especially, wasn't about protecting the homelands but about securing the oil. And fuck dying for that. However, today, with the obvious threat from Russia, I'm now 40 but if were 20, I would join up immediately. The current threat feels much more real, and something you could fight against than the "war on terror". I actually have an application in to join the RAF, but Im not optomistic about it.
What I find interesting is that it’s relatively easy to find an ex SAS guy giving an interview somewhere. Not so much an SBS guy! Is it me or are they much more secretive?
Thanks for watching everyone. You can watch the full episode with Christian Craighead here ua-cam.com/video/PiWkym0T78c/v-deo.htmlsi=nUujAMDx7n4UREDh Additionally if you want to support the Shawn Ryan Show you can join the community. www.patreon.com/VigilanceElite
Brilliant podcasts Shawn. You listen, and let the guests tell their stories.
Active duty airman now, living in the UK and Scotland, met several former SAS operators in person, awesome people, wish I could train under their command in the future. mass respect for these professional soldiers
Always watching programs about patriots be it American Aber British!
The answer to the topic, this is literally, ability to swim. Both SAS and SBS have insane requirements. Getting into either is an act of will, coupled to an already well developed body and mind and a resolute confidence in your ability to persevere. Personal discipline, confidence, fitness and intellect are the required characteristics.
SBS are mostly marines - so they have a much better level of basic training and fitness than regular infantry and are encouraged to be independent of thought. They also have specialised maritime/diving training that emphasises their expertise in coastal operations. Coastal operations doesn't sound very useful until you consider 80% of humanity lives near the coast. If someone needs sandy feet - that's literally where the SAS developed their regiment.
SAS are mostly Paras, who are Britain's murder donkeys - i.e. Yomp (march) over there with your bodyweight in ammunition and food and then **** everything up on that hill, 100KM away over broken terrain. In the next 72 hours please. The SAS mix in a few engineers and psycho military autism types from other regiments to keep the IQ up (no offence my Liverpudlian friends who jump out of aeroplanes in seach of hubcaps and murder
I remember my mum sending me round to an old ex-SAS and ex-Para guy down the road to give me some advice about training etc. He was quietly spoken but such a nice bloke. Was telling me all sorts of interesting stuff about map reading, geography, how to stay mentally strong etc. People sometimes forget that these guys are just normal blokes in many ways. They have families, often get regular jobs post-service, get ill, have other hobbies etc. But they're all tough as nails ofc.
What did he tell you about staying mentally tough?
@@jayden_2954 He said when you're cold, wet, hungry or tired, think one more mile, one more day etc. And to always keep in mind that you're going for something most people would never apply for, so you're already ahead. Just keep going, never give up.
@@goodyeoman4534can’t really get better advice for tackling any type of adversity than that. Solid. The U.K. SF selection and training really does sort the wheat from the chaff.
@@goodyeoman4534good advice for life. When you’re not cold wet and hungry (which is most of the time for most of the pampered west) you’re already ahead…
I took comfort from seeing how other people were responding to any hardship. I know that it seems like take a negative way to profit from witnessing the discomfort and suffering of others, but it is a known fact that people do take strength from their counterparts (during a test phase or training environment) who are displaying signs of weakness, anger, or irrational behaviour, and that the exact same circumstances are not having any such effect on yourself. It is a very good indicator of how well, and how much you are capable of enduring. That’s not to say that you wouldn’t do anything you could in order to help others get through a difficult episode, as it is quite possible that it is just a blip, and they’ll be back on track. I have always been able to crack on with the task at hand with a smile on my face. I could be woken up after a short sleep and open my eyes and get straight up, however tired I was feeling before I went to sleep. I’ve had individuals who turned violent during exercises in basic training. Sleep deprivation is one of the most severe factors that affects an individuals mental and physical well being. This can vary widely depending on your overall condition, and obviously the length of time you have been deprived of quality sleep. I have experienced hallucinations on a few occasions, and one time in particular was a full blown episode. A passenger jet flew over my head and was close enough for me to see details of the undercarriage. A row of cyalumes (glow sticks) were placed in front of my defensive position, which had taken us days to get dug in and without any sleep. I believe that this represented a runway effect in my mind and the imagery kicked in without any warning signs. The experience was unbelievable, but also fascinating, as well as slightly unnerving, due to the fact it was the first time I had ever seen anything like it. The other incidents were far less dramatic and involved me talking nonsense for a short while.
The comments on here on brilliant, considering 99% probably havent got a clue. You wouldnt fu*k with the SAS or SBS, leave it at that
Some women would
Or any British infantry combat unit.
@TalorcMacAllan-j2z ahahah, yeah the seals thot Shane Gillis jokes about
the comments are literally 99.9% positive you tit
That would b a long day peeing off a sas/sbs lad.
First off, unless things have drastically changed in the past few decades, each SAS Sqn has a boat troop that does diving and small boat work etc. Many people get confused when confronted with this fact and assume one is talking about the SBS.
Next, for the yanks (and Canadians), the film Christian is referring to (Who Dares Wins) was released in North America under the title. The Final Option. Fun flick starring the great Lewis Collins, Richard Widmark, Judy Davis and even the great Edward Woodward.
I'm older than Christian so I totally remember the Princes Gate rescue in 1980. I was 15 and was enthralled... just like I was 4 years earlier upon learning the details of the Israelis kicking ass at Entebbe. These ops always make me feel warm and happy. The pros - getting it done!
@@OMT988 Okay. I'll take your word for it. When I met guys from one of the boat troops, there were definitely diving every day. They also did a para jump into the ocean from an RAF Herc. This was back in 84. Now, to me, that's like yesterday. However, I have to accept the fact that it was 40 yrs ago. I am getting old...
US army Soecial Forces also have teams that are dive based as do US Rangers. There are also members of Royal Marine Commandos that have dive tracing but no operational teams at present.
yep, there's a reason why the SAS and SBS are sent in when failure isnt an option
From my brothers perspective who’s former colonel was formally one of the officers in Cammand of the SBS. He ran selection and did a lot of the training for Ant Middleton, Jason Fox and Mathew Ollerton. In addition to scouting the Royal Marines for new talent. Even today when my brother joined the Royal Marines as an officer. What separates both units now is just the name. Now ofc the SAS specialise in Land and air warefare and the SBS maritime. But realistically they could all be in each others units if they wanted too. These guys as they say are the best off the best. Most of them as well know how to fly planes and helicopters as well. In addition to learning undercover surveillance techniques as well. To work closely with the special renaissance regiment and the Secret services. They do it all. Obviously when they join up they don’t know it all. But after a few years they know it all.
Shawn, I’m proud of you.
It doesn’t surprise me that
your podcast has grown
Into the millions. We learn so
much from you. As you know
I’ve watched your podcasts
for years. Your probably the
most honest man I know.
It’s nice getting the straight
truth. Your honorable and
humble. I respect that greatly.
