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107-697: The British Special Air Service (SAS), the United States Special Operations Command , and the German GSG 9 ( Grenzschutzgruppe 9 ) of the former Federal Border Guard ( Bundesgrenzschutz ) served as models for the formation and alignment of the KSK. The KSK has received decorations and awards from NATO , the United States, and its affiliates. KSK operatives have taken part in joint anti-terror operations, notably in

214-516: A Boeing 747 airliner that can be reconfigured to match the internal layouts of virtually any commercial aircraft. The on-call CT squadron is split into four troops, two of which are on immediate notice to move and are restricted to the Hereford - Credenhill area, whilst the other two conduct training and exercises across the UK, but are available for operational deployment should the need arise. 22 SAS

321-634: A Joint Session of Congress and his 7 October address to the country, included the destruction of terrorist training camps and infrastructure within Afghanistan, the capture of al-Qaeda leaders, and the cessation of terrorist activities in Afghanistan. In January 2002, over 1,200 soldiers from the United States Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) deployed to the Philippines to support

428-403: A Personal Fitness Test (PFT) upon arrival, which consists of at least 50 sit-ups in two minutes, 60 press-ups in two minutes, and a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) run in 10 minutes and 30 seconds. They then complete an Annual Fitness Test (AFT), which consists of marching 8 miles (13 km) in two hours while carrying 25 lb (11 kg) of equipment. Candidates then march cross-country against

535-455: A captain) and a small headquarters section. Troops usually consist of 16 members (Members of the SAS are variously known as "blade" or "Operator") and each patrol within a troop consists of four members, with each member possessing a particular skill e.g. signals, demolition, medic or linguist in addition to basic skills learned during the course of his training. The term "squadron" dates back to

642-497: A focus on counterterrorism activities. Operation Enduring Freedom, which was a joint U.S., U.K., and Afghan operation, was separate from the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which was an operation of North Atlantic Treaty Organization nations including the U.S. and the U.K. The two operations ran in parallel, although it had been suggested that they merge. In response to

749-684: A full regiment of the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) in 1964. On its return from Malaya, the C (Rhodesian) Squadron formed the basis for creation of the Rhodesian Special Air Service in 1961. It retained the name "C Squadron (Rhodesian) Special Air Service" within the Rhodesian Security Forces until 1978, when it became 1 (Rhodesian) Special Air Service Regiment. Non-Commonwealth countries have also formed units based on

856-421: A group of approximately 200 candidates, most will drop out within the first few days, and fewer than 30 will remain by the end. Those who complete all phases of selection are transferred to an operational squadron. For applicants to the reserve component, 21 SAS and 23 SAS , the pathway involves comparable elements, apart from jungle training, but taken in blocks, spread out over a longer period, to fit in with

963-573: A key role in coordinating the fall of Tripoli." While The Guardian reports "They have been acting as forward air controllers  – directing pilots to targets – and communicating with NATO operational commanders. They have also been advising rebels on tactics." Members of the Special Air Service were deployed to Northern Iraq in late August 2014, and according to former SIS chief Richard Barrett , would also be sent to Syria , tasked with trying to track down

1070-537: A new unit called the Malayan Scouts (SAS). Calvert had already formed one squadron from 100 volunteers in the Far East, which became A Squadron; the 21 SAS squadron then became B Squadron; and after a recruitment visit to Rhodesia by Calvert, C Squadron was formed from 100 Rhodesian volunteers. The Rhodesians returned home after three years' service and were replaced by a New Zealand squadron. By this time

1177-616: A preference for working directly for the Americans as part of OEF-A as they had done as part of Task Force K-Bar . As is to be expected with such units, specific operational details such as success and casualty rates are considered to be top secret and withheld even from the highest-ranking members of the Bundestag. This practice has elicited some serious concerns, resulting in an agreement to increase both transparency and accountability, by disclosing mission details to selected members of

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1284-471: A separate investigation, the State prosecutors in the city of Tübingen investigated whether neo-Nazi symbols were used at a "farewell" event involving members of KSK. In June 2020, German defence minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer announced that the unit would be partially disbanded due to growing far-right extremism within the ranks. The KSK had become partially independent from the chain of command, with

