S.A.S.
Translation: N/A
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Formed: 1941
Parent Organization: UK Special Forces
Background:
The SAS had some experience and know how in fighting terrorists in Aden (1963-1967). Arab terrorists dressed as civilians started killing unsuspecting victims.To counter this threat Close Combat Battle (CQB) skills were needed and the SAS formed a unit of 20 men, with specialized skills. In early 1966 Peter de la Billière started a CQB school. To pass selection for the school, men had to remove the Browning from the folds of the native robe and fire six rounds into a playing card at 15 meters. SAS patrols operated in local clothing watching for terrorist activity. Success was meager, only two terrorists were killed. The tactics were called Keeni Meeni after a Swahili phrase describing the slick movement of a snake through the grass. Between 1967 and 1970 the SAS trained the bodyguards for overseas heads of state. When the training teams returned to England a lot of practical lessons were passed on.
Each team consist of: - Sniper group
- Assault group
Sniper
group:
Snipers play an important role in perimeter security and are
constantly updating real time information. They also take pictures.
Each building has a color code and special codes for each
side of the building to ease fast and clear communications.
Hostages are called Yankees and terrorists are designated X-rays.
Sniper training is done on 600 m ranges and the aim is always
for a head shot. Urban sniping differs from field sniping so each discipline is
trained. Rifles in use are the Accuracy International L96A1 7.62mm PM sniper
rifle and the Heckler & Koch PSG1.
Snipers have two rifles each, one for daytime use and the other for night use
with a special night scope.
*Snipers are also trained in the assault role*
Assault group:
These are the "Black Knights ".
One day the RSM ran out of green overalls and black overalls were used. Most of
the kit used is blue-black. Teams are flexible depending on the situation at
hand but mostly consist of four men split into two men units. The MOE
(Method Of Entry) soldiers specialize in explosive and non explosive entry of
objects/buildings. They make the explosives for the rest of the team.
Also non-explosive devices are used like the grit grot
machine for almost silently taking bricks out of a wall or the Harvey Wall
Banger (a wall breaching canon that works on pressured water).
Sledgehammers and special crowbars (Hooligan bar) are also used for gaining
entry or as backup (in case explosives are not possible). Shotguns with
Hatton (solid shot) rounds are used to blow hinges of doors without damaging
people inside rooms. Shotguns in use are the Remmington 870, SPAS and others.
Information courtesy of http://home.hccnet.nl/22.sas/