Your guest Christian - WOW
Talk about a mammoth skill
set. I watched your other podcast with Christian…
This man is also a humanitarian
This world is a better place
because of men like you !!!
For those that have completed SCBC at Brecon, back in the day there was a training seminar held by the SAS guys. Where in they would talk about who they were looking for and what was expected. Since you are considered in the top 3% of the Army by making it to SCBC.
Don’t do it anymore but my instructor on junior Brecon was 22. As was the chief instructor on LRCC.
Haha, maybe by finishing the briefing course and passing it. Certainly not by just attending it.
The top 3% of the Brit Army is roughly equivalent to the top 3% of a typical Aussie Boy Scout Troop.
@@MyBelch You wish mate.
@@MyBelch Aussie Boy Scout Troop? Is that the lingo for SASR these days?
When SBS was a brigade asset and pretty much consisted of ranks from the Royal Marines. Probably 99.9%. The selection process to make it as a badged SC was harder than the respective selection for 22. It was a course that was ran by Marines for Marines. Some courses had six candidates and the same amount of instructors. There was no chance of anyone slipping through the net, as is definitely the case in lieu of the amalgamation that was SF 2000. Prior to that point the lads from Hereford (Boat Troop) were not exactly ecstatic about being sent to Poole for cross training. The same thing was true with their (Mountain Troop), who had tuition from ML’s in the Cadre. They are not on most people’s radar, but they are probably the best bread and butter, conventional soldiers in the United Kingdom, if not the world. They were instrumental in the Falklands War. Their constant patrolling and continuous harassment of the enemy was responsible for breaking their resolve. The assaults on certain targets were essential in gaining the high ground and providing the head shed with much needed intelligence.
@dendemano. Finally someone who knows what he is talking about.
I remember the change to the joint SF in 2000 very well. I was a Royal marine at the time and had a friend who was recently badged and was trying to convince me to go for selection. I decided against it and one of the reasons was because of the amalgamation with the sas.
I have always been bias towards the marines having been one but I do genuinely believe that the SBS is the best SF unit in the world. There training is now joint but the SBS do further training to work in the water.
They don’t need to ram it down peoples throats and they are just a humble unit who in my opinion are the best in the world
@@rob8493 Roger that.
Might well be the case but it could be argued that without the closer working relationship the SBS might well have still been the poor relations in terms of kit and operational experience.
@@trident1314 I hear you, and it's certainly a valid point, although the MOD has recently invested quite heavily in 3 CDO Brigade, as in terms of modernising current equipment, as well as additions to the standard, and long regarded as below par for the needs of their role, which as we know has taken a more specific and defined role, which aligns with their original and historic roles.
One thing I'll hit back with is: yes Marines training is ran by Marines and its actually been found to be a significant flaw.
if you compare Para reg ( for example) as they're widely considered their equal. Para reg are trained purely by Para reg instructors in training (unless they go via Harrogate, but well leave that out of this) once in Battalion they do courses where theyre competitive across the military...so promotion courses for example, Para reg have to prove theyre better by performing better in front of varying unit instructors.
Marines on the other hand are self assessed.
its some thing that was widely considered to be a good thing but actually when the marines became part of SFSG they were found wanting. There were commando level issues that the Army had to address and now have over come. I dont know the exact issues but one of the problems that was regularly highlighted was that they were internally assessed and had a mind set that they were marines and had proven their worth....so why should they have to prove it again.A very unhealthy mind set.
During the Falklands war there was a big Argentinan camp when suddenly an SAS soldier appeared on a hill shouting insults, the Argentinan General sent five men to kill him but they all rolled back down the hill dead. Again the SAS man appeared shouting insults this time the General sent ten men and again they all rolled back down the hill dead, when SAS man appeared again the General screamed that one hundred of his best men should go kill him but a minute later they all rolled back down the hill but this time one man was still clinging to life he looked up at the general and said "it's a trap there's two of them!"
They tell this same joke in Finland - the two are Finns and the other soldiers are Russians.
I think every Army tells same joke.
That makes my belly ache in laughter.
An oldie but goldie 🙂
😂😂😂😂
geniune human there. Stand up guy. Humble
Go watch the episode its yet another great one from Shawn Ryan another humble warrior
may both these guys live an easy life after living a hard one serving their respective countries
Yep, I still have the Time magazine with Darth Vader on the cover that reports on the SAS Iranian hostage raid. My father thought I saved it due to Vader, nope it was due to the SAS - 1st time I ever heard of them.
I have a news paper with this guys famous pic storming into the hotel
For some reason i thought you were inferring that the Iranians thought the SAS were a bunch of Darth Vaders attacking and somehow that made just as much sense to me
@@tigerdragonmartialarts2172😂😂😂
Fun fact: The UK gov had air traffic have their planes fly lower to the ground on that day to cover the sounds of the SAS entry and assault on the building
That was the regiment's "official" introduction to the world...all we had were rumors until then...so I am led to believe.
I had the privilege of sitting next to a British bloke flying from the ME to London with a diplomatic bag, I told him I was not expecting to occupy the empty seat next to him for security reasons and therefore accepted to fly economy without a fuss, after a few minutes he came to me and asked me to sit next to him and we spoke about our families and personal stuff, what a fantastic bloke, and what honor I was given...
When I was a Canadian peacekeeper in Cyprus (infantry) sometimes in our platoon weapons locker at Ledra Palace, Woolsley Barracks in Nicosia, there would be a little pile of 9mm Browning Hi Powers & Uzis. I was told these are not to be touched and owned by a four man SAS detachment doing whatever they did in Cyprus 1988. And stored there during thier 72 hours off duty break.
I find it kind of odd and funny they didn't temporarily store thier weapons with the British contingent. True story.
I have met many x servicemen who knew of Ledra palace. They always asked me if my family came from Cyprus. Because of my surname, many Leddra's down in Cornwall.
1988? I was there. Fond memories.
The SAS can choose whatever weapons they feel best for operations. They very rarely go with British made weapons.
@YARROWS9 and if they get caught or lose the kit they don't have or leave British marked kit
Close protection only. More than likely you were storage for operators to protect the United nations ambassador. The whole cypress thing is a joke. And I served there.
Soap, it's your turn for the CQB test. Everyone else head to observation. For this test you'll have to run the cargo ship solo in less than 60 seconds. Gaz holds the current squadron record at 19 seconds.
you just won UA-cam comment of the year in my eyes
💪
Just remember switching to your pistol is faster than reloading, and what the hell kind of name is soap.
"Your fruit killing skills are remarkable" 🤣🤣🤣
I'm missing whats very obviously a reference to something here. But whatever the source is, its total bs. A small cargo ship is about 200 meters long. If you can do 200 meters in 19 seconds, you're breaking Usain Bolts world record.
~1999, they opened up the Swimmer canoeists to all arms for the first time. Previous to that they had only taken Bootnecks. I switched over to SIGINT specialist RN (CT) instead because I didn't have faith in myself and that regret has remained with me for life. Any young servicemen reading this, if you want to, please at least try.
