Is Britain's SAS Under Threat In The Next Round Of Budget Cuts?

SAS Under Threat As Latest Round Of Defence Cuts Risks Affecting The Abilities Of Britain's Special Forces, Military Chiefs Warn -- Daily Mail

* Ministry of Defence is already fighting Treasury calls to slash spending
* £700m cuts by April 2015 were announced in Autumn Statement last year
* This was on top of big cuts announced in 2010 by Chancellor Osborne
* Military chiefs fear recent cuts could be carried over to years after 2015

The SAS is under threat from more Coalition defence spending cuts, military chiefs warned last night.

Senior commanders are concerned that special forces could suffer if defence budgets are cut again in 2015, as the Ministry of Defence fights Treasury calls to slash spending.

Chancellor George Osborne is said to be considering proposals to reduce the defence budget, after he announced an extra £700million of military cuts by April 2015 in last year’s Autumn Statement.

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Update: SAS units threatened by new defence cuts -- The Telegraph

My Comment: It looks like these warnings are premature. British PM Cameron has just announced that there will be no further cuts in the Ministry of Defense.

The Battle Of Mirbat, The Most Heroic Action The SAS Ever Fought

How Nine British Heroes Entered SAS Legend By Fighting Off 400 Bloodthirsty Fanatics With Their Last Bullets -- Daily Mail

High on the rooftop of the old mud building, the two SAS soldiers peered out into the desert.

For six desperate hours, they and seven comrades had been under siege, desperately fighting off an army of Arab insurrectionists intent on sweeping them from the face of the earth.

They were surrounded, outnumbered by at least 25 to one.

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My Comment: A riveting story.

British Special Forces Are In Yemen

SAS Strikes At Al Qaeda's Heart In Yemen -- Express.co.uk

THE SAS has been fighting Al Qaeda militants in Yemen. Our elite servicemen are thought to have been involved in hunting leaders of Al Qaeda In The ­Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), ­targeting bomb-makers.

The revelation comes days after a double agent with British links infiltrated AQAP, posing as a suicide bomber, and escaped with their latest “undetectable” bomb designed to bring down a US-bound passenger jet.

It is believed that thanks to his information a CIA drone strike in a mountainous region of Yemen killed AQAP leader Fahd al-Quso.

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My Comment: US military forces are also being sent to Yemen.

SAS Exploits In World War II

Into Africa: members of 1 Special Air Service Regiment between operations early in the war Photo: SAS REGIMENT ASSOCIATION

Britain's SAS Heroes: Battles Of The Brave Behind The Lines -- The Telegraph

The courage and cunning of the newly formed wartime SAS are revealed in a new book.

While David Stirling was a junior officer serving in the commandos, he devised the idea of the SAS. He was convinced that that the tactic of using small groups of well-trained, well-armed troops to raid behind enemy lines was a key element in defeating the Nazis. His unswerving conviction was such that he pulled every string and used every contact to get his way. His persistence paid off and he was finally given leave to form 1 Special Air Service Regiment.

Now, the first war diary authorised by the regiment is to be published, disclosing the secrets of the SAS’s raids during the Second World War. Here, we publish exclusive extracts, written by both Stirling and regimental colleagues – men who had been “drawn from ordinary walks of life”, including a shop assistant, ice-cream maker, bank clerk, plumber and carpenter.

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My Comment: Incredible stories of bravery done by men with nerves of steel. Read it all.

New Book Reveals The Bravery Of The SAS During World War Two

Founding member Colonel 'Paddy’ Mayne transformed SAS operations Photo: SAS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION

The Making Of The SAS, The Men Who Dare -- The Telegraph

A new book reveals the early history of the SAS in unprecedented detail and allows us insights into the modern regiment.

Travelling through France this summer on the A6 towards Auxerre, I made a detour to a tiny hamlet called Les Ormes to pay homage to a fellow SAS man.