1391-945: A three-week international Combat Survival Course at the German-led multinational Special Operations Training Center (formerly the International Long Range Reconnaissance School ) in Pfullendorf . Upon successful completion of the selection process, candidates may be allowed to start their 2–3-year training cycle with the KSK. This training includes roughly twenty courses at over seventeen schools worldwide: in Norway for Arctic terrain, Austria for mountainous terrain; El Paso, Texas , or Israel for desert and/or bush training; San Diego for amphibious operations; and Belize for jungle experience. According to press releases from May 2008,

1498-616: A tie-in to a British disinformation campaign, trying to deceive the Axis into thinking there was a paratrooper regiment with numerous units operating in the area (the real SAS would "prove" to the Axis that the fake one existed). It was conceived as a commando force to operate behind enemy lines in the North African Campaign and initially consisted of five officers and 60 other ranks . Its first mission, in November 1941,

1605-479: A tin can filled with survival equipment, are dressed in World War II -era uniforms and told to head for a particular destination by sunrise. The final selection test, resistance to interrogation (RTI), lasts for 36 hours. Normal barracks headdress is the sand-coloured beret , its cap badge is a downward pointing Excalibur , wreathed in flames (often incorrectly referred to as a winged dagger) worked into

1712-486: A toxic leadership culture. One of the force's four companies where extremism is said to be the most rife was to be dissolved and not replaced. † Brigadier general Dag Baehr has previously served twice as a field officer in the KSK: First, under the command of Brigadier General Schulz, when it was founded from 1996 until 1999 and then again between 2004 until 2007 under the command of Brigadier General Hartbrod. The KSK

1819-596: A week assessing their ability to carry out planning for UKSF operations while fatigued and stressed. Following mountain training, the jungle phase takes place in Belize , Brunei , or Malaysia . Candidates are taught navigation, patrol formation and movement, and jungle survival skills. Candidates then return to the UK to begin training in battle plans and foreign weapons, and then take part in combat survival exercises, ending in week-long escape and evasion training. Candidates are formed into patrols and, with nothing more than

1926-539: Is a special forces unit of the British Army . It was founded as a regiment in 1941 by David Stirling , and in 1950 it was reconstituted as a corps . The unit specialises in a number of roles including counter-terrorism , hostage rescue , direct action and special reconnaissance . Much of the information about the SAS is highly classified , and the unit is not commented on by either the British government or

2033-538: Is a brigade-level unit of the regular army divided into two battalion-sized departments Operational Forces and Support Forces and the HQ and the Development Group. In 2020 the 2nd Commando Company was dissolved " after an accumulation of incidents and a notable build-up of right-wing extremists in the unit ". Combat-ready units are divided into three commando companies of approximately one hundred men. Each of

2140-586: Is a shade of blue similar to the blue stripe on the No 1 dress uniform. In the British Army, battle honours are awarded to regiments that have seen active service in a significant engagement or campaign , generally with a victorious outcome. The Special Air Service Regiment has been awarded the following battle honours: The names of those members of the Regular SAS who have died on duty were inscribed on

2247-695: Is a sub-unit of the Airborne Delivery Wing (ADW) based at RAF Brize Norton . Supplementary to the SAS, together with the Special Boat Service and the Special Reconnaissance Regiment is 18 (UKSF) Signal Regiment . 22 SAS normally has a strength of 400 to 600. The regiment has four operational squadrons: A, B, D and G. Each squadron consists of approximately 65 members commanded by a major, divided into four troops (each troop being commanded by

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2354-684: Is also a wall of remembrance displaying memorial plaques to some who could not be buried, including the 18 SAS men who lost their lives in the Sea King helicopter crash during the Falklands Campaign on 19 May 1982 and a sculpture and stained glass window dedicated to the SAS. On 17 October 2017 Ascension , a new sculpture and window honouring the Special Air Service Regiment in Hereford Cathedral ,

2461-591: Is going to take a while," which prompted widespread criticism from the Islamic world, may also have contributed to the renaming of the operation. The term "OEF" typically refers to the phase of the War in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014. Other operations, such as the Georgia Train and Equip Program , are only loosely or nominally connected, such as through government funding vehicles. All the operations, however, have