Likewise my friend. I was a boot neck at the time of the switch and had a friend in 98/99 had recently been badged trying to get me to apply for selection. The amalgamation in 2000 to joint SF put me off and I ended up leaving the corps in 2001.
I regret this decision also but on one hand at least we are both still alive 👍👍
Both of you made a decision @ that time on a particular day/s. Never regret a past decision, it gave you experience & you still both served yr countries. Ex ADF myself, 1st female chosen to go into what was then classified “field force/frontline.” It’s not all guns, guts & glory, be proud yr still around to be who yr meant to be. The “idealisation” of theatres of war by movies & TV doesn’t cut the mustard imho. I use my old unit’s motto daily “nulli secundi” - non equal, bad days give you experience, good days give you joy & what’s to come who knows⁉️ Take care, stay safe.
Did you not think about 148?
22 SAS and SBS are the British version of US Delta Force and DevGru. The Uk Special Reconnaissance Regiment and 18th Signals Regiment is the British version the American JREG and COMTECH. The Uk SFSG although structured much differently is the same template and charter that the 75th Rangers have with JSOC. The Path Finders and Royal Marine Recce Troop are much like Force Recon marines in that they are not technically Special Operations and specialize in AFO for conventional battle space commanders. Then you have the new UK Army Special Operations Brigade which was meant to emulate the US Green Beret ODAs in their focus on Foreign internal Defense and “Triple A” - Advise, Assist & Accompany. The SAS and SBS preferred the American template of keeping the unilateral and bilateral roles separate from each other, which is how Charlie Beckwith built Delta Force in the mid 70s. Delta was built to be operate unilateral and the Green Berets would handle the bilateral (training and advising of host nation partner forces.) For decades the SAS and SBS were having to do both roles. Christian Craighead was actually doing exactly that when he was in Kenya training the Nairobi’s crisis response force. Going forward, the SAS and SBS will no longer have a hand in those mission sets.
I literally see you on every video pertaining to a JSOC unit lol. We have very similar interests.
“22 SAS are the British version of US Delta Force.”
I think you’ll find Delta Force are the US version of the British SAS.
@@spammodump correct. Stirling created the SAS in WWII, comprising of 2 regiments. after the war these regiments were disbanded, at which point the Reserve SAS regiment was created (21 SAS created from from Artists Rifles TA regiment, based in Southeast England, later to be joined by 23 SAS in the North of England).).
Charlie Beckwith in his book actually details his time with 22 SAS, before returning to USA to start Delta. As Delta would take some time to get up and running smaller interim unit was created called Blue Light.
The SAS predates ALL American special forces.
@@SuperEdge67 Britain predates America.
The SAS aren't like Delta, Delta is based on the SAS and the SAS advised on the training of Delta. The SAS were running around in Europe during WWII and before that the LRDG were running around in North Africa before the Americans even turned up for the fight,
LRDG were before the SAS.1940 .
SAS was formed in 41, SAS then copied LRDG jeep usage after failed paradrops in Nth Africa
Yeah, what would an ex SAS know, right? 😂
FFS. Grow up.
@@MyBelch You're entitled to your own opinion but not to your own facts. Facts matter, especially when someone holds themselves out as an expert.
They advised on Delta’s training in the late 1970’s. It’s 2024. Simmer down hero
This man is a legend! Thank you for serving and keeping us all safe.
Safe from what?
Do you cuddle soft toys at night don't you.
@THEJAM-EATERS No mate, I served and respected other veterans who have given you the freedoms you enjoy in our country.
@@colincampbell4251 To play devils advocate what freedoms did you or the guy in the video give us?.
@@jackjones1249 learn your history
The SBS has always been the pinnacle of special forces and the SAS don’t like this fact so feel it necessary to slag them off in a subtle way. The bottom line is before the selection process merged the SBS was a longer and harder course. It’s now exactly the same but the SBS do further continuation training to work in the water. TheSBS still recruit 90% from the Royal Marines.
The humbleness and intelligence shines through the Navy - enough said
If,so, the SBS does a S PR rep. 🤷🏻
@@davidlynch9049 no idea what you are talking about!
It isn't. They are the same, albeit SAS are kings of the air and land, SBS the ocean ('and land'). SAS also continually train--desert/jungle/mountainous terrains etc. While I tend to agree regard the marines/navy being a slightly more refied breed, this means squat on the battlefield. It is all a bit petty to even divide them; sort of like my dad's bigger than yours. They are on the same side and are as equally impressive, albeit the SAS is thought of as the pinnacle because they are in the public perception by what has gone on.
And my uncle was in the SAS!!
@@daverudd-zt3ob You make some good points Dave. I am responding to the bloke being interviewed who is being petty himself by subtly trying to suggest the sas is better.
This is simply not the case and the SBS in my opinion are the best there is. This is my opinion but I personally couldn’t give two hoots 👊👊👍👍
I have never been in the military but in my working life I worked with both the SBS (M Squadron) and the SAS. A privilege!
Do you work in a Clap Clinic?
@@JammyDodger45
?
🤷🏻♂️
@@JammyDodger45🤣 I used to work at a microbiology lab where we would process the HVS swabs (vaginal swabs) sent to us from the local GUM clinic. Whenever the naval ships came into port the number of samples went through the roof. It became a saying to anyone that looked busy: "ships in?".
Precisely the fact I was alluding to!
Cheers.
There’s also the US Special Activities Division (called something else now I think) who are CIA-based. They draw candidates from Tier 1 (and other) units. Probably similar to UK’s E-Sqaudron. The 1% of the 1%.
Yh I know that one, they use them to train and overthrow foreign governments
Yeah they work extremely closely with E squadron. The British equivalent and Mi5 and Mi6 special forces unit. Pretty much exactly the same as the US special activities centre which it is now known as. And Recruits from the SAS, SBS and SRR. All ik is thank god we are allies because having the two best special forces together is a devastating threat for our enemies
They are called Ground Branch. There's even a game called Ground Branch and it's very good.
Correction: The 1% of the 1% of the 1%
AKA: The best (1%) of tier one (1%) of the best of the world (SOF, 1%)
Ground branch is the CIA unit theres a army tier 1 unit called the activity for formerly known as task force orange barely anybody has heard of them @@BigBoy-ql5rn
Between the ages of 13 to 16 my mother played tennis with a woman married to an original member of the SAS .He was very humble and softly spoken not to mention interesting.
He was being very diplomatic regarding the comparison between the two forces.
Very diplomatic? He was trying to suggest the SAS are better.
He is an arrogant clown who knows the reality is that the SBS has always been the pinnacle of special forces.
They do further continuation training and 90% come from the Royal Marines.
@@rob8493I’ve seen you crying on like 4 comments it’s actually embarrassing. You could never make either and would not say anything to anybody’s face from any SF group. That’s why your sat crying on UA-cam get a life pal seriously absolutely embarrassing.
@@rob8493they do dive school, thats about it
Most SAS are paras
@@rob8493arrogant clown who achieved more than you could ever dream of 🤷🏻♂️.