In August 1944, the SAS had dropped into the countryside of central France in an operation code-named “Kipling”. The mission was to disrupt stiff German resistance and to provide information for the advance of General George Patton’s US divisions. At that time the only “behind lines” special forces in the world were British, and they were much in demand.

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My Comment: Stories like the one above reminds me of the stories that my father told me of what he experienced on the Russian front during the Second World War .... bravery, courage, fascinating, mesmerizing, and incredible are some of the words that I can think of.

Even Future Queens Get Trained By The SAS

Prepared: Other members of the royal family, including Prince Charles and the Duke of Cambridge, have also undergone the harsh SAS training

Duchess Of Cambridge 'Given SAS Training' To Protect Against Kidnap Threats -- The Daily Mail

The Duchess of Cambridge has been undergoing secret SAS training to protect her from kidnap threats, it was claimed today.

Reports revealed the 29-year-old went on the intensive personal protection programme recently after fears her elevated status had made her a target for kidnappers.

'The Palace want to ensure Kate's new status doesn't make her vulnerable to attack. She has been well trained in what to do should the unthinkable happen, a source told The Sun.

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More News On The Duchess Of Cambridge Being Given SAS Training

SAS train Kate to protect against kidnap threat -- The Sun
Duchess of Cambridge 'given SAS training' amid kidnap fears -- The Telegraph
Duchess Kate trained to fend off attackers, kidnappers: Report -- Toronto Sun
Report: Duchess Kate Gets Training to Ward Off Kidnappers -- US Magazine
SAS anti-kidnap training course to keep Kate safe -- Hello Magazine
Elite UK troops train Duchess of Cambridge to protect against kidnap threat -- New York Post
Kate Middleton given self-defense training -- NDTV

My Comment: I suspect that this training is "intense".

SAS Pulling Out Of Afghanistan To Prepare For London's Olympic Games

Security: The Olympic Stadium will be one of the many venues under surveillance by special forces

SAS 'Pulling Out Of Afghanistan To Prepare For Terror Threat To 2012 Olympic Games' -- The Daily Mail

The SAS will wrap up their mission in Afghanistan in six months’ time to prepare for anti-terror duty at next year’s Olympic Games in London, according to reports.

It is thought that the Royal Navy's Special Boat Service will continue to carry out missions there.

The SAS, some of whom took part in a recent live-round anti-terror training exercise with police at the Olympic village, will come home and make security at the Games their priority.

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My Comment: If I was a betting man, I would bet that after the Olympics the SAS will not be going back to Afghanistan in the same numbers that are there now.

In A Gesture Of Support, Britain Offers The SAS To Hunt Down Al Qaeda Leaders

SAS To Help US Hunt Down al-Qaeda Leaders -- The Telegraph

Britain has offered the US government SAS anti-terrorist units to help hunt down senior al-Qaeda commanders in an attempt to capitalise on information seized in the compound where Osama bin Laden was killed.

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, has told the White House that he intends to stand shoulder to shoulder with President Obama as the United States steps up its global hunt for leading jihadists.

It is understood that the Prime Minister has given his approval for the elite British troops to be used beyond Afghanistan in order to "decapitate" the al-Qaeda leadership.

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My Comment: I suspect that U.S. Special Forces are more use to working amongst themselves than with teaming up with Special Forces from another country .... but kudos to the British with their offer because their altitude is completely opposite from Pakistan's

SAS Facing Recruitment Crisis

The SAS has played a leading role in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq and is thought to be responsible for seizing key terrorists Photo: REUTERS

SAS At Risk Of Recruitment Crisis As Army Is Stretched To The Limit -- The Telegraph

The SAS is facing a shortage of recruits because ordinary soldiers are too over-stretched to apply for the elite regiment, a leaked letter from the head of infantry has warned.

The high “operational tempo” of the Armed Forces and the “unrelentingly demanding” operations in Afghanistan are combining to “mitigate against Special Forces recruitment”, Brig Richard Dennis warned. The SAS was also losing its unique position in the military as “interesting operations are no longer seen as the preserve of Special Forces”.

