Any 'Real' ex-SBS operators?

famewolf · Post by **famewolf** » Sun 05 Oct, 2003 10:28 pm

Considering that the internet is full of people and that large percentage of people lie on a regular basis I'd like to get in contact with any ex-SBS operators that's actually been there instead of some bloke who read a book about the unit and thinks he knows everything.

I need some proper advice on several different questions and thought I could maybe get some proper answers from the right people.

If any have ever served in a UF/SF unit such as the SBS i'd really appreciate it if you could leave me a reply so that I could maybe PM you for a few questions.

wilson · Post by **wilson** » Mon 06 Oct, 2003 8:39 am

Im not SF myself but can get any questions you may have, answered from a rtd UKSF family friend who is the real deal. PM me with your questions or possibly contact chunky from York.

chunky from york · Post by **chunky from york** » Mon 06 Oct, 2003 9:16 am

Only too pleased to help with regarding 23 SAS ( V ), if I can, but remember I left in 1983. So I know little of present day operations. There are some who say I didn't know that much 1969 to 1983 come to that.

wilson · Post by **wilson** » Mon 06 Oct, 2003 2:29 pm

Hi Chunky...
Im pretty sure that my my friend and yourself were colleques at some point due to the years of service. He was 22 then 23 and continues to have links with 23, although not operationaly if you get my drift. I shall try and persuade him to log on a check your profile as you could be long lost oppo's?

Aye,
wilson

famewolf · Post by **famewolf** » Mon 06 Oct, 2003 6:59 pm

Great to know there are a few ex-operators on this forum.

Chunky

Since your service duty was a few years back, do you know or have heard of any foreigners being accepted into your SAS regiment or any other British Special Forces unit?

The reason I ask is my interest in joining the SBS or SAS through the British Royal Marine Commandos.

I'm unfortunenately a South-African citizen at the moment, and thruth be told my country's SF unit simply isn't what it used to be.

I have this notion that If I could get my foot in the proverbial door by joining the Royal Marines that I may be able to volunteer for SBS or SAS selection.

Listening to some of the guys talking of joining UK/SF, literally makes me want to turn green with envy.

It's something i've dreamed about for a long time and I'm set on taking a chance even though it may be a extremely long shot.

If you know someone I can talk to or have any relevant information please post me a PM.

Thanks :fadein:

chunky from york · Post by **chunky from york** » Mon 06 Oct, 2003 8:35 pm

Wilson

Only too pleased to meet some of the lads from the 'Old days' not so many of left these days.

chunky from york · Post by **chunky from york** » Mon 06 Oct, 2003 8:51 pm

Framewolf,

The answer to your question is in two parts:-

First does the Regiment want 'foreigners', the answer is 'yes'. If you go back to the battle of Mirbat, This was long enough ago for a lot of the truth to have entered the public domain. Two men should have got the VC and they were both Fijian.

But of course politicians are involved and titles like Commonwealt and Dominion and of course we all know what politicians can do with words however given the shortage of Regular and Reserve Soldiers and Marines I would say the odds are better today than a year ago.

But keep quiet about joining the SAS/SBS you will find people are happy to do you down, Keep your declared interests short 'I wish to become a Kings Badgeman' 'The best recruit', ' a Sniper'

You don't become the best overnight, so it is a long road but worth it

harry hackedoff · Post by **harry hackedoff** » Wed 08 Oct, 2003 5:13 pm

There have been South Africans and Rhodesians in the Corps.
My apologies to Robert Mugabe( I know he`s a fan of these forums) When I say "Rhodesian", I obviously meant Rhodesian

sneaky beaky · Post by **sneaky beaky** » Thu 09 Oct, 2003 5:58 pm

Why don't you just write to the Careers Office in London. I will PM you the address. Outline what you want and ask if it is possible. I believe they have a special section dealing with overseas applications.
I would also follow Chunky's advice and don't broadcast the fact that you want to join SAS/SBS. There are a lot of jealous people out there!!
I would suggest the Marines purely because the training is longer and better. ( I can hear you Percy's gander getting up already - but you know it's true!) You would also get to know a little bit more about the SBS and what it takes. It might be a long winded process but it will be worth it in the long run.

By the way - "Nice to see you back Chunky!"

famewolf · Post by **famewolf** » Sat 11 Oct, 2003 5:28 am

Thank you to everyone that's helped me with my questions.

A special thanks to Chunky and Sneaky for their inside info on the SAS and SBS respectively and also for confirming my suspicions to foreigners in the Service.

As for my entry choices into SF, there are only two choices being the Paras and Royal Marines.

I'm opting for the Royal Marines because their commando course is a bit longer and covers many different skills.

Again, thank you all who have replied to my questions.

Anything that gets me closer to my goal is much appreciated.

sneaky beaky · Post by **sneaky beaky** » Mon 13 Oct, 2003 7:08 pm

I ought to join the recruiting service!! I might even get a commission! (A money one - not pips on my shoulder!)
Seriously, Framewolf, good luck and do persevere. People ask me sometimes what it takes to be SF. My reply is that it takes resolve. Bloody mindness, a will not to give in. You don't have to be special in terms of being super fit, extremely brainy, courageous etc. these can all be taught. Just don't give in to provocation and for want of a better term "bullying" this is designed to weed out the weaker members.
Oops!" I might just have broken the Official Secrets Act!!
Good luck anyway and to anybody else who might think of going down that route.
Sneaky.

famewolf · Post by **famewolf** » Tue 14 Oct, 2003 5:01 pm

Damn! , And here's me thinking I'm gonna at least merit a bit of water torture or a zap in the chest with a stun-gun.

Sounds more like a advert for Club-Med than resistance to interrogation to me.

swampcrawler · Post by **swampcrawler** » Thu 26 Feb, 2004 12:26 pm

I ran into a fella that claimed he was this super former ELITE SBS member but whne confronted with a simple question about the British Combat Smock he was very defensive and since i twisted the question and there was no way he could have been correct he must have picked up on that and opted to use the reply that he dosnt have to proive anythiong to me..
And the question realy was an honest question at first but the more i asked the less he answered and inthe end i believ he was/stil is a liar..

Soldier

KNIFE · Post by **KNIFE** » Fri 28 May, 2004 9:39 am

Don't ask about the British combat smock even a f@#k cadet would know aobut that or a CI maybe, try to ask him about the tactical side all the fieldcraft shit and about weapons, see if he knows his stuff if he does not then he aint part of spec forces. You can buy a smock for about 30 quid 95, BTW does the 2000 really have IR deflectors on it????

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