@rob8493 Calm down karen! What are you a SBS fanboy! 🤣🤣🤣🤣and why are you soooooo easier triggered bro! 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
If all that were needed were one unit, one regiment there would only be the SAS. Selection then you go to Hereford as people know, or do your diving, go to poole. There are differences, hence the need for both. Most go down the SAS route, but army can stay on a bit longer and go to Poole. Other than that questions about interrogation etc, you will get vague answers from the guys, it's not Americans. Every single one of them is SF.
My impression from the TV shows is that they are looking for people who are highly capable, quick learners, humble mavericks and who can work well in a team, which is obviously an unusual combination of skills.
Tv show has nothing to do with special forces lol
@@BornePlayss So what did I say that was incorrect? What qualities do you think they are looking for?
@@StimParavane Think outside the box, be able to improvise, adapt and make life or death decisions without going up the chain of command and doing it on the spot, the ability to remain calm and collected under severe and extreme amounts of pressure and uncertainty. The things you described would apply to the regular military in a more general way. A lot of it is psychological . Most people that apply to these tier 1 units are already super fit etc coming from the pathfinders or paras or commandos, rangers etc... A huge part of tier one training is not so much physical as it is psychological .
Legit. Mental. Preparing for any situation, any amount of toruture someone can expect. Giving their lives for their 'country' and having no qualms about it. @@lagarto83
@@lagarto83 Yes I covered this by using the term "humble maverick". But clearly, that wasn't explicit enough for you.
in the 70s the SBS were the crème of the Royal Marines Commandos all volunteers but selection was restricted by spaces available, when i passed selection i was sent back to my commando unit until a space came up, they did not recruit from run of the mill army personnel, the SBS was a much smaller probably about 80 guys detachment and were less equipped but they had to cross skill much more than the SAS because they were fewer, the SBS mainly utilised canoes & rebreathers and basically worked in multiples of two man teams, there selection was the same as the SAS including parachute training but had an added maritime aspect. harbour assaults, cliff assaults, underwater infiltration arctic and mountain warfare.
Recruitment standard is recruitment standard. If you don’t have enough pass to fill billets tough. They won’t lower standards to get numbers .
British Marines tend to veer towards Special Boat Service & British Paratroopers go for Special Air Service. Although there are no hard & fast rules, if you're good enough you will eventually get there, Who Dares Wins!
Sixty percent of the regiment are from the PARAS . 1 PARA are SFSG anyway the other 40 percent are crap hats coming from other regiments.
Interesting to see how former SAS and SBS can hardly talk about gear and operating procedures and Navy Seals are shouting it from the rooftops 😅.
Andy Mcnab of Bravo Two Zero detailed a lot of SAS sop's in his book and after that the MOD made new members sign waivers regarding it all
Exactly!!!!……comment of the year👍
As my dad said after over 40 years in military "What I did is between me and the MOD and is nobody else's business." It drove him spare when some one would talk or write about a mission. I've just retired after 22 years same response.
British government classifies military info routinely and there is no absolute freedom of information in British law. America has FOIA so everything is available to the public if requested by the citizenry.
Not just a Navy problem at this point. Army doing it too (along with CIA?!) and it is going to bite the U.S. in the backside.
In 2000 I believe that RM were out numbering guys from the army in the SAS. SBS selection was around 9 months back in the 80’s. Around 2 months of that was dive training. Smaller courses than the SAS selection in terms of numbers, but candidates were exclusively from the RM so the basic standard was higher on average. Failure rate was still 50-80%. The unit was pretty small back then. Less than 100 personnel including training and admin roles. Big changes these days.
60 percent of the regiment are from the PARAS.1 PARA are SFSG anyway the other 40 percent are crap hats coming from various other regiments anyway .Selection has a 90 percent fail rate . There are a few that failed first time around and went back Mainly due to injuries it happens as you no Selection goes on for a good few months from tabbing up beacons to to LLRP in the Big green then back again for CS with the SFSG from 1 PARA playing enemy for the E&E Then the TQ .hopefully you will see the White Arm band . Then life begins as a trooper in either A,B,D,G squadron in the regiment .who rotate on a Six monthly bases .Air ,Boat mobility and Mountain troop. in selection Process the SBS go on to complete SC phase then you have the SRR lads that complete the Aptitude Phase go on to there own SCSR training . Up until the Late 90s selection was separate wasn’t it .There is a lot of cross over with the SBS it’s the MCT isn’t it and the regiment with the CT the red and blue.All the UKSF are highly motivated highly trained effective. Me personally got a lot of respect for the SBS lads The regiment and SRR both at Credenhill.i think the SRR are overlooked because of the Cucci label the regiment and the SBS have
Nonsense. The SAS has always been predominantly Parachute Regiment blokes.
The reason people select SAS. Is because the SBS years ago was nothing they didnt get used for nothing up until the falklands war. People who bang on about the SBS being superior are wrong the SAS had more power in the higher ups and got more work.
SBS…because even the SAS need hero’s to look up to 😂
REAL @BullRoarer 😂
thats why the SRR go in before the SAS or SBS and then tell them how to go do the task
@@MarkBerenger i guess comprehension class was a fail for you
This. 💯 and he knows it. SB superior.
Who?
SAS and SBS - what's the difference?
"They're supposed to be the same" (smirk).
The banter between the two must be hilarious!
The rest of us would never dream of joining in.
One does boat stuff. Simple as 'nuff said.
@@joeblow9657 I think SAS have a boat squadron too. My guess is SBS do more frogmen stuff, and SAS do more HALO jumps and the like. But I'm probably also talking out of my arse.
We do everything
@@nigeisfree7837 Wherever you have served, I am convinced you are right.
No arguments from me. Just you crack on and thanks. Thanks aplenty.
I spoke to a Dutch lad, just recently and he had so many medals it would make Idi Armin feel second best. Poor sod! - Stefan, not Idi.
Special forces personnel are a different breed. Beautiful, brave, self-sacrificing... lunatics. In the right way.
REspect.
SAS or SBS? Meh! Everyone knows the RAF Regiment is the top SF in the UK!
I love how British this guy is that it almost threw off Shawn. Because you have to remember a lot of guys from U.S. are blowing things out of proportion not in a big way, but a lot of interview seems sometimes like "crazy story bruh..". This guys is nervous obviously but also like "yeah, we did that, but that's normal". Professionals. Silent killers.
Don't mistake thinking things through with being nervous.
The movie "Who Dares Wins" is referenced here. The star of that, Lewis Collins joined the SAS reserve regiment and passed selection.
No, he was rejected because he was famous. He only served in the TA para's.
He never made the cut actually
@@catlee8064 I doubt if he was famous when he tried to get in.
It's different in England compared to Australia and New Zealand our SAS do everything from amphibious to air troop to mountain troop then mobility troop we do it all NZSAS & SASR
So do the UK. every squadron has those 4 troops. Same with the SBS.
you do understand that its not luck that SASR and NZSAS operate and are structured very much like the SAS?