The disclosure is a major blow as the SAS is regarded as the world’s pre-eminent Special Forces unit. The regiment has played a leading role in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq and is thought to be responsible for seizing key terrorists.

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More News On Recruitment Problems For The SAS

Leaked letter states SAS facing `recruitment crisis' -- British Forces News
SAS 'faces recruitment crisis' -- AFP
SAS 'facing a recruitment crisis' -- Press Association
Why is SAS facing recruitment crisis? -- BBC
SAS: the chosen few who are a force like no other -- Thomas Harding, The Telegraph
Profile: The SAS -- BBC

How NOT To Use The SAS (Commentary)

The SAS Are Men Of Action, Not Diplomacy -- Con Coughlin, The Telegraph

William Hague's decision to send such soldiers on a peaceful mission was at best misguided, writes Con Coughlin.

In the proud 60-year history of Britain’s elite Special Air Service, surrender is a term unknown to the regimental lexicon. From its earliest days in 1941, wreaking havoc with Rommel’s supply lines in Libya under David Stirling, its inspiring founder, to its more recent forays into Iraq and Afghanistan, where it has successfully eviscerated al‑Qaeda and Taliban terror cells, the SAS has never flinched from placing its soldiers in harm’s way.

This week, the regiment is in the unfamiliar position of licking its wounds over arguably its most humiliating episode: the Government’s utterly incompetent handling of the botched mission to Libya.

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My Comment: For more details on this failed SAS mission, go here.

More Details Of The Failed SAS Mission In Libya Revealed

'A Serious Misunderstanding': Foreign Secretary Willam Hague Explains Capture Of SAS Team On Botched Libyan Mission He Authorised -- The Daily Mail

* MP tells Commons he personally authorised mission in Libya
* Mr Hague said 'diplomatic team' was able to meet with rebel leaders, but that it was 'better for this team to be withdrawn'
* Shadow foreign secretary attacks mission as 'setback for UK'
* EU sanctions came into force last Thursday and Nato is considering no-fly zone

The detention of a British diplomatic team in Libya was the result of a 'serious misunderstanding', Foreign Secretary William Hague told MPs today.

In a Commons statement following the capture of the eight-strong team, which included special forces troops, Mr Hague said he had personally authorised the deployment.

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More News On the Failed SAS Mission in Libya

No.10 hangs Hague out to dry over SAS humiliation in the desert -- The Daily Mail
Libya: Whitehall blame game begins over SAS fiasco -- The Telegraph
Hague forced to accept blame for 'embarrassing' failed SAS mission -- The Independent
William Hague on back foot over 'James Bond' Libya mission -- The Guardian
London Gives Explanation Of Botched Libyan Venture -- New York Times
Britain Defends Attempt to Make Contact With Libyan Rebels -- Voice of America
Spy held in botched SAS mission in Libya had a signed note from David Cameron -- Mirror News
William Hague: I take full responsibility for Libya mission -- The Guardian
In Libya, Captured British Soldiers Released -- NPR
Daily View: Reaction to SAS in Libya -- BBC
William Hague turns pink with embarrassment after his Libyan tour goes wrong -- Andrew Gimson, The Telegraph
The gaffes: How Cameron & Co have got it wrong over the Libyan crisis -- The Scotsman
Britain’s Excellent Libyan Adventure -- New York Times
The Government has humiliated the SAS with its botched Libya mission -- Con Coughlin, The Telegraph

How Did The SAS Operation In Libya Go All Wrong

Libya: Inside The SAS Operation That Went Wrong -- The Telegraph

As the diplomatic team in Libya were rescued by HMS Cumberland after their humiliating capture, the Ministry of Defence was left trying to work out what on earth went wrong.

When the helicopter touched down outside Benghazi in the early hours of Friday morning, the SAS troops on board knew they were entering a volatile situation.

