Special Reconnaissance Unit
The Special Reconnaissance Unit, also known as the 14 Field Security and Intelligence Company (internally "The Det") was a part of the British Army Intelligence Corps involved in plainclothes operations in Northern Ireland from the 1970s onwards.
| Special Reconnaissance Unit | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1972–2005 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | British Army |
| Type | Commando |
| Role | Air assault Clandestine human intelligence Clandestine operation Close-quarters combat Counterinsurgency Counterintelligence Counterterrorism Covert operation Direct action HUMINT Intelligence assessment Manhunt Military intelligence Patrolling Raiding Reconnaissance Special operations Special reconnaissance Surveillance Tracking Undercover operation Urban warfare |
| Part of | United Kingdom Special Forces |
| Headquarters | RAF Aldergrove, Northern Ireland |
| Engagements | Operation Banner (The Troubles) |
The unit conducted undercover surveillance operations against suspected members of Irish republican and loyalist paramilitary groups. Its troops were recruited from line battalions and trained in an eight-week course by the Special Air Service (SAS). An initial deployment of 120 men took place in November 1972. They are commandos trained for clandestine operation, counterinsurgency, covert operation, intelligence gathering, military intelligence, special reconnaissance, surveillance, tracking down and arresting or killing IRA members. Allegations of collusion with loyalist paramilitaries were made against the unit. In 1987, the unit became part of the newly formed United Kingdom Special Forces directorate. The unit formed the core of the new Special Reconnaissance Regiment in 2005.