Honourable Artillery Company

[emu155]

Hi,

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum, understand they are TA but also a specialist role wanted to clarify a few things.

Does anyone know what selection for HAC is like. Some places tend to say selection is similar if not identical to SAS(R) and they have instructors from 22nd, but haven't been able to find specifics anywhere. From what I've researched they don't come under SF specifically, but its tough and specialised none the less.

Any information would be welcomed!

emu155

[Sonne]

HAC aren't SF; but they do some pretty interesting things by way of ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaisance). I've been searching for details on the patrol selection course for a bit but so far all i have come up with is that it takes place on the Brecon Beacons and 5% of people pass. According to the chatter on ARRSE there are more than a few members of the HAC who are ex 21/22/23.

New entrants undertake the potential recruits course which covers basic infantry tactics etc much like othe TA units. After which yo ucan apply for the patrol course or enter one of the other units such as sigs or HQ.

Links:

New site (under construction) http://www.hac.org.uk/

Old Site http://www.hac.uk.com/index.html

Official Army site http://www.army.mod.uk/hac/

Some details of patrol course http://www.reserve-forces-london.org.uk ... rolSqn.htm

I will most likely be applying next year once injuries pass and phys is up.

Sonne


edited to add: They also have a large number of ceremonial commitments such as guards of honour at state visits and during the Lord mayors parade (pic below)

[emu155]

Thanks for that new site, hadn't seen that one! If you do apply, best of luck to you, and please (if you can) put some info regarding them on here as to the selection process and what the regiment is like generally! Surprises me they aren't included under SF considering some of the stuff I read they do, and also the selection process but there we go (are RMR SF?).

Anyone with anymore info, would be greatful!

emu155

[Mike_222]

What is your obsession with 'SF'?

What does it matter what one unit is called, surely you'll join because of the job/trade they do?

Are you actually considering joining 21/23/HAC/RMR or just taking the pi$$?

What's your military background?

[Chateau Lafite]

The HAC are top boys. Definetely Not SF, they come under DRA, but the course is run by WO's from H. They work hard, play hard, drink hard. There's much more of a social scene than at 21/23 - summer and winter balls ect.

Once in it's a 'pure' OP role, independant of 4/73 Spec Obs battery, but sometimes on Ex with them too. Practically ALL courses are available if you have the time once in.

[emu155]

What is your obsession with 'SF'?

What does it matter what one unit is called, surely you'll join because of the job/trade they do?

Are you actually considering joining 21/23/HAC/RMR or just taking the pi$$?

What's your military background?

With all due respect I am looking to the future (at least 3+ years), I'm not going to lie I don’t know where I am going to end up at the moment. I'd like somewhere that would test and push me so that’s just why I am enquiring about different options and finding out about physical demands and tasks units undertake, including deployment etc. As you said "surely you'll join because of the job/trade they do?" and that’s exactly the point. Not taking the pi$$ as it was so eloquently put, want to find out exactly what their roles are.

[Mike_222]

Check your messages.

[Des]

Hi,

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum, understand they are TA but also a specialist role wanted to clarify a few things.

Does anyone know what selection for HAC is like. Some places tend to say selection is similar if not identical to SAS(R) and they have instructors from 22nd, but haven't been able to find specifics anywhere. From what I've researched they don't come under SF specifically, but its tough and specialised none the less.

Any information would be welcomed!

emu155

There are a few formations within the armed forces that are specialists but not special forces:

The Royal Artillery have 148 battery which are foward observers. These are commando and para trained. They work behind enemy lines giving cordinates for gun teams. The RAF Regiment supply similar people to 16 Airborne Brigade.

Pathfinders of the Airborne brigade and Mountain Leaders of the Royal Marines.

A new search & rescue mob of the RAF Regiment not sure what they are called.

I came across these HAC types years ago at an army camp in Kent when I was in the cadets. The impression I got, after chatting with them, was that the role was more simliar to Close Oberservation Platoon (cops) than out and out special forces.

Although they use more sophisticated equipment and the job maybe more physicall demanding than normal soldering I don't think they are up to SAS or even commando or para standards for endurance etc. I could be wrong though.