I'll give you a clue, SAS were the first and now most of the world special forces do a similar role...Australia and New zealand chose to literally take the same name.
To think the soldiers that attempt the course have been in the millitary for 4 + years they are regarded as proberbly the most well trained infantryman on the planet, the Paras and the royal marines aswell as professional infantry regiments around the UK....also they would be the top soldiers within those corpse/ regiments which is hard core.
Put it this way other "special forces" around the world recruit straight from civilian life.
Plenty of Guards have been successful in selection, Lifeguards, Blues and Royals too
At 2:27 you can see the answer of Craighead and his smirk like saying "SAS are better than SBS but we dont tell them". Shawn gets it (like Seal Team 6 and Delta) , smiles and continues. The beef between operators is worldwide
That’s cause it’s not the case at all. The SBS are superior and he knows it. That’s why the smirk. Do some reading and you’ll see why.
The SBS are far superior they literally do everything the SAS does and more. The operational capabilities of the SBS and the SAS are broadly similar. However, the SBS (being the principal Royal Navy contribution to UKSF) has the additional training and equipment required to lead in the maritime, amphibious and riverine environments including underwater missions and sabotage
SAS fight were way in, SBS think their way in … and save ammo 😜
Delta and Devgru are a version onfthe SAS/ SBS as they are the first documented special forces regiment.
Honestly I’m not concerned if it diminishes globally, because the next conflict will drive a surge of applicants. However if they lower standards to increase numbers. Well then you’re blunting your spear tip.
SAS - don't mind heights. SBS - don't mind a swim. Both prefer a cup of tea and only to be used when needed, preferably transported by a vehicle driven by them?
Sbs sea based sas land based. But both can work together or independently
Shaun, what would you say to having former South African Special Forces on the show? Seems like a lot of stories from there that we don't typcially hear about.
Anyone from Israeli tier one or intelligence services came?
Or the Selous Scouts in Rhodesia.
Yeah they got up to some heavy stuff. I met a South African who had an AK 47 hole in his shoulder after getting shot up in one of the civil wars they SA got involved in.
joint selection is only recent, before it was separate . anyone as a Moutain Leader (ML) class 1 like myself could not go Canoeist but I worked with Boaties in my time. ML's are the Mountain and artic warfare unit and the Cadre course was considered harder than the SAS and SBS courses
Joint Selection started a 1/4 of a century ago!
He he
I’m all my time in the RM corp I have never heard anyone say the ML course was harder than selection.
Yes it’s a hard course but selection into the SBS is the pinocle.
@@JammyDodger45 I was out by 87!
@@rob8493 well I had a few boaties say it when I was in. I was gone by 87
2:25 'They're supposed to be the same". That smirk, lol!
I’m curious to know the difference as well. I always thought it was only SAS but I’m sure SBS guys are hardcore as well. Jason Fox was SBS.
Do exactly the same training sbs just do extra dive training on top. Royal marines normally join the sbs and people from the army join the sas
its simple...SBS are the british Navy special forces and the SAS are the Army and airforce special forces historically.....things have changed how they can apply to each now and the selection is integrated....it never used to be.....but historically the Parachute Regiment provided the bulk of the SAS and the Royal Marines supplied the SBS...they both do the same job, the SAS have boat troop that are as capable as the SBS in water then the SBS will learn freefall and HALO/HAHO etc and be just as capable on land or in the air. both the Paras and Marines are classed, or used to be...as special forces in the UK hence they provide the bulk as they are already very highly trained lads
The SBS has harder training regime, the SBS do much of the same training that the SAS do but with a lot extra on top.
@@samcerulean1412no, that's not true. Everyone gets badged and then goes off to do extra training. So boat troop go off with the SBS, Mountain Troop go off to do an advanced mountaineering course. Mobility troop and air troop go off to do their thing. Biases aside it's like saying the Paras are better than the bootnecks because we go to Brize. It's disingenuous because they do water stuff so it's not like they're just training to be a regular infantry battalion but even then there's bootnecks that can jump just like there's sas that dive
@@aaronking2369wrong
Super hot take, feel free to rail my arse for this.
22 SAS is equivalent to US Army Special Forces in terms of the stuff they do that just so happens to also do stuff that lines up with CAG since they're based off of 22SAS during it's initial creation in 1977, making the 22 SAS a hybrid between SF and CAG.
SBS I thought were Royal Marines & SAS are Army. But hey, both teams are badasses. I'm sure the SBS has done way more "holy shit" stuff than any other team because no one hears about them
I think SBS, like the Marines are ostensibly part of the navy. SAS ostensibly part of the army, but in practice both come under some kind of special forces command along with SFSG, the new army rangers unit, and some unois within the paras and marines like Pathfinders etc (tier 2 SF).
@@crowbar9566 close, army rangers and paras/ marines (other than SFSG) are not part of the SF group.
SFSG and SRR would be considered tier 2 (if we used that system) because they do a special task (SF) but they support the 'tier 1' units....ie they aren't really stand alone strike units like SAS/SBS who are capable of doing the full spectrum of tasks.
I missed out; Pathfinders etc are the brigade recce for their respective brigade, so aren't considered SF although Paras and Marines are seen as elite troops.
@Abefroman1812 cool story big lad...only in SRRs mind are they tier 1...for any one that understand why theres the tier system knows they support Tier 1. (yes they do stand alone tasks but their job is to gain intelligence to allow tier 1 to target...thats a Tier 2 role as SAS and SBS also gather intelligence to target their own targets.
The sbs, RM SFC, RM smg, RM smu are navy but come under the command of UKSF. The RM and all it's teams come under ukcf (navy command) although various RM teams have a back up domestic CT role. The RM is a NATO level 2 (white) sof raid/ vbss/ maritime ops force. The sbs is a level 3 (black) sof force. Although the UK does not classify any unit based off level or tiers (bare in mind NATO's sof level classification does not follow the same format as the US tier system).
The sas, srr, 18 sigs are army units that come under the command of UKSF
Sfsg is a Tri service unit that comes under the command of UKSF.
SBS are naval based and started directly under Royal Marine Commandos. SAS are army but were started from commandos in WW2.
The difference? An "A" and a "B". Air and Boats. The SBs also do diving on O2 equipment which the Air does not.
I come from a military background. Both my grandfathers and 3 uncles 2 cousins my own mom and 2 brothers and my eldest son have all been in some branch of the military. I have nothing but respect and pride for any branch of our military. Including the T.A. I have the same respect for all military. I hate seeing others treat our soldiers with so much disrespect. The UK is the only European country that routinely recruits people aged under 18. SAS or SBS are the pride of the country. Us Brits are laid back we only rose up if you threatened our way of life. Sadly those days are gone as the youth of today have been taught by the media, their schools that they're evil. Recruitment is so bad that politicians are pushing for conscription. I personally think they should have done this a long time ago. Taught them some god damn respect. You are more likely to find these days WOMEN rising up to defend these shores.
