Special Air Service:
The British Special Air Service is the most well known Special Forces regiment in the world. And not for no reason, from daring night-time raids against the Axis forces in World War II to storming the Iranian Embassy while the world was watching in awe.
These are the types of operations the Special Air Service performs. And in doing so, they have gained a formidable reputation around the world as one of, if not the most elite Special Forces regiment in the world.
Roles:
22nd Special Air Service: 22nd Special Air Service is the regular component under the operational command of the United Kingdom Special Forces. Their roles are Counter-Terrorism, VIP Protection, Covert Reconnaissance, Sabotage, Direct Action, and Hostage Rescue.
Squadrons:
A Squadron (Hereford)
B Squadron (Hereford)
D Squadron (Hereford)
G Squadron (Hereford)
E Squadron (Hereford)
L Squadron (Reserves) (Hereford)
Special Boat Service:
The Special Boat Service is the Royal Navy’s premier Special Forces unit. They conduct some of the most dangerous operations. From retaking stolen ships off pirates to raiding Al Qaeda’s hidden caves in the Tora Bora mountains, they’re the most experienced Naval Special Forces regiment in the world.
Roles:
Special Boat Service: The Special Boat Service is the regular component under the operational command of the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF). Their roles are covert reconnaissance, direct action, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, maritime counter-terrorism, sabotage, VIP protection and specialised maritime roles (beach reconnaissance, combat diving and planting explosives on ships).
Special Boat Service (Reserves): The Special Boat Service (Reserve) is the reserve component under the operational command of the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF). They conduct the same roles as their regular regiment.
Squadrons:
C Squadron
Z Squadron
M Squadron
X Squadron
SBS Reserves
Special Forces Support Group:
The United Kingdoms Special Forces Support Group is an elite unit made up of, the best soldiers in the Parachute Regiment, Royal Marines and RAF Regiment. They were made to support the United Kingdoms Special Forces in operations. From being a blocking element in a top-secret SAS/SBS operation to storming highly dangerous terrorist compounds in Afghanistan. These soldiers are some of the best in the world.
Role:
The SFSG role is to support the United Kingdoms Special Forces in operations. From being a blocking element in a Special Forces operation to being a quick reaction force. These are the men the SAS/SBS call on if they need help. A close comparison would be the 75th Ranger Regiment and Delta Forces relationship. Not only do they support the United Kingdom Special Forces missions. They also do direct action operations, reconnaissance operations and large scale offensive operations.
Squadrons:
D (HQ) Company
A Company
B Company
C Company
F Company
G Company
Support Company
Pathfinder Platoon:
Formed in 1985 the Pathfinder Platoon was created to infiltrate hostile territories, gathering vital information and intelligence on the enemy. As well as scouting out safe routes for allied forces, creating Temporary Landing Zones (TLZ) and Drop Zones (DZ). They’re the elite reconnaissance regiment of the 16 Air Assault Brigade.
Similar to the SAS and SBS, Pathfinders are experts in Close Quarter Battle (CQB), High Altitude Low Opening (HALO), High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) and Static Line Parachuting. They’re capable of being completely self-reliant for months at a time and can perform sabotage, kill-capture and reconnaissance operations deep behind enemy lines.
Credit to : Kanutster