Tasked with escorting a diplomat to meet rebel Libyan forces and assessing the humanitarian situation on the ground, they did not, however, expect a hostile reception.

With the British Government openly rejecting Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and already in dialogue with opposition leaders, it should have been an uncontroversial visit.

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Update: SAS and MI6 officers released by Libya's rebel commanders -- The Guardian

My Comment: My prediction .... in future SAS and MI6 classes they are going to use this experience as a case study on how NOT TO run an operation.

If there is any consolation, at least pictures of these SAS detainees are not splashed on every newspaper and news service in the world.

British SAS Forces Are In Libya. 8 Arrested By Rebels

Libya Unrest: SAS Members 'Arrested Near Benghazi' -- BBC

Details of a UK operation to rebel-held Benghazi in Libya in which eight men - six reportedly SAS - were arrested, have been disclosed to the BBC.

Defence Secretary Liam Fox said a small diplomatic team was in Benghazi and "they were in touch with them".

The BBC's Jon Leyne said witnesses saw six men in black overalls land in a helicopter near the city early on Friday and they were met by two others.

They were later arrested when it was discovered they were carrying weapons.

According to an earlier report in the Sunday Times the unit was trying to put UK diplomats in touch with rebels trying to topple the Gaddafi regime.

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More News On British SAS Forces Being Caught In Libya

Eight SAS men in undercover mission are seized in Libya - by the rebel forces they went to help -- The Daily Mail

Libya: 'Eight SAS Soldiers Held By Rebels' -- Sky News
SAS unit captured by Libyan rebels -- SKY News
UK negotiating to free captured troops, Libya rebels say -- CNN
SAS unit, diplomat 'held' by Libya rebels -- AFP
Libya: 'SAS unit seized' as Colonel Gaddafi troops massacre rebels -- Mirror
British soldiers reportedly detained as battles continue to rage across Libya -- News.com.au
Britain said negotiating release of its soldiers held by Libya rebels -- Haaretz
Britain mum on reports SAS troops held in Libya -- Times of India/AFP

My Comment: Someone screwed up.

Top 8 Badass SAS Operations

From Listverse:

The British SAS is one of the foremost military Special Forces in the world, and have gained a reputation for professionalism and efficiency. The SAS was first formed by David Stirling. He realized that small, self-sufficient and versatile groups of men could slip past German defenses to attack vital targets, such as airfields and equipment dumps, before slipping away. Since the Second World War, they have diversified to carry out many other operations, such as long-range reconnaissance, counter-terrorism and hearts and minds operations. Their success led to many countries setting up their own SAS-style special forces, such as Delta Force. This list looks at a few of these operations which show why the SAS is considered one of the best Special Forces in the world. They are not in any particular order – this is simply my personal opinion of their best and most successful missions.

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Britain's SAS Forces Are Destroying The Taliban Leadership In Helmand Province

Quarter Of Senior Taliban Killed By SAS In 'Kill Or Capture' Targeting -- The Telegraph

The Taliban in Helmand are being killed by the SAS on an "industrial scale" with a quarter of senior commanders killed since spring, leading to a dramatic drop in British casualties.

More than 65 senior insurgent commanders or bomb-makers have been "removed from the battlefield" by SAS troopers, leading to significant disruption of the insurgency.

While senior British officers are cautious at overplaying the success, the latest casualty figures for August show that the casualty rate has dropped by more than 50 per cent.

Ministry of Defence figures show that seven soldiers were killed this month compared, to 16 in July and 20 in June.

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My Comment: This was the same strategy used by the SAS and US Special forces in Iraq, and it was done with devastating effect.

Unfortunately for us, the British want to retire much of this force for budgetary reasons.

Britain's Best Soldiers Are Being Forced To Retire

SAS's Best Soldiers Forced To Retire By 'Bean Counters' -- The Independent

Anger as nearly 40 of the most experienced fighting men are told they must leave elite regiment early.

Britain's special forces have been dealt a devastating blow that has seen the number of elite Special Air Service (SAS) personnel on active duty slashed.