2568-555: Is part of the regular army, gained fame and recognition worldwide after its televised rescue of all but two of the hostages held during the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege . The Special Air Service was a unit of the British Army during the Second World War that was formed in July 1941 by David Stirling and originally called "L" Detachment, Special Air Service Brigade – the "L" designation and Air Service name being

2675-429: Is similar to the metal badge worn on the beret. It depicts a silver sword on a light green background surrounded by oak leaves. The badge was permitted to be worn in 2000 by Federal President Johannes Rau . KSK units wear green as their Waffenfarbe , similar to infantry units. Before becoming an independent military force, the KSK was a part of infantry units. Initially, only officers and non-commissioned officers of

2782-465: Is specially trained as a weapons expert, medic , combat engineer , or communications expert, respectively. Additionally, some groups may contain other specialists, such as heavy weapons or language experts. The special commando company was established in 2004. This company is staffed with specially trained KSK personnel in the fields of Joint terminal attack controller , IED disposal or handling of military working dogs which may support operations of

2889-689: Is the Royal Navy 's Special Boat Service , which specialises in maritime counter-terrorism. Both units are under the operational control of the Director Special Forces . The Special Air Service traces its origins to 1941 and the Second World War . It was reformed as part of the Territorial Army in 1947, named the 21st Special Air Service Regiment (Artists Rifles) . The 22nd Special Air Service Regiment, which

2996-675: Is under the operational command of the Director Special Forces (DSF), a major-general grade post. Previously ranked as a brigadier, the DSF was promoted from brigadier to major-general in recognition of the significant expansion of the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF). On 1 September 2014, 21 and 23 SAS were moved from UKSF They were placed under command of 1st Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Brigade . In 2019 they were moved back to UKSF. The United Kingdom Special Forces do not recruit directly from

3103-567: Is understood that al-Qaeda-trained fighters known as the 055 Brigade were integrated with the Taliban army between 1997 and 2001. It has been suggested that the Taliban and bin Laden had very close connections. On 20 September 2001, the U.S. stated that Osama bin Laden was behind the 11 September attacks in 2001. The U.S. made a five-point ultimatum to the Taliban: On 21 September 2001,

3210-490: The combat positions is divided into two phases: a three-week-long physical and psychological training regimen (normally having a 40% pass rate), and later a three-month-long physical endurance phase (normally with an 8–10% pass rate). During latter phase, the KSK use the Black Forest as their proving grounds for prospective operators. In this time, candidates must undergo a grueling 90-hour cross-country run, followed by

3317-579: The 2005 Afghan parliamentary election on 18 September. Since the invasion, hundreds of schools and mosques have been constructed, millions of dollars in aid have been distributed, and the occurrence of violence has been reduced. While military forces interdicted insurgents and assured some form of security, Provincial reconstruction teams were tasked with infrastructure building, such as constructing roads and bridges, assisting during floods, and providing food and water to refugees . Many warlords have participated in an allegiance program, formally recognizing

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3424-408: The 5th Special Forces Group , aircrew members from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), and Air Force Combat Controllers , fought against the Taliban. Aided by U.S. bombing and massive defections, they captured Mazar-i-Sharif on 9 November. They then rapidly gained control of most of northern Afghanistan, and took control of Kabul on 13 November after the Taliban unexpectedly fled

3531-832: The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in their push to uproot terrorist forces on the island of Basilan . Of those groups included are Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiyah . The operation consisted of training the AFP in counter-terrorist operations as well as supporting the local people with humanitarian aid in Operation Smiles . In October 2002, the Combined Task Force 150 and United States military Special Forces established themselves in Djibouti at Camp Lemonnier . The stated goals of

3638-519: The Balkans and Middle East . From 1973 until the KSK's formation in 1996, the West German (and later German ) government assigned all counterterrorism and special operations activities to GSG 9 , a highly trained police force created shortly after the hostage-taking that transpired during the 1972 Munich Olympic Games . Before 1973, the army's Fernspäher ( long-range reconnaissance ),

