SAS RESERVE SELECTION

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Special thanks to Sgt Hughes for providing the course details. ( 5 pints per man mate!)

SPECIAL AIR SERVICE RESERVE SELECTION

I receive around a half a dozen emails each week asking for information on selection for 21/23 SAS, so I have decided to add this section to the website.

A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that because 21/23 SAS are T.A units, they provide an easy route to joining a special forces unit. Nothing could be further from the truth. The territorial units selection process is more physically demanding than most regular infantry units. Anyone who is not at the peak of their fitness is going to fail. These units by their very nature attract people who have neither the physical or mental ability to succeed. These people are attracted by what they perceive as the `glamour` of the regiment. Surfice to say, they do not stay on the course very long and they will never be given the opportunity to try again.

Civilian Entry

There is no requirement to be an ex-regular or T.A. soldier to attempt selection. Indeed, a decent percentage of men who pass selection have never been in the military before. The entire course is aimed at a level to teach those who have no military knowledge. Basic map reading, fieldcraft and skill at arms is taught in lectures to build up the knowledge of the recruit. I should stress however, that it is the fitness level which will be tested to the maximum. You can expect to have some gruelling P.T. to weed out the no hopers before you even see a rifle. If you expect to just turn up and start firing, you will get the shock of your life. Your fitness level is of paramount importance during selection.

The Grey Man

The Grey man is a phrase which is regularly used in publications about selection. The Grey man is the guy none of the DS know the name of. He blends into the crowd and doesn’t draw attention to himself. If you attempt selection BE the Grey man. Don’t have a laugh and a joke with the DS, yes they may go along with you and joke back, but next week you won’t be on the course. Loud mouths don’t last very long. The DS are looking for a reason to get rid of you, its the way the regiment works. The standards are the best and they are maintained. When you are out on P.T don`t be in the front 2 or 3 people. Yes you need to stay in the front group or you will be binned, but finish in the middle of the front group. The first 2 or 3 people who finish are noticed by the DS. Their names and faces are noticed. If they have a bad day, the DS immediately notice them and it`s goodbye. If the DS are asking you what your name is, thats good. If they know your name you are in the shit. Basically BE THE GREY MAN.

SAS (R) Selection Process

Two selection courses run annually are a year in duration and are phased as follows;

Pre-Selection ----------- 1 weekend and 6 evenings.

Selection----------- 9 weekend and 19 evenings.

SF test week ----------- 1 week.

Continuation ----------- 6 weekend and 13 evenings.

Test exercise----------- 2 weeks.

Para Course ----------- 2 Weeks.

Signals Cadre----------- 1 week.

Probation----------- 12 months.

A WORD OF WARNING

The regiment does not take kindly to time wasters and neither do I. DO NOT APPLY FOR SELECTION UNLESS YOU CAN RUN 10 MILES IN UNDER ONE HOUR. Even this is nowhere near the requirement to get you through selection, but it is a base on which to build your fitness up. I do not want to hear that anyone has applied for selection after reading this webpage who does not have this basic fitness requirement.

APPLYING FOR SELECTION

To join you must be:

- Over 18 Years old.

- Under 32 years of age (34 with previous military service)

- Without a criminal record

- Physically fit

Contact the address below.

The Recruiting Officer

21 Special Air Service Regiment (Reserve)

PO Box 32010

LONDON

NW1 4ZB

You must give your:

- Full name

- Address

- Post Code

- Telephone numbers

- E-mail (if applicable)

- Date of Birth

- Occupation

- Current or previous military service (if applicable).

Do not contact this address for any purpose other than applying for selection.