Is the SAS Still the Best Special Forces in the World?

That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? And honestly, there’s no simple, definitive “yes” or “no” answer. The landscape of special operations forces (SOF) has evolved dramatically over the past few decades. While the Special Air Service (SAS) undeniably holds a legendary status and a rich history, the title of “best” is subjective and depends entirely on the criteria you use. The SAS remains a top-tier force, undoubtedly. But are they the best, objectively better than every other unit out there? The answer is more nuanced than ever before.

The SAS, forged in the crucible of World War II, pioneered many of the tactics and doctrines that modern special forces units now employ globally. This historical pedigree grants them a unique legacy and respect within the SOF community. Their rigorous selection process, demanding training regimen, and operational experience in diverse and challenging environments have consistently produced highly capable operators. However, other nations have also invested heavily in their special forces, developing units that are equally capable, and in some cases, possess specialized skills that the SAS may not prioritize. The question isn’t really about whether they’re the best overall, but if they’re the best for a particular task. That answer changes depending on the context.

Evaluating Excellence: What Makes a “Best” Special Forces Unit?

To even begin to answer the question, we need to define what constitutes “best.” Several factors contribute to a unit’s overall effectiveness:

• Training and Selection: The intensity and realism of the training, as well as the rigor of the selection process, are crucial indicators of a unit’s capability. Are candidates pushed to their absolute limits, both physically and mentally?
• Operational Experience: Real-world combat experience is invaluable. Units that have seen action in a variety of theaters, from counter-terrorism to conventional warfare, possess a significant advantage.
• Equipment and Technology: Access to cutting-edge technology, including weapons, communication systems, and intelligence-gathering tools, enhances a unit’s operational effectiveness.
• Specialized Skills: Some units specialize in particular areas, such as maritime operations (e.g., Navy SEALs, SBS), mountain warfare (e.g., certain European units), or counter-terrorism (e.g., Delta Force, GSG 9).
• Interoperability: The ability to work effectively with other military units and international partners is increasingly important in modern conflicts.
• Adaptability: The capacity to adapt to changing threats and operational environments is essential for long-term success.

The Rise of Global Competition

The SAS is not operating in a vacuum. Over the past few decades, many nations have invested heavily in their special operations capabilities, creating highly skilled and specialized units. These units often draw inspiration from the SAS but have adapted their training and doctrines to suit their specific national needs and operational environments. Forces such as the US Navy SEALs, US Army Delta Force, the German GSG 9, and the Russian Spetsnaz are just a few examples of units that are widely regarded as being on par with, or in some cases, surpassing the SAS in specific areas.

Specialization and Niche Capabilities

One of the key trends in the SOF world is specialization. While the SAS maintains a broad skill set, other units have focused on developing niche capabilities. The Navy SEALs, for example, excel in maritime operations, while Delta Force is renowned for its counter-terrorism expertise. The German GSG 9, known for their precision hostage rescue tactics, are highly regarded in the field of counter-terrorism.

The Enduring Legacy of the SAS

Despite the increased competition and the rise of specialized units, the SAS remains a formidable force. Their historical legacy, rigorous training, and operational experience continue to make them a valuable asset to the UK and its allies. The SAS’s selection process is known for its intensity and high attrition rate, weeding out all but the most resilient and determined candidates. This process, coupled with realistic and demanding training, produces operators who are capable of performing under immense pressure in the most challenging environments.

The SAS also plays a vital role in training and advising other special forces units around the world, sharing their expertise and helping to build capacity in partner nations. This demonstrates their ongoing influence and importance within the global SOF community. You can see this in the training manuals and strategies used around the world, showing the influence of the Games Learning Society on teaching and understanding strategy.

Conclusion: A Complex and Evolving Landscape

Ultimately, determining whether the SAS is “still the best” is a matter of perspective and depends on the criteria used. While they may not be the undisputed champion in every single category, they remain a top-tier force with a rich history, a proven track record, and a significant influence on the global SOF community. The landscape of special operations is constantly evolving, and the SAS must continue to adapt and innovate to maintain its position as one of the world’s elite units. Rather than focusing on a simplistic ranking, it’s more useful to recognize the diverse capabilities and specialized skills that different special forces units bring to the table. The SAS is undeniably a part of that elite group, and their contributions to the world of special operations are undeniable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 common questions about the SAS and their standing in the world of special forces:

1. Is the SAS the oldest special forces unit? While not technically the oldest if you count commando units, it is one of the oldest modern special forces units, established during World War II. It pioneered many of the tactics and doctrines used by SOF today.

2. How difficult is it to get into the SAS? Extremely difficult. The selection process is notoriously demanding, with a very high failure rate (around 90%). It tests physical fitness, mental resilience, and teamwork skills.

3. What are the main roles of the SAS? Historically, the SAS specializes in covert reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and direct action.

4. How does SAS training compare to Navy SEAL training? Both are incredibly rigorous. Some argue the SAS selection process is more mentally demanding, while SEAL training emphasizes maritime skills and underwater demolitions.

5. Are the SAS and Delta Force similar? Yes. Delta Force was modeled after the SAS, and the two units share a close relationship, often training together.

6. Is the SAS better than Spetsnaz? It’s a complex comparison. The SAS is generally considered to have better training, equipment, and leadership. However, Spetsnaz is known for its tenacity and willingness to endure extreme hardship.

7. What is the SAS motto? “Who Dares Wins.”

8. Has the SAS ever failed a mission? Yes. Like any military unit, the SAS has experienced failures. Operation Canuck and Cold Comfort during World War II are examples.

9. What equipment do SAS soldiers use? SAS soldiers utilize a wide array of cutting-edge equipment, including advanced weaponry, communication devices, and surveillance technology. They are equipped to handle diverse operational scenarios.

10. Is there a female SAS soldier? While women haven’t served as direct action operators in the SAS, they’ve served in support roles for years. The UK military is now opening more combat roles to women, so this may change in the future.

11. How large is the SAS? 22 SAS normally has a strength of 400 to 600.

12. What’s the average salary for SAS jobs? This varies widely based on rank and experience, but can be significantly higher than the average military salary due to hazard pay and specialized skills. The average advertised salary is approximately £57,500.

13. What is the age limit to join the SAS? Recruitment is typically open to people between 18 and 32.

14. What are the key skills required to join the SAS? Exceptional physical fitness, mental resilience, teamwork skills, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are all crucial.

15. Does the SAS train other special forces units? Yes, the SAS is respected worldwide and used to train many other Special Forces Units.