3745-848: The Bundeswehr were also occasionally recruited. The integration took place with new equipment adapted to the largely new operational profile of "crisis prevention and crisis management" and was supplemented by equipping the KSK with its command, communications, and support staff. Like all German military units, KSK deployments require authorization from the German Bundestag (Federal Assembly). The unit has engaged in numerous anti-terror campaigns both in Europe and abroad; known engagements include operations inside Kosovo , Bosnia and Herzegovina , and most recently in Afghanistan . During

3852-558: The Iraq War , notably carrying out operations in Iraq before the 2003 invasion . Following the invasion, it formed part of Task Force Black/Knight to combat the postinvasion insurgency ; in late 2005/early 2006, the SAS were integrated into JSOC and focused its counterinsurgency efforts on combating al-Qaeda in Iraq and the Sunni insurgency alongside Delta Force . The counter-insurgency

3959-722: The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist group that the press labelled the Beatles . In 2024 it was acknowledged that five SAS members had been arrested by the Royal Military Police on suspicion of committing war crimes in Syria, though details have not been disclosed. In recent years SAS officers have risen to senior appointments in the British Army and Armed Forces. General Peter de la Billière

4066-764: The Jebel Akhdar War in Oman and conducted covert reconnaissance and surveillance patrols and some larger scale raiding missions in Borneo . They returned to Oman in operations against Communist-backed rebels in the Dhofar Rebellion including the Battle of Mirbat . They have also taken part in operations in the Aden Emergency , Northern Ireland , and Gambia . Their Special projects team assisted

4173-621: The Kosovo War helping KLA guerillas behind Serbian lines. According to Albanian sources one SAS sergeant was killed by Serbian special forces. The Gulf War , in which A, B and D squadrons deployed, was the largest SAS mobilisation since the Second World War, also notable for the failure of the Bravo Two Zero mission. In Sierra Leone it took part in Operation Barras , a hostage rescue operation, to extract members of

4280-480: The Ministry of Defence due to the secrecy and sensitivity of its operations. The corps currently consists of the 22 Special Air Service Regiment, which is the regular component, as well as the 21 Special Air Service Regiment (Artists) (Reserve) and the 23 Special Air Service Regiment (Reserve) , which are reserve units, all under the operational command of United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF). Its sister unit

4387-701: The Royal Irish Regiment . Following the September 11 attacks on the United States by al-Qaeda in 2001, two squadrons of 22 SAS, later reinforced by members of both the Territorial SAS units, deployed to Afghanistan as part of the Coalition invasion at the start of the War in Afghanistan , to dismantle and destroy al-Qaeda and to deny it a safe base of operations in Afghanistan by removing

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4494-509: The September 11 attacks , the early combat operations that took place on 7 October 2001 to include a mix of strikes from land-based B-1 Lancer , B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress bombers, carrier-based F-14 Tomcat and F/A-18 Hornet fighters, and Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from both U.S. and British ships and submarines signaled the start of Operation Enduring Freedom. The initial military objectives of OEF, as articulated by President George W. Bush in his 20 September address to

4601-565: The Taliban from power in the War on Terror . The Regiment carried out Operation Trent , the largest operation in its history, which included its first wartime HALO parachute jump. Following the invasion, the Regiment continued to operate in Afghanistan against the Taliban and other insurgents until 2006, when its deployment to Iraq became its focus of operations, until 2009 when the SAS redeployed to Afghanistan. The regiment took part in

4708-488: The Taliban governed Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. Their extreme interpretation of Islamic law prompted them to ban music, television, sports, and dancing, and enforce harsh judicial penalties (See Human rights in Afghanistan ). Amputation was an accepted form of punishment for stealing, and public executions could often be seen at the Kabul football stadium. Women's rights groups around the world were frequently critical as

4815-484: The Taliban rejected this ultimatum, stating there was no evidence in their possession linking bin Laden to the 11 September attacks. On 22 September 2001 the United Arab Emirates and later Saudi Arabia withdrew their recognition of the Taliban as the legal government of Afghanistan, leaving neighboring Pakistan as the only remaining country with diplomatic ties. On 4 October 2001, it was reported that

