Special Air Service
Also known as SAS, S.A.S
Regiment Battalion BN Association SFSG JSOC SAS SIS ISA Intelligence Support Activities
Key facts
- Active
- 1941–1945, 1947–present
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Branch
- British Army
- Type
- Special forces
- Role
- Special operations , Counter-terrorism
- Size
- Three regiments
- Part of
- United Kingdom Special Forces
- Garrison hq
- RHQ: Stirling Lines , Herefordshire , England, 21 SAS: Regent's Park Barracks , London , England , 22 SAS: Stirling Lines, Herefordshire, England , 23 SAS: Birmingham , West Midlands , England
- Nickname
- The Regiment
- Motto
- Who Dares Wins
- Colours
- Pompadour blue
- March
- Quick: "Marche des Parachutistes Belges" , Slow: " Lili Marlene "
Article
The Special Air Service (SAS) is a special forces unit of the British Army. It was founded as a regiment in 1941 by David Stirling, and in 1950 it was reconstituted as a corps. The unit specialises in a number of roles including counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, direct action and special reconnaissance. Much of the information about the SAS is highly classified, and the unit is not commented on by either the British government or the Ministry of Defence due to the secrecy and sensitivity of its operations.
The corps consists of the 22 Special Air Service Regiment, which is the regular component, as well as the 21 Special Air Service Regiment (Artists) (Reserve) and the 23 Special Air Service Regiment (Reserve), which are reserve units, all under the operational command of United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF). Its sister unit is the Royal Navy's Special Boat Service, which specialises in maritime counter-terrorism. Both units are under the operational control of the Director Special Forces.
Gallery (6)
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1941 establishments in the United KingdomAirborne units and formations of the United KingdomArmy reconnaissance units and formationsMilitary units and formations established in 1941Military units and formations of the Gulf WarMilitary units and formations of the United Kingdom in the Falklands WarMilitary units and formations of the United Kingdom in the Iraq WarMilitary units and formations of the United Kingdom in the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)Regiments of the British Army in World War II