22 Regiment Special Air Service

22 Regiment Special Air Service, or 22 SAS, is the regular army unit of the Special Air Service and an elite unit of the British Army. It was formerly a detachment of 21 SAS known as the Malayan Scouts.

22 SAS specialises in medium and deep battlespace ISTAR and offensive operations, Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW), Counter-Terrorism (CT), close protection and defence diplomacyfact|date=August 2008.

The Malayan Scouts

22 SAS traces its heritage back to the SAS of the Second World War.

However 22 Regiment SAS was itself formed from the "Malayan Scouts", the detachment of 21 SAS TA soldiers mobilised in 1950 for service in Malaya during the Malayan Emergency. Initially formed as Z Squadron, the unit from 1950 expanded into three squadrons (A, B, and C). C (Rhodesia) Squadron of 22 SAS was formed from Rhodesian soldiers and after disbanding, its former members later formed the Rhodesian SAS. A fourth squadron, D Squadron, was formed in 1951 for service in Malaya. In 1952, the Malayan Scouts were made a part of the regular army with the title 22 SAS.

G Squadron was formed January 1967 from soldiers of the Foot Guardsfact|date=August 2008.

R Squadron, later renamed L Detachment was formed in 1967 and consists of selected members of 21 SAS and 23 SASfact|date=August 2008.

Members of the Australian SASR are rumoured to have been attached to 22 SAS during the Gulf Warfact|date=August 2008.

Organisation

'Sabre' Squadrons in 22 SAS are organised as four specialised Troops, although personnel are broadly skilled in all areas following 'Selection' and 'Continuation' training. The specialised troop provide a focus for particular skillsets and personnel may move between Troops over the length of a career. 21 and 23 SAS do not so distinguishfact|date=August 2008.

Air Troop

Air Troop personnel specialise in airborne insertion from fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. Leaving the aircraft at high altitude personnel are capable of delivering personnel and equipment into the deep battlespace far beyond the forward edge of battle area in support of their ISTAR or offensive operations.

Personnel are trained in three principal forms of parachute infiltration; Basic static line, High Altitude, Low Opening (HALO) and High Altitude, High Opening (HAHO). HALO insertions involve a long free fall followed by canopy opening at low level, about convert|2000|ft|m|-2, leaving the operator exposed to detection and fire for the minimum possible period. The aircraft must overfly in the vicinity of the Drop Zone to effect delivery, risking a compromise to the mission should it be detected. HAHO insertions allow the aircraft to deliver the operators from a significantly greater range from the Drop Zone, thus reducing risk of mission compromise. Operators leave the aircraft and immediately deploy a canopy which allows a long glide over great distance. To avoid hypoxia, the parachutists are provided with an oxygen supply to survive the depleted air at high altitude and warm clothing protects from the extreme environmental conditions.

Boat Troop

Boat Troop personnel specialise in water-borne insertion techniques.

Personnel are trained in diving using Open and Closed Circuit breathing systems, learning skills in sub-surface navigation, approaching the shore or vessels underway and the delivery of maritime demolition charges. Much of this training is undertaken with the Special Boat Service.

Once proficient in diving, personnel learn methods of surface infiltration. One of the main forms of transportation is still the Klepper canoe. The first SAS folding boats were designed during World War II for use by Commandos, based on existing designs. The German Klepper has been in service since the 1960s. Other methods include the Gemini inflatable, used primarily for sending small groups of soldiers onto a shore undetected, and the fibreglass hulled Rigid Raider fast patrol boats which are larger carrying more personnel or cargo ashore.

Entry to the water from rotary wing aircraft and by parachute drop; the helicopter hovers some convert|50|ft|m|0 above the water, personnel simply jumping out. Airborne entry to the water carries a significant risk to equipment with weapons and other equipment sealed using a dry bag.

Deployment from submarines is taught. Submarine egress bears a high risk given the effect of pressure at depth (nitrogen narcosis and oxygen toxicity), the cold, and the risks inherent in the use of mechanical breathing aids while underwater.

Whenever possible, naval warfare tasks are handed over to the SAS sister unit, the SBSfact|date=August 2008.

Mobility Troop

Mobility Troop personnel specialise in vehicle insertion techniques, similar to those of the Long Range Desert Group of the Second World War and allows a more sustainable patrol in the medium to deep battlespace but create logistical and force protection challenges.

Personnel are required to gain skills in vehicle maintenance across the range of vehicles used by the Regiment, particularly whilst on patrol with limited opportunity for combat support. Vehicles include the Jackal MWMIK, Land Rovers, Supacat HMT [ [http://www.battle-technology.com/this_issue02.html Supacat article] ] , Honda 350 cc Quad Bike, and the Honda 250 cc motorbike. These vehicles can be variously configured with a range of weapon systems including; Browning .50 Cal HMG, Mk.19 grenade launcher, L7A2 7.62 mm GPMG and the Javelin anti-tank guided missilefact|date=August 2008.

Mountain Troop

Mountain Troops personnel specialise in the conduct of operations at high altitude and in mountainous terrain, requiring advanced skills in climbing, ice climbing, skiing and cold weather survival. Training is conducted in deserts and mountain ranges around the world. Those members that show particular aptitude are seconded to the German Army where they undertake the 18-month long Alpine Guides course in Bavaria. A number of members from the mountain troops have participated in major military and civilian expeditions to some of the world's highest peaks although this has not been without loss [ [http://www.walkthelakes.co.uk/PeaksClimbed/Wales/Twyn%20Mwyalchod.htm Tony Swierzy memorial plaque on Trig 642] ] .

References