Difference betwen SAS and SBS

[J0dla]

Hello I´m an 15 year old boy wich is planing the start of the rest of my life.

For start I dont live in the UK, I am not an citizen of the United Kingdom. However I do live in a Commonhealth country.

Before I came across this forum I read alot about the different elit units in the world. And I decided that SAS was the by far the elit unit with the best reputation.
Thou when I found this forum I came across another issue. You lot started to talk about SBS, and said that this unit was superior SAS. And this was abit of a problem to me becouse I haven´t found almost non information about SBS.
So I searched this forum for threads that could explain to me What SBS did that was different to SAS. I found a couple of post but non was satisfying. So I would ask for you to tell me alittle about. I also have heard from u guys in different post here that the SBS starts to be more and more like SAS. What in that case, what did the SBS do before that was so unlike the SAS.
What is the diffrense about SAS and SBS?

I also wonders is it imagenable that a person from another country join the UK ranks and after three years of service I can still join the SF? As in my country we have an obligation to go to an military check at the age of 18, then the military picks out ~10-20% of them and learn them properly how to fight. Now I was thinking to join here and apply to the tuffest program here is and after that apply to the UK service and then apply to the SF. Another Q here is would it be posseblo to skip the 3 years of service in the Queens legions and go directly in and apply to the SF, in thougt of my previous rank in my nativ country.
You could then ask yourself another Q would that be good for me? That those 3 years would sharpen my english and my english gramma? Even thou in my country you study english for 6 years in elementery school.
And those three years would they give me an extra headstart when I join/apply to the SF?

Its lots of questions here and lots of what if and I understand that most of them might not be an clear answer to them either, but I would apreciat if you could give them a thougt.

Also in my country its saying "There is no stupid questions, only stupid answers." and its in those belives that I hope you will give me some answers to. And try not to be so very cynic Sticky and Sneaky and say SBS is the better cus they just is. even thou I do not think you will answer in that way I´m kinda baracading me

*lots of wrong gramma and wrong spelling but I think you understand it*

thanks in advance

[numbnuts]

You’re going to create a riot with this post!
I probably know no more than you do, I would hope to join one of these forces one day, but right here, right know my knowledge is very limited. But my thoughts are as followed.
My personal opinion would be that SBS would be slightly superior ONLY for the reason that they recruit 99% Royal Marines who, man for man should be better than the army squaddie which generally the SAS recruits.
You made an interesting point; you can't find any information about the SBS. Well that’s the way it is suppose to be. The SAS will be forever in the public eye. The SBS enjoy their times in the shadows.
These forces are meant to be secret. They are suppose to do the jobs that no one wants to do and no one thinks is possible. That is what makes them special.
But, you are asking the "Batman Vs Superman" question.
Any bullet can kill anyone, no matter who fired it.
So there isn't really an answer.
Don't know anything about recruiting. Just thoughts I would give you my view of your question. This is only because I am bored and had my arse handed to me in a game of tennis. So I am vegging out by the computer.
Mr. Nuts

[mfat_man]

If you want to do some reading:

Mike Curtis - "Close Quarter Battle" for the Army/SAS route

Duncan Falconer - "First into Action" for the RM/SBS route

These are generally quite well regarded books from what I have heard. I would think there will be some other posts from others who know a lot more than me

[Spooky]

My personal opinion would be that SBS would be slightly superior ONLY for the reason that they recruit 99% Royal Marines who, man for man should be better than the army squaddie which generally the SAS recruits.

Few facts for you:

If you were a blanket stacker and you pass selection, you have passed selection.

Marines fail SAS selection.

The Paras probably still form the largest % of the regiment. Are the Para's not as good as the Marines? Different jobs, both done well by each. Thats all there is to it.

As I understand SBS selection is open to all.


Humbley, I am not SF; but the XXX is slightly better than XXX in ANY respect does get under my skin. It does not matter the background of the person on SF selection; if they pass they've made the standard.