This man right here is a legend but if you didn't know his story you would never have guessed it. That's the entire point we don't know who are SBS or SAS
While I acknowledge your pride and respect your family history, most ordinary people in the UK will have in their family tree dads, grandads, grandmothers who did WW1/WW2/ National Service (which included Korea and lots of nasty 'police actions'). My paternal Grandfather fought in both World Wars - very young in the War to End all Wars and as a Pioneer in WW2. He wasn't braveor a total warmonger but apparently had a hard time dealing with civilian life (and a big family) in the 1930's, so joining up took a lot of responsibility off him
The thing that triggered me (what a horrible phrase) was when you said "Recruitment is so bad that politicians are pushing for conscription". That's absolute bullshit. The problem that the Forces have filling positions is the box ticking that the senior ranks are bowing down to. The RAF won't recruit white pilots, the Army and the RN are going through a similar spasm. In other words the current administration for reasons best known to themselves are ignoring the vast pool of potential that the UK have - the working class white young male.
Until they address this incomprehensible folly they will struggle with recruits as the other elements of the UK population don't seem to buy into a life of service to the Crown.
As a PS - could this conscription musing be a subtle way of dissuading the illegal immigrants? They would not be best pleased if they got out of their boats and were immediately issued with a uniform, a rifle and seconded to the 'Anglo-Ukrainian Volunteer Battalion' of the 2nd No Hope Brigade 5th Infantry Division (The Meatgrinders).
Just a thought...
Nowadays - yes, it's accurate. Formerly - the SBS was purely RM thing and was the one of their SQs (qualifications) to obtain your SC qual. and get in.
But these days yes - SBS is SAS with gills :)
Not strictly true SBS were far superior and this is why. Previously anyone can apply for SAS selection from an RAF chef or a Navy storeman but SBS selection was only taken from members of the Royal Marine commandos which clearly are a high standard and specially trained already at that time SBS training was also longer it was possible to fail SBS selection and still make SAS depending on what part you had failed at . The only exception to the intake being from RM was medics which were taken from The Royal navy which at that time had Royal Navy Commandos .this all changed circa 2002 ish . So SBS was longer and had higher standards.
the SBS also recruit from the royal engineers . members of the royal engineer commando squadron can also go for SBS. the royal engineers are the only ones in the British military that can apply for any other unit they feel they would enjoy doing
be it SAS/SBS/SRR/SSR or SFSG
That last bit about numbers dropping. That's the reason the UK created a new special ops unit The Ranger Regiment in 2021 this is to take on the guys that are tough but didn't make the cut for SAS and to give guys a taste of special ops to persuade them to try to join.
SAS is largely Army. SBS is largely Royal Marines. Under control of the Royal Navy.
I feel like the RAF should have a special forces unit, but the army's SAS has already swiped the "Air" from the potential name.
@@crowbar9566 the RAF only has one unit they can draw from with infantry experience RAF regiment(not that its essential, but its sure helpful for a fighting unit) . so they'd struggle to get enough of the type of 'SF characters'. But the RAF guys do join the SAS.
@@OMT988 Yep. Some RAF Regiment guys successfully joined the SAS. Scotsman Bob Shepherd rose all the way to Seargent Major. Was on the Iranian Embassy op, and Falklands. Bloody warrior.
@@YARROWS9
SBS currently come under special forces command not Navy. What is more than likely going to happen is that the Navy will create its own social operations teams similar to the British army probably staffed by Commandos.
@@Art-is-craft The Special Boat Service is under the Royal Navies command, unless they are needed for land based operations, then it is under Army command.
The SAS are like the Grandfarther of all Special Forces world wide, of course there were units before that but nothing like the SAS, they even advised on how to train Delta Force and had a hand in the Seal Teams too, same with the French SF and others all took notes from SAS, whats crazy is the SAS were running around behind enemy lines in Nazi germany in WW2 before anyone even knew what they were and to this day are seen as probably the best Special Force unit in the world 80 odd years later, for such a small country its amazing.
Built off the backs of the craziest British, Aussie and Kiwi nutters of the LRDG
There is no real difference. Just SBS has an extra water element, and they work together in UKSF, taking tasks as they come.
You should get some more UKSF members on the show Shaun.
SAS also have the water element with boat troop. The difference is in primary responsibility with SAS doing land based operations and SBS doing amphibious stuff.
@@trident1314boat troop is more about inserting from the water vs diving and doing under water operations
@@Bigman-fh1fz happy to be corrected but I'm sure in the past at least they did dives and underwater stuff.
It's not just an extra water element though. They literally train and invent tactics for covert water based operations, it's a completely different skillset.
What the issue is these days is the forces used some kind of third party recruiter for ALL the forces and they are largely responsible for the dwindling numbers of actual regular personnel. That is before anyone changes unit !
There's also a little known SCS "Special Car Service".
The SCS are a well known and respected sofa company in the UK. Highly professional operators who know how to make a sale!
Also known as Clarksons Top Gear
They always deliver ..............
Super Army Soldiers v. Super Boat Soldiers, my mates Dad told me. He was on the balcony in 1980 👍🏻
Along with the 488 others that I have met.
You wouldn’t tell the difference if they were kicking your door in
That's all that matters
Well, if it happens on a oil rig, it’s probably SBS
Such a different vibe between American Seals and British SAS probably reflecting the difference between a Brit and a typical North American and yet lots of similarities too.
Brilliant, brave man
I remember during the 2000s when people kept saying the War on Terror would be an eternal war, no possible end in sight. And now here we are, just stamping out the odd spot fire.
SAS Slightly Average Soldier.... SBS Slightly Better Soldier..... 😉
Shut up stolen valour boy, tryna hint you would know
Don't repeat that in any pub in Hereford. 🙂😂
Both better than delta...
Problem with this explanation is that there is no real difference now, but there was a massive difference back in the day before joint selection. SBS had a tough time before that, they got all hand me down gear from the SAS shitty funding compared to the SAS and they never got the same chances to go on missions. I don't know when the obvious happened as in the big wigs realising, we don't just have to use them in the water lol.
His reluctance to discuss Selection among other things is a stark contrast with the navy seal / devgru disclosure.
It's taboo
Which is funny as John McAleese and Eddie Stone gave it away 20 years ago
@@billybrand9976 alot different now to twenty years ago
Mk mind control.
It's changed a hell of slot since their day!@@billybrand9976
This guy seems so calm and that should scare the shit out of everyone
What about E Squadron?
The electric vehicle division. No sound 100% stealth.
The SBS are trained to operate even in pitch dark condition under water...
Not many people could overcome the claustrophobic environment...let alone doing sabotage or other meticulous manouvre...down there under 100 or 200 feet...with close circuit breathing sets on...😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Night diving is quite a popular course for fat civvies on their holidays. It's not operating in darkness that sets special operations divers apart. 😂
SBS are better looking and taller.
Also SBS tend to be more muscular & more intelligent on average !
