Special Air Service
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 covert 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.
| Special Air Service | |
|---|---|
Special Air Service insignia | |
| 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(s) | "The Regiment" |
| Motto(s) | "Who Dares Wins" |
| Colours | Pompadour blue |
| March | Quick: "Marche des Parachutistes Belges" Slow: "Lili Marlene" |
| Engagements | List of SAS operations |
| Commanders | |
| Colonel-Commandant | Field Marshal The Lord Guthrie |
| Notable commanders | General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith |
The corps currently 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.
The Special Air Service traces its origins to 1941 and the Second World War. It was reformed as part of the Territorial Army in 1947, named the 21st Special Air Service Regiment (Artists Rifles). The 22nd Special Air Service Regiment, which is part of the regular army, gained fame and recognition worldwide after its televised rescue of all but two of the hostages held during the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege.