The SAS, or Special Air Service, is one of the most elite special forces units in the world. Known for their skill, bravery, and effectiveness, these soldiers are not your average military personnel. To become one of these top-tier warriors, they undergo rigorous and demanding training. This process is intense and is designed to filter out all but the most resilient and capable individuals.
The goal of SAS training is to prepare soldiers for the toughest missions they might face. These can range from counter-terrorism operations to hostage rescues and high-risk reconnaissance missions. What makes SAS training different from other military training is its incredible intensity and comprehensiveness. This article will take you through the many stages and components of SAS training to give you a clear picture of what it takes to become one of the world’s most elite soldiers.
Table of Contents
Selection Process
The first step in SAS training is the selection process. This is also known as the “selection course.” Before anyone can even dream of joining the SAS, they have to pass this grueling test. The selection process is notoriously difficult and has a high dropout rate. Only about 10% of those who start the selection course will make it through to the next stage.
The selection course is a combination of physical and mental challenges. It usually begins with a series of endurance tests. Candidates have to march over hilly terrain while carrying heavy packs. They also have to navigate using a map and compass, often in difficult weather conditions. This part of the test assesses both their physical stamina and their ability to stay focused under extreme stress.
One of the most challenging parts of the selection process is “Endurance,” a 40-mile march over the rugged Welsh mountains. This is a true test of willpower and physical endurance. Candidates have to complete this march in under 20 hours while carrying a 55-pound rucksack. Many do not make it, but those who do move on to the next phase of training.
Jungle Training
Once the candidates pass the initial selection, they move on to jungle training. This phase takes place in the rainforests of Belize or Brunei. Jungle training is exceedingly difficult and tests the soldiers in a completely different environment. Operating in the jungle requires skills like navigation, survival, and combat tactics, all of which are complicated by the dense, humid conditions.
During jungle training, soldiers learn how to live off the land. They are taught how to find food and water and how to build shelters. Additionally, they practice combat drills and learn how to deal with the unique challenges of jungle warfare. The jungle is an unforgiving environment, and the training is designed to push soldiers to their limits.
One of the key skills learned during jungle training is “patrolling.” Soldiers have to move quietly and remain hidden, even in broad daylight. They learn how to set up ambushes and react to enemy contact. The jungle phase of SAS training is incredibly demanding but essential for preparing soldiers for missions in similar environments.
Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Training
After jungle training, the next element of SAS training is SERE training. SERE stands for Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape. This part of the training is designed to teach soldiers how to survive if they are captured by the enemy. It is split into different sections, each focusing on a specific skill set.
In the survival part of SERE training, soldiers learn essential skills like building shelters, finding food and water, and making fire. These are critical skills that can mean the difference between life and death in hostile environments. Evasion training teaches soldiers how to avoid capture. They learn how to move stealthily and use the environment to their advantage.
Resistance training is perhaps the most grueling part of SERE training. Soldiers are put through mock interrogations and learn how to resist giving up crucial information. This part of the training can be very tough, both mentally and physically. Finally, the escape section teaches soldiers how to get out of captivity and make their way back to friendly territory. SERE training is one of the toughest parts of SAS training but is crucial for preparing soldiers for the worst-case scenarios they may face.
Counter-Terrorism Training
Counter-terrorism is one of the main responsibilities of the SAS, and specialized training is provided in this area. This phase includes learning how to deal with a wide range of terrorist incidents, such as hostage situations, bomb threats, and attacks on public places. The training is comprehensive and covers everything from negotiation tactics to hand-to-hand combat.
Soldiers undergo intense shooting drills, focusing on accuracy and speed. They also learn how to storm buildings and clear rooms quickly and efficiently. These exercises often take place in specially designed facilities that simulate real-world environments. The goal is to prepare soldiers for high-stakes, high-pressure situations where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death.
Another crucial aspect of counter-terrorism training is learning how to work with other agencies, such as local police forces and intelligence services. SAS soldiers often operate in complex environments where coordination and communication with other units are essential. This part of the training ensures that they can seamlessly integrate into joint operations, enhancing their overall effectiveness.
Medical Training
Even the most elite soldiers can get injured in the field, so medical training is a crucial part of the SAS training regimen. Every SAS soldier is trained to a high level of medical proficiency, capable of providing advanced first aid and emergency medical care in combat situations.
The medical training covers a wide range of skills, from basic first aid to advanced trauma care. Soldiers learn how to treat gunshot wounds, manage severe bleeding, and perform CPR. They are also trained in the use of medical equipment, such as tourniquets, wound dressings, and intravenous fluids. This training is essential for saving lives in the field, not just their own but also those of their comrades.
In addition to combat medical training, SAS soldiers also receive training in more advanced medical procedures. This includes things like stitching wounds, administering pain relief, and even performing minor surgical procedures. The goal is to prepare soldiers for any medical emergency they may encounter, ensuring they can continue to operate effectively even in the most challenging situations.
Water Training
Water training is another critical component of SAS training. SAS soldiers must be proficient in both underwater and surface swimming techniques. This involves a variety of skills, such as diving, underwater demolition, and combat swimming. These skills are particularly important for missions that involve maritime operations or amphibious assaults.