That sounded like a slurpy hock hock hock hock to me.
SBS have tighter t shirts and more fragrant hair gel
SBS have more cross-dressers (but only just)
You have to be essence to be badged SBS, if your a honking creature then a blade you will be.
He was almost back in the interrogation phase responding “I can’t answer that, Sir … “.
a guy who can make life or death decisions in 1/1000th of a second but having to measure his words as not to reveal any secrets.
Called thin slicing apprently. Some university years ago did research on surgeons and also special forces etc people at end of line who must make life death decisions without thinking etc. Was fascinating piece,,
From what I read of books authored by ex SBS members, so take that with a pinch of salt, there's two stages of selection. If you pass Stage 1 you can join the SAS or do stage 2, if you pass Stage 2 you can join the SBS, if you fail Stage 2 you can still join the SAS which creates a lot of rivalry between the two services as the SBS members claim the SAS is just SBS drop outs, people who never passed Stage 2. Now unless the recruitment has changed since those books were published idk.
This is incorrect. Selection has been joint since the 70s - as described in this interview. Once badged you then do the continuation training of the unit you are joining. There is complete parity
Selection has been Joint for about 25yrs not since the 70s.
Also you don't get badged until you've passed Continuation Stage which concludes with Resistance to Interrogation.
When CF talks about continuation here he's referring to unit routine training once you've passed the course.
The difference between the SAS and the SBS is the SAS has an A in it and the SBS has a B in it!
You can only apply twice for sas/sbs so if you get a injury both times in selection that's you done
Admittedly, I'm no expert. But I doubt there is any difference between the 2. Both were formed roughly at the same time. I guess inter service rivalry (Army/Navy/Marines) is no bad thing.
The original Special Boat Squadron formed in WW2 at one point was part of the SAS. Anders Larsen who won a VC in 1945 at Lake Comacchio in Italy was serving with the SBS at the time, yet is credited as being the only SAS VC holder.
At the end of the war when these specialist units were disbanded and the Royal Marines took on the commando role, they looked at the various maritime specialist units such as the Folboat Troops ( which were the precursor to SBS) the Royal Marine Boom Patrol Detachment of Cockshell Hero fame, which with the Paras and the RM Commandos survived the kill, combined Operations Pilotage parties who surveyed landing site for invasions and the Small Scale Raiding Force ( also known as No. 62 Commando) of which Anders Larsen was a member until it disbanded in 1943. After looking at all these units the Royal Marines felt that they didn’t want to loose these skill sets or capability and the RMBPD was given the name School of Combined OperationsBeach and Boat Section. There were also Special Boat Sections formed by the Royal Marines. As time progressed this changed from Section to Squadron to finally Service.
A complicated history but. A proud one none the less.
@@spannerpasserAn excellent summary. Erm... Anders Lassen though.
What about Navy Seals/Delta Force/Green Beret, are they considered equal as in SAS/SBS?
SAS/SBS are tier 1. Equivalent to delta and devgru. green berets and seals are tier 2.
They have no equal. SBS no1 followed closely by SAS.
@@rickyyo215 Green Berets and SEALS are tier 3 unless attached to JSOC.
"The Army Special Forces and other units like the SEALs, Marine Raiders, and Air Force Combat Search and Rescue teams are classified as Tier 3 units within the special operations commands of their respective services. However, when a Tier 3 unit is attached to the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) to support a mission, it is temporarily reclassified as a Tier 2 unit."
I assume you have to be able to swim quite well for the SBS.
Yea. All UKSF haven't pass the SF swim test (3m entry, tread water for 9 minutes, then a 500m swim and a 10m underwater swim including retrieval of a weight from the bottom of the pool). SBS do the Swimmer Canoeist course post selection which has miles and miles of swimming, including lots of scuba.
Due to the fact that they can walk on water, they don’t have to be able to swim, but it helps.
yeah fuck that @@PaddyInf
@@luckystickshahahahahaa…..excellent comment!!!👍
Well, to answer the question in the thumbnail and, not to point out the obvious but one acronym has a vowel in it and the other doesn’t?
SBS is local multi cultural TV in Australia.
Duh
Lol
It is interesting to note how many RM are within the SF umbrella
The tip of the spear is diminishing not because of a wind down in the GWOT, but instead because of the infestation of wokeness in the western worlds militaries.
Did you just presume the tip of my spear!?
Source?
I had to come back and comment. Dude. Get out of your echo chamber. It isn't "wokeness" that's diminished it; it's intensive budget cuts across the board. Every country. Every military.
Source?
And perhaps some complacency (see: Ukraine) but mainly massive massive cuts in funding.
You do a selection test if your deemed worthy by your battalion when you are a full time soldier after you have done other cadre’s ie skill at arms and escape and evasion but your being constantly monitored fitness and mentality are very understanding you are a team player but you can cut loose and perform as an individual if and when required but things could have changed these days who knows with the involvement of politicians?
Special Boat Service, same as the Special Air Service but they specialize in maritime, amphibious and riverine environments. the Brits version of the Navy Seals and Delta Force. Welp, Navy Seals are U.S. Navy and Delta Force is U.S. Army. I get the impression that Delta Force operates more in the shadows by a razor thin margin and the Navy Seals are a bit more out front but the two are very highly equally trained. The top 1 percent. Navy Seals operate with the CIA when they need the muscle so it's kinda nit picking to differentiate betwixt the two. Whenever the illuminati Masonic Order that actually rules the earth needs to recover a crashed flying saucer or some live aliens they probably call Delta operators. The CIA has Delta Force on speed dial at 1-900-DELTA, they use the Navy Seals for bodyguards and assassinations. lol
The SBS are more like DEVGRU than the regular SEAL teams.
How did you write that while tugging yourself with your right hand and blasting your prostate with the other? (no one's family takes dictations from you either...)
'working in the shadows' is what all SF units do. The lime light comes from public interest, so if SBS had do the Iranian siege, we'd be hearing more about them.
its no where near as much of an influence on the troops or tasks as you might think. well, not until they get out any way lol.
You forgot to mention that the SAS make crop-circles across Wiltshire in their spare time.
Of course a para and SAS will say they are the same when he knows full well they’re not. RM and SBS will always be superior. Maybe not as much as before they amalgamated training but they are. You all know it. Feel free to argue even though you know it’s true. Cannot be arsed to go into why but for starters better soldiers to start with.
Ant Middleton says the same and he has served with both. One of the reasons why my son decided to join Royal marines.
@@ukredmanAnt Middleton was never a Para, he was a Royal Engineer.