4922-518: The War in Afghanistan , although nominally under OEF command, the KSK worked under ISAF command since 2005, carrying out numerous operations in the vicinity of the German deployment in Kabul, including a successful raid on an al-Qaeda safe house for suicide bombers in October 2006. KSK operators have commented in the German media about the restrictions placed on them by their national caveats and stated

5029-628: The massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics therefore ordering that the SAS Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW) wing be raised. Squadrons refresh their training every 16 months, on average. The CRW's first deployment was during the Balcombe Street siege . The Metropolitan Police had trapped a PIRA unit; it surrendered when it heard on the BBC that the SAS were being sent in. The first documented action abroad by

5136-401: The 2nd SAS, which had been formed in North Africa in 1943 in part by the renaming of the Small Scale Raiding Force . The Special Boat Squadron fought in the Aegean Islands and Dodecanese until the end of the war. In 1944 the SAS Brigade was formed. The unit was formed from: It was tasked with parachute operations behind the German lines in France and carried out operations supporting

5243-420: The Allied advance through France (Operations Houndsworth , Bulbasket , Loyton , Kipling and Wallace-Hardy ), Belgium, the Netherlands ( Operation Pegasus ), and eventually into Germany ( Operation Archway and Operation Howard ). As a result of Hitler's issuing of the Commando Order on 18 October 1942, the members of the unit faced the additional danger that they would be summarily executed if captured by

5350-585: The Bundestag, about the future deployments of KSK forces. On 4 May 2013, the KSK reported its first casualty. First Sergeant Daniel Wirth was fatally shot in Baghlan Province , Afghanistan during operation "Maiwand". US Army forces were part of the attempted rescue mission. In 2018, the German Federal Criminal Police Office uncovered a plot involving unknown KSK soldiers to murder prominent German politicians such as Claudia Roth , Heiko Maas and Joachim Gauck among others, and carry out attacks against immigrants living in Germany. Also, earlier that same year in

5457-664: The Bundeswehr aims to advance the attractiveness of service in the KSK to women. This is partially because the KSK was previously unable to reach its targeted number of troops. The KSK was no longer restricted to male troops after the Bundeswehr opened all units to women in 2001. As of 2021, women occupied auxiliary positions in KSK. The KSK is known to regularly participate in joint training exercises and personal exchange programs with SOFs from Allied nations which includes: 48°42′30″N 8°46′19″E  /  48.70833°N 8.77194°E  / 48.70833; 8.77194 Special Air Service The Special Air Service ( SAS )

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5564-460: The Bundeswehr could apply for service with the KSK and the subsequent evaluation period. As a prerequisite for entry, the Bundeswehr Commando Course ( Einzelkämpferlehrgang ) must have been completed by the applicant. Since 2005, however, applications have also been opened to civilians and enlisted personnel who must complete an 18-month Long Range Surveillance training cycle before the intense KSK selection process begins. The selection process for

5671-447: The CRW wing was assisting the West German counter-terrorism group GSG 9 at Mogadishu . The CT role was shared amongst the squadrons, initially on a 12-month and later six-month rotation basis to ensure that all members are eventually trained in CT and CQB techniques. The SAS train for the CT role at Pontrilas Army Training Area in a facility that includes the Killing House (officially known as Close Quarter Battle House) and part of

5778-410: The Cold War, the role of 21 SAS and 23 SAS was to provide stay-behind parties in the event of a Warsaw Pact invasion of western Europe, forming together I Corps' Corps Patrol Unit. In the case of an invasion, this Special Air Service Group would have let themselves be bypassed and remained behind in order to collect intelligence behind Warsaw Pact lines, conduct target acquisition, and thus try to slow

5885-478: The Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW) Wing and special projects team. The SAS receives aviation support from No. 658 Squadron AAC to carry out their CT role. The CTW is trained in Close Quarter Battle (CQB), sniper techniques and specialises in hostage rescue in buildings or on public transport. The team was formed in the early 1970s after the Prime Minister, Edward Heath , asked the Ministry of Defence to prepare for any possible terrorist attack similar to

5992-399: The German KSK , and elements of the Australian Special Air Service Regