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A % question

Posted: Sun 20 Jan, 2008 10:12 pm
by stella
I know a lot of the Marines and the Paras go into Special Forces but what about anybody else??? Like the Rifles for example?? Does anybody from that area of the army get into Special Forces? Or is it best to go into Marines or Paras if you want to go for Special Forces.... before anyone says it I am not wanting to be in Special Forces.... I was just wondering because all that I hear is that Marines and Paras get into Special Forces and nobody else.

Posted: Sun 20 Jan, 2008 11:34 pm
by Doc
Anyone can apply aslong as they have done 3 years service and pass a medical from their unit doctor

Then its the potential authors course and the test to see if your eyebrows can withstand gaffer tape. You will be issued a North face duvet jacket and a phone for texting the guy next to you whilst seated at one of H's coffee establishments.

Muster at the Boathouse and ambush the first guy you see with a coffee cup.

Posted: Mon 21 Jan, 2008 12:12 am
by stella
I know anyone can serve after 3 years service but what i meant is apart from Paras and Marines getting into special forces what about anybody else?? e.g would a soldier from the Rifles have as much chance getting into the S.A.S as someone from the Paras or Marines?

Posted: Mon 21 Jan, 2008 12:24 am
by gleneagles
Mate, I'm sure anybody with the fitness levels and right aptitude could make it. P.S, Andy McNab was in the Greenjackets and a guy I know who competes in the SLMM and OMM mountain marathons made it to SAS and he started as a raw recruit in the army (forget the exact unit). Actually, there's quite a few ex special forces guys who compete in those races.

Hope its helped answer your question.

Posted: Mon 21 Jan, 2008 9:36 am
by Doc
Doc wrote:Anyone can apply aslong as they have done 3 years service and pass a medical from their unit doctor
Anyone means anyone, Army, RAF, Navy.

Posted: Mon 21 Jan, 2008 1:28 pm
by MrC
I think to answer the original posters question:

The SBS/SAS are made up with the majority coming from RM/Para.

Your previous Regiment does not matter - simply whether you're good enough. So yes, there will probably be Rifles, RGJ, etc etc soldiers in special forces, but due to the nature of RM/Para (and indeed all infantry) they will generally have higher levels of fitness and/or determination due to the training required to pass the Commando tests or P-Company. People may have a slightly higher chance of passing if they come from an area which has higher fitness standards, but the bottom line is it all depends on the individual.


So as stated - the answer is anyone.


This is opinion not fact, although the answer is fairly obvious.

Posted: Mon 25 Feb, 2008 4:12 pm
by mark22
As long as you have the fitness, determination, sense of humour and have got blonde or black hair, then I'm sure you'd have no problems getting into the SAS,SBS.

If in doubt

Posted: Mon 25 Feb, 2008 6:55 pm
by agapito
If in doubt mate best thing to do is go to your local careers office, or if your currently in the force speak to an officer. Joining the SAS/SBS is normally base on your determination and a high level of fitness.

Posted: Mon 25 Feb, 2008 7:25 pm
by Tartan_Terrier
mark22 wrote:As long as you have the fitness, determination, sense of humour and have got blonde or black hair, then I'm sure you'd have no problems getting into the SAS, or SBS.
What's wrong with brown hair?

Posted: Mon 25 Feb, 2008 8:38 pm
by mark22
Nothing wrong with brown hair, just the majority of people that join have black or blonde hair.

Posted: Mon 25 Feb, 2008 8:54 pm
by davidemmerson
T_T looks like it's going to be highlights for you!

My hair is blonde, shall I go for summer selection when the sun has bleached it a bit? Goes a bit dark in the winter. Also, it will take me ages to grow a tache, again will they mind if I don't turn up with one? Can I perfect it over the selection course?

Posted: Tue 26 Feb, 2008 8:07 am
by Tartan_Terrier
mark22 wrote:Nothing wrong with brown hair, just the majority of people that join have black or blonde hair.

Wow! Are you the SAS's official hairdresser?

Is the mullet still the most popular style?

Posted: Tue 26 Feb, 2008 10:37 am
by Wholley
BUGGER!!!!
I'm gray with a full 'tasche.
I guess I'll just have to give up on my dream 8)

Posted: Tue 26 Feb, 2008 4:53 pm
by MonsterMunch
mark22 wrote:As long as you have the fitness, determination, sense of humour and have got blonde or black hair, then I'm sure you'd have no problems getting into the SAS,SBS.
We had a guy come on our ship from SBS who was small, ginger and rats.. Bench-pressed a type-22 for fun though. Nails bastard.

Posted: Wed 27 Feb, 2008 11:13 pm
by mark22
wholley you'll still have a chance at SF just apply for winter selection that way u'll blend in all the snow and be the greyman