Im here for the comments of the stolen valour bullshitters that drop hints that they're ex SAS 😂
I'm SAS ......... Serjeant, Alan Serjeant. 🙂😂🤣
Everyone in the UK knows about the SAS but few know about the SBS Hmmmm my dad was SBS
SBS are essence. Beautiful long hair 6ft 2 plus. Handsom great skin woman squirt when see SBS guys
SAS are short and Fat
True Story
You've obviously never heard of Ant Middleton then. He's a famous SBS lad for a few TV shows but arguably his most famous endeavour was when he helped the other hobbit throw the ring into mount doom
@@me5969 yeah he slipped thru the naafi back door him. Sneak out of aldershot and straight into lympston. Hence short and fat
HGH helped his looks mind
Para para in the sky 🙄
Beautiful words, Spoken like a true royal
Essence 😂
Shawn has grown in to an amazing interviewer.
I’m disappointed in the constant SAS vs. Delta, SAS vs, SEALS and the ubiquity sophistry that comes with those infantile comparisons.
But, Shawn is killing it and Chris is a stud
No comment
Always assumed that the SBS is for aspiring Marines and the SAS for aspiring Paras.
SAS = Super Army Soldiers
SBS = Super British Soldiers
Their on our side, that's all that matters !!!
They're
It baffles me how difficult it is for him to articulate his points.
Being careful what he says. Because even though he is no longer serving he is still governed under the UK official Secrets act. Which if he says something he shouldn’t he could end up in Prison.
@@JaneGalvin He's camera shy. It's not a skill they are selected or trained for. if anything, it's the opposite.
@@JaneGalvin True when you sign the offical secrets act that is that. There is no expiry.
SAS, Special Air Service = Delta Force
Motto - 'He Who Dares, Wins'
UK's tier one Army SF regiment
SBS, Special Boat Service = DEVGRU/Navy SEALS
Motto - 'By Strength and Guile'
UK's tier one maritime SF regiment
Both were created in WW2.
The SAS was born out of a need to para-drop small units behind German/Italian lines in North Africa. They would then rendezvous with the Long Range Desert Group, (LRDG,) who were equipped with jeeps/land-rovers, supplies and weapons to cross the desert and scout/ambush axis positions. Together, they would establish a FOB, from where they would strike axis airfields under the cover of darkness.
Depending on the security/alertness of the airfield, they would either sneak in and take out guards quietly, while planting explosives on parked aircraft. Or they would drive in, guns blazing and strafe the enemy hit-and-run style. They rigged up their vehicles with as many machine guns as they could carry to do this, usually a set of twin Lewis guns bracketed together on the front passenger seat, with a Browning .50 cal mounted in the back, taken from an allied bomber, which had a faster rate of fire than the standard gun.
These commando tactics were named 'Butcher and Bolt' by Winston Churchill, who was keen to find new, sustainable and effective ways to fight the axis powers where it would hurt them most and least expect. The destruction of these axis aircraft meant that Germany and Italy no longer could establish air superiority over the desert. British and allied convoys could now cross the desert and engage the enemy un-molested by bombing/strafing runs.
Air attack was a massive hindrance to allied movement before this.. A convoy occasionally had a couple of self-propelled anti-aircraft tanks or vehicles escorting, but they were an in-adequate defense in small numbers against squadrons of axis fighter/bombers, who would often use tactics to draw their fire, while another plane would swoop down and attack from the other direction, destroying the air defense. Then they would proceed to destroy allied supply trucks, crippling their movement. After that, they would strafe infantry with machine guns and bomb/rocket any armored vehicles they could before heading home. If a convoy's water and/or fuel trucks were hit, you could not carry out your mission and you were a sitting duck waiting for re-supply unless you had enough spare to turn around and head home
This was the birth of modern special forces as we know them today. All other special forces regiments across the world, including America's, have since been modeled on the SAS's structure and tactics. They are the most experienced tier one SF unit in the world. The unit specializes in a number of roles including counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, direct action and special reconnaissance.
*Continued in reply*
*Copied from Wiki because they can tell it better than I can*
The SBS starts with Roger Courtney, who became a commando in mid-1940 and was sent to the Combined Training Centre in Scotland. He was unsuccessful in his initial attempts to convince Admiral of the Fleet Sir Roger Keyes and later Admiral Theodore Hallett, commander of the Combined Training Centre, that his idea of a folding kayak brigade would be effective. He decided to infiltrate HMS Glengyle, an infantry landing ship anchored in the River Clyde. Courtney paddled to the ship, climbed aboard undetected, wrote his initials on the door to the captain's cabin, and stole a deck gun cover. He presented the soaking cover to a group of high-ranking Royal Navy officers meeting at a nearby Inveraray hotel. He was promoted to captain and given command of twelve men as the first Special Boat Service/Special Boat Section.
*Back to me for long story short, more info on SBS op's in WW2 on their wiki page* -
Afterwards the SBS proceeded to conduct numerous maritime-based raids and operations in the Mediterranean theatre against axis forces, mostly around the Greek islands, Crete, Rhodes, etc.
*Wiki* -
The SBS's principle roles are Surveillance and Reconnaissance (SR), including information reporting and target acquisition; Offensive Action (OA), including the direction of air strikes, artillery and naval gunfire, designation for precision guided munitions, use of integral weapons and demolitions; and Support and Influence (SI), including overseas training tasks. The SBS also provides immediate response Military Counter Terrorism (CT) and Maritime Counter Terrorism (MCT) teams.
*Me*
The SBS was formed around a year before the precursors of the US Navy SEALS, 'The Amphibious Scouts and Raiders'. The Navy SEAL's as we know them today were not officially founded until 1962. It is probably safe to say that the British shared their special naval warfare tactics with the Americans, who were seeking to create their own maritime SF unit to conduct operations against the Japanese in the pacific. Again, the SBS, alongside the SAS, paved the way and became the model for special warfare in maritime operations across the world.
Those vehicles in the Western Desert each had roughly the same firepower as a Spitfire or Hurricane, but more ammunition. Up to 20 of them drove around the airfield in formation, all firing at once. Just imagine the noise - you can't imagine being on the recieving end.
Good chat but why is it filmed in near total darkness..?
Because it's cozy😊
0:54 THE DIFFERENCE IS PROBABLY THIS . THEY ARE BOTH ELITE , AND HARD . BUT THOSE IN THE S.B.S ARE BETTER SWIMMERS 🏊♂️.
P.S ~ THEN THERE IS THE LETTER " E " !
Interesting to hear him say the numbers are reducing because the "War on Terror is finished". I was 18 in 2002, I didn't join up then because the non-specifc nature of that emerging conflict was not attractive. It looked clearly Iraq 2 especially, wasn't about protecting the homelands but about securing the oil. And fuck dying for that. However, today, with the obvious threat from Russia, I'm now 40 but if were 20, I would join up immediately. The current threat feels much more real, and something you could fight against than the "war on terror".
I actually have an application in to join the RAF, but Im not optomistic about it.
Cannot wait for the book….👊🏻🇺🇸
What I find interesting is that it’s relatively easy to find an ex SAS guy giving an interview somewhere.
Not so much an SBS guy! Is it me or are they much more secretive?
That's like asking what's the difference between Delta Force and SEAL Team VI.
There are about 2500 Navy Seals, 400-600 SAS and 200-250 SBS personnel at any one time.