Marines joining SAS

[Cronkilla]

Is it true that marines can join the sas. As they go onto to special training they do it with the sas candidates, and they decide if to go onto more training to join the SBS or join the SAS.
I read this at this page
http://www.specwarnet.com/europe/sas.htm

Its near the bottom before the sas reserve article.So does this mean marines can choose which to go for then switch between where as paras for example can only join the SAS and not the SBS?

Also i heard a rumour going around that there wauld be no SBS in the near future and that the former SBS wauld now be apart of the SAS boat troop.

Any ideas or are both a myth?

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Cronkilla on 2002-03-02 21:19 ]</font>

[Steve C]

I've been told that marines can go for the SAS, however most supposedly go and try for SBS and if they don't make it the SAS might take them. I doubt they can change their minds during the course however as the SBS have a diving apptitude phase for marines before they actually send them to the joint SF selection program.
Does anyone else know more about this, i'd also like to know, also, is it just Royal Marine Commandos that can apply for the SBS or can Army and RAF commandos apply too? thanks.

-Steve C

[Defiant]

As ive heard the SAS dont like Marines. No offense but trying for the SAS as a marine will make life much more difficult.

[jumper]

both the sas and sbs are open to applicants from any of the services, its just that commando ranks generally choose sb and airborne forces choose sas. i wouldn't say being a marine going for sas will be any harder as they both do exactly the same course together (although sb has a boating phase after the jungle). if you are good enough to pass the course you'll get in irrespective of originating unit.

[ratso]

I am so out of touch, when did the SB become tri-service?
It was alway RM only other than attached ranks. Have they now moved in with the SAS?
I know it was on the cards at one time.
Scobby must be real happy at this change if its true....

[Rotary Booty]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't there a Royal Marine or ex Royal in Andy McNab's Bravo 20 team in that Gulf War saga?

[Cobalt]

From what I understand it's a tri-service selection course, UK Special Forces Course (UKSF). Upon completion of UKSF the candidate would then decide upon joining either 22 SAS or SBS. If they decide to go SB then there's a further short selection for diving/waterborne aptitude, then the go on to continuation training.
I'm not 100% sure that's the way it works though.

[Bob Bell]

Andy McNad was in the Royal Green Jackets before going SAS

[Leigh Dowell]

Bob Consiglio (excuse the spelling) was the ex-bootie in B20 he has a tree planted in his name at Norton Manor just off the main parade. I believe he was in the big 'S', in the days when you had to leave the corps before applying to go up the road.

[Argonaught]

I read the reason the Marines used to get a hard time in special forces training was that most SAS members are former para's, i dont know if this is still the case.
I also read that you need to have 3 years active service before you can try for the SAS.

[griff]

Just to put you all out of your misery, here is the routine. Anyone from the RN/RM, Army or RAF can apply to join UKSF, provided they are medically fit and recommended by their CO. They must specify from the start whether they are volunteering for SAS or SBS before their application can proceed. Normally they should have completed a minimum of 2 years service since basic training. SAS and SBS each run a short briefing course, then all candidates attend UKSF selection until they pass, fail or give up. Succesful SAS candidates then go to the SAS to learn a patrol skill, and in the same way, successful SBS candidates go to the SBS to learn about boating and diving. RM SAS candidates are not singled out for a hard time on selection (apart from possibly being expected to do well), in fact the RM's are respected for their high success rate on selection, whether as SAS or SBS candidates. In short each unit is a similar element within a greater whole, ie. UKSF, who are selected and trained together and have similar capabilities.

[MOUSE]

IS THAT GRIFF(BIG NOSE)OFF WREXHAM
EARNING STACKS OF MONEY@THE MOMENT.
SURELY ANY BOOTNECK WITH A GOOD PAIR OF KNEES AND A STRONG BACK AND MOST IMPORTANT CAN STAY OUT OF THE SHIT LONG ENOUGH
SHOULD GIVE IT A CRACK. UKLF UKSF DF DZ FPF SF ??????????????????

[Dave220784]

Bootnecks who join the sas do so due to the fact that they are not to fond of water. then (according to duncan Falcorner in First [i]in to action[/i]) once the join the SAS they end up in a boat troop due to there past experiance in boats.

c ya[/i]

[Bootneck Officer]

Everything Griff said above is bollocks.
Every Bootneck on Selection has to carry double the weight in their bergans (and complete each yomp in 1 hour less)compared to everyone else. Additionally, they have to drink every night downtown in Hereford during the course, and batter the local hard men on the way home.
Anyone who fails to achieve these demanding standards is automatically sent to Faslane Naval Base, to take their post as part of Fleet Protection Group, where they are properly seen off - much more than what the paras at Hereford can do.
Actually, Griff is right, and I am making this all up.

[griff]

Hey Bootneck Officer - you almost scared me into revealing your identity out of spite there, until I read your final comment. Have you read the "Officers on the Forum" entry? - I think we need to be replying to everyone's Emails, in every topic.

Have to pick you up on one point though - ranks who fail SAS selection are not drafted to FPG - they are sent to security troop RM Poole, or FTS at CTC, purely out of spite. Oh, and they usually take a massive pay cut.