[borisimo]

The SBS used to do/still does a lot of the water borne aspects of SF, not that the SAS can't, but the SBS did things like beach recce's, submarine launched warfare, naval sabotage, diving, oil rig protection.

Nowadays i dont know what the real answer is, they seem much the same as the world has changed, and both come under the UK special forces directorate meaning anyone from any service can attempt selection.

Anyway i'll shut up now as there are better placed people to answer your questions and im tired, as mfat_man said those books would be a good start if you want to know more.

[J0dla]

ok thx for the answers so far. I´ll go check those books out.

[mfat_man]

ok thx for the answers so far. I´ll go check those books out.

Yes do. I used to know an ex SAS/DF (US) chap who knows Collins and I was hoping to do an intereview about CQB for this site.

[J0dla]

that´s a real privilege to know such a man. However those with that kind of history should also be respected, if they dont want to tell theire history its fully understand able. However I would highly apreciat to hear a story from a man with that background.

[mfat_man]

that´s a real privilege to know such a man. However those with that kind of history should also be respected, if they dont want to tell theire history its fully understand able. However I would highly apreciat to hear a story from a man with that background.

Jodla, sure is and I have immense respect for guys and gals like that If you check out the quotes section you will find some of them in there. I thought as a humble STAB they might not be into this site to start with but because we are not (and never will be) into guns/combat or gloryfying war or death they have supported this site and still do in their own way

[Frank S.]

JOdla, you'll no doubt take this as a flame, even though it's not.
It's good that you have an interest in the armed forces, but then there's nothing unusual in that.
When it comes to SF, if you ask yourself questions such as which unit has the best reputation, my personal take is: SF is not for you.

I know, a LOT of people want to know about SF, a lot of people want to join SF. MOST don't know what it takes nor what it means. Books and documentaries scratch the surface, often wildly exaggerate and get things plain wrong. There's one way to know, and it is to join and try for it. Even then, that's only the start.
There it is.
It's a long road and most people aren't fit to travel it, physically and/or mentally.
Best of luck, whatever you choose to do.

[J0dla]

I understand your point. However the reson I wanted to know the diff. between them was/is that I seek challenges. I do not wish to do something that only would take me half way. Now I´m not saying that any of the worlds Elit Units are bad, they are probobly all very good.

But I have so far in life not have met any real challenge. Thats the main reson I want to know alittle about the diff. between the to UKSF.
I wan´t to be with the best, I wan´t to Work hard for it. But I do not seek honor from others or seeking medals and large headlines. I want personal satisfaction about what I and my team can accomplish.

[Frank S.]

I understand your point. However the reson I wanted to know the diff. between them was/is that I seek challenges. I do not wish to do something that only would take me half way. Now I´m not saying that any of the worlds Elit Units are bad, they are probobly all very good.

Okay. Not bad. Now, as to challenges, I'd advise you to take things gradually. You may reply you intend to and that's fine.
As to various SF units being "all very good", well, think of the spectrum. From "regular" to special operations, to special forces, all personnel at times is tasked with very difficult missions.
Again, walk then trot, then run.
But at least I give you credit for a considered answer.

[SO19]

J0dla, ambition is good, but you really need to come back down to earth on this one. I suppose when you're young, the idea of 'special forces' is inevetable, but you really need to wise up.

My personal opinion would be that SBS would be slightly superior ONLY for the reason that they recruit 99% Royal Marines who, man for man should be better than the army squaddie which generally the SAS recruits.

What a load of tosh numbnut's.

But I have so far in life not have met any real challenge. Thats the main reson I want to know alittle about the diff. between the to UKSF.

J0dla, you're only 15 pal, what would you expect ?

I'm not here to dash your hopes, but give it a few years and you will think differently.

[J0dla]

yea I know I haven´t have the time to get real challenges yet. But I think its better to train and be ready today then wish I had been ready when I get there.

Thx for the replys all. :)

[Mulligan]

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