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Hello Everybody,

As a newcomer to this great forum,I would like to say it's great to meet all of you people here.

I am the very big fan of British SAS 22nd Regiment and I am interested in nearly everything regarding those famous elite forces.

There are tonns of books on this subject,but I must say they give a too brief view on very important aspects on SAS warfare.

Particulary,I am very interested in 4-men recon and 8-men combat patrolling techniques of SAS.There is quite a few information about how various types of weapons are being distributed among SAS combat patrol members in order to give it somewhat of universal firepower in the battlefield.

For example,typical weapons for SAS combat patrol are Diemaco SFW with M203 and either FN Minimi or FN MAG machineguns.

How many machineguns should be within one SAS 8-men combat patrol?And how many LAW grenade launchers should such special operations team have?

I know,that everything depends on particular mission,but there should be common rules of gearing team up before operation.

Any information will be appreciated.

With best regards.

Why is it I can't help but feel this thread will be locked or left unanswered!...

There are no standards.
No need for carrying AT-4 or LAW on a junglepatrol.

There is no set pattern and they will take what they think the operation requires

BTW. Welcome to the forum, WT..

Holger Danske wrote:There are no standards.
No need for carrying AT-4 or LAW on a junglepatrol.

Yes,there is no need for carrying grenade launchers during jungle patrol,but there maybe certain occasions where AT capability might be needed.For example,when cutting off enemy communications,as it was in Iraq.

The point of this topic is actualy a proportion of weapon distribution within a combat patrol.I mean how many team members will carry machine guns,such as FN Minimi or FN MAG,and how many will be equipped with assault rifles/M203 grenade launchers.That is very important.The whole group effectiveness depends on this.

Look all these chaps have seen more action than many of us have had hot dinners, they have been well briefed about what they are likely to run in too and select the appropriate weapons for each mission.

Tab wrote:Look all these chaps have seen more action than many of us have had hot dinners, they have been well briefed about what they are likely to run in too and select the appropriate weapons for each mission.

I understand,I am talking pure theory here,but there is no practice without theory.There may always be various unforseen situations,and you cannot choose appropriate gear for something,you don't know anything in advance about.There must be some default universal loadouts,allowing soldier to accomplish any mission.

Of course,this is my personal "civilian" opinion.So don't kick me hard for expressing it.

Dont the SAS base their equipment on each different mission and change accordingly.

gazza911 wrote:Dont the SAS base their equipment on each different mission and change accordingly.

If you take a look at nearly every picture of SAS,the equipment is always the same:M16 based assault rifles with M203 grenade launchers,FN Minimi machine guns,bergen packs with ammo loadouts,some operatives have LAW's.

But thats only the pictures that you SEE. Its the SAS, you can't exactly base EVERYTHING you know on pictures, although it is hard, I know.

Personally,I think that weapons of special forces should always match the following criteria:

1.Ability to engage targets,wearing body armour.All so popular SMG's like H&K MP5 are definately out of this category,due to their pistol chamberings.

2.Light weight of the weapon itself.

3.Light weight of the ammo the weapon is fed by.The more clips you take along,the more chances you have to get out alive.

4.Reliability.

5.Accuracy and reasonable range of engagement.

I think,that the only weapon,that meets or exceeds all those criteria is only 5.56 x 45 mm assault rifle.A couple of machine guns providing full rapid firepower without risks of overheatings and jammings are also neccesary for such 8 men combat patrol.

So,I think that combination of 6 assault rifles plus 2 machine guns is suitable for accomplishing nearly any mission (search and destroy,ambush etc.).

Of course,everything depends on battlefield conditions.If you have to stay in jungle for weeks,shotguns or 9mm SMG's will suit you fine.You can fight urban war covertly using silenced pistol as a primary weapon.

White Tiger.............No doubt they will read your advice and take it on board

Tab wrote:White Tiger.............No doubt they will read your advice and take it on board

If any team leader of SAS reads everything I posted here,and that saves somebody's life after all,I will be very happy.Everything has got sense.

Your not an airsofter by chance, it's just you used the term "loadout" and I've only ever seen that used by said airsofters