During water training, soldiers learn how to use diving equipment, such as scuba gear and rebreathers. They practice underwater navigation and learn how to move stealthily beneath the surface. Soldiers also undergo rigorous fitness training to ensure they are strong swimmers and can operate effectively in water for extended periods.
One of the most challenging aspects of water training is dealing with underwater demolitions. Soldiers learn how to place and detonate explosives underwater, a skill that requires precision and careful planning. This part of the training also includes learning how to clear underwater obstacles and conduct reconnaissance missions in aquatic environments. Water training is demanding but essential for preparing soldiers for a wide range of mission scenarios.
Parachuting and Airborne Operations
Another vital aspect of SAS training is parachuting and airborne operations. The ability to deploy quickly from the air is crucial for many of the missions these soldiers undertake. Parachuting training involves several stages, starting with static line jumps and progressing to free-fall parachuting.
The first phase of parachuting training involves learning how to use a parachute, how to deploy it, and how to land safely. This usually begins with static line jumps, where the parachute is automatically deployed as the soldier exits the aircraft. Once soldiers are comfortable with static line jumps, they move on to free-fall parachuting. This is more complex and requires soldiers to deploy their parachutes manually at a specific altitude.
In airborne operations, soldiers also learn techniques like High Altitude, Low Opening (HALO), and High Altitude, High Opening (HAHO) jumps. These methods allow for covert insertion into enemy territory. Soldiers also practice landing with heavy equipment and learn how to assemble quickly once on the ground. This training prepares them for a variety of mission scenarios and ensures they can be deployed rapidly and effectively.
High-Intensity Combat Training
High-intensity combat training is another cornerstone of SAS training. This phase focuses on preparing soldiers for intense, close-quarter combat situations. It includes a mixture of tactics, weapon handling, and hand-to-hand combat skills often used in high-risk missions.
One of the key elements of this training is urban warfare. Soldiers learn how to operate in complex urban environments, which often involve multiple threats and obstacles. They practice room-clearing techniques, use of cover, and coordinated assaults. The goal is to train soldiers to remain calm and efficient, even in the chaos of urban combat.
Another aspect of high-intensity combat training is vehicle operations. Soldiers learn how to operate and fight from a variety of vehicles, including armored vehicles and helicopters. This part of the training involves practicing convoy tactics, vehicle ambushes, and rapid deployment from moving vehicles. The comprehensive nature of high-intensity combat training ensures that SAS soldiers are prepared for any scenario they might encounter in the field.
Psychological Training
In addition to physical prowess, SAS soldiers must possess exceptional mental fortitude. Psychological training is a critical part of the SAS training process, designed to prepare soldiers for the immense psychological pressure they will face during missions. This training helps them stay calm, focused, and resilient, even under the most stressful conditions.
Psychological training includes stress inoculation techniques, which expose soldiers to high levels of stress in a controlled environment. This helps them build resilience and learn coping mechanisms. Soldiers also undergo mental toughness training, which involves a series of challenging tasks designed to test their endurance, adaptability, and decision-making skills under pressure.
Furthermore, soldiers receive training in team dynamics and leadership. The nature of SAS missions often requires small teams to work closely together, relying on each other’s skills and judgment. Effective communication, trust, and teamwork are emphasized throughout the training. This not only helps in building strong teams but also ensures that soldiers can effectively lead and make critical decisions in the field.
Final Combat Scenarios and Evaluation
The final phase of SAS training involves a series of complex combat scenarios that test everything soldiers have learned throughout their training. These scenarios are designed to be as realistic as possible, incorporating elements of jungle, urban, and rural environments. Soldiers are evaluated on their ability to plan, execute, and adapt to rapidly changing situations.
During these exercises, soldiers are put through simulated missions that cover a wide range of potential real-world operations. This includes hostage rescues, counter-terrorism operations, and reconnaissance missions. Soldiers must demonstrate their proficiency in all aspects of their training, from navigation and communication to combat and medical skills.
The evaluation process is rigorous and comprehensive. Instructors assess each soldier’s performance, looking for those who exhibit the highest levels of competence, leadership, and resilience. Only those who pass this final evaluation are deemed ready to join the ranks of the SAS. It’s a challenging and demanding process, but those who make it through are among the best soldiers in the world.
Conclusion
SAS training is one of the most rigorous and demanding military training programs in the world. It is designed to prepare soldiers for the toughest and most challenging missions they will face. From the initial selection process to the final combat scenarios, every aspect of the training is meticulously planned to test and develop the skills needed to become one of the world’s most elite soldiers.
The comprehensive nature of the training, covering everything from jungle warfare and counter-terrorism to medical and psychological resilience, ensures that SAS soldiers are equipped to handle any situation they might encounter in the field. It’s a journey that only the most determined and capable individuals can complete, but those who do are truly exceptional soldiers.
In conclusion, becoming an SAS soldier is an incredible achievement that requires immense dedication, physical stamina, mental toughness, and a wide range of skills. The training process is challenging, but it prepares soldiers to perform at the highest level in some of the most dangerous and difficult environments in the world. The SAS motto “Who Dares Wins” encapsulates the spirit of these elite soldiers, who dare to push themselves to the limit and beyond.