The move was condemned last night by leading SAS figures as "madness" which will result in the loss of some of the country's most experienced and senior special forces personnel.

The dozens of soldiers axed – who were informed last week – include some of the SAS's best men, whose efforts have been crucial in a series of successful missions to kill or capture senior Taliban commanders in Afghanistan.

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My Comment: You spend oogles of money in training a soldier to be the best of the best .... and when they have reached that point .... they are then retired.

This is a devastating blow to the morale of the SAS, and I am sure that it will impact UK special operations in Afghanistan.

British Special Forces Are Paying The Price In Afghanistan

SAS In Afghanistan Suffers Worst Losses For 60 Years -- Times Online

BRITAIN’S special forces have suffered the worst blow to their fighting strength since the second world war, with 80 members killed or crippled in Afghanistan.

Serious injuries have left more than 70 unable to fight, while 12 have been killed. It means the forces have lost about a sixth of their full combat capacity.

The Sunday Times has established that the Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Squadron (SBS) have mounted “several hundred” operations targeting Taliban leaders since 2007.

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My Comment: Special Forces conduct multiple roles including getting behind enemy lines to go after leadership targets. This alone will guarantee firefights and heavy casualties. While the casualty rate is high for the British, I suspect that the casualty rate for the Taliban is even higher.

British Disagreements With US Tactics In The 2004 US Assault On Falluja, Iraq

Falluja, Iraq

Britain 'Withheld SAS From Falluja Assault Over US Military Tactics' -- The Guardian

British commanders feared 2004 assault on Iraqi town would fuel both Sunni and Shia insurgencies, author Mark Urban claims

SAS troops were prevented from joining an American assault on the Iraqi town of Falluja because British commanders strongly disapproved of US military tactics, it has been revealed.

Falluja, a stronghold of the Sunni insurgency, was the target of a fierce attack by US forces in the spring of 2004. Despite the fact that the bombing led to huge civilian casualties and gave the insurgency a propaganda gift, US commanders planned a fresh onslaught on the city in November of the same year.

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My Comment: It was a well known fact that during the Iraq war the British were no fans of US military strategy or tactics in fighting the Sunni/Al Qaeda insurgency .... now we know to what extent this level of animosity impacted actual deployment and battle strategy in places like Falluja.

The SAS In The Iraq War Captured Or Killed Almost 4,000 Al Qaeda Terrorists

Into The Triangle Of Death: The Ferocious But Inspiring Story Of How SAS Troops Stormed An Al Qaeda Hell-Hole To help Take Out One Of Iraq's Bloodiest Butchers -- The Daily Mail

It's the book the MoD doesn't want you to read - the explosive story of the SAS's secret war in Iraq, in which 150 brave men captured or killed almost 4,000 Al Qaeda terrorists. On Saturday, in the first part of our adaptation of Newsnight defence editor Mark Urban's account, we revealed how the SAS's private war triggered a furious battle among their own top brass. Today, we reveal how the SAS hunted down Iraq's most evil butcher - Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the man who had personally sawn off the head of a helpless young American hostage.

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My Comment: Hmmmm ..... this book is rapidly becoming one of my must reads.

The SAS's Secret War In Iraq: The Book The MoD Doesn't Want You To Read

The SAS base in Hereford, where soldiers undergo intensive training exercises

From The Daily Mail:

The secret role of the SAS in Iraq is revealed for the first time today by the Daily Mail.

As the first part of our adaptation of an explosive new book by BBC reporter Mark Urban shows, the SAS - sent to find non-existent WMDs - instead took inspiration from U.S. secret forces and set about tracking down Al Qaeda.

Their secret war sparked a furious row between Whitehall and the SAS's commander - but their extraordinary bravery and daring resulted in the capture or death of almost 4,000 terrorists.

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My Comment: A riveting read .... no wonder the SAS does not want this information out there, they are probably using the same tactics in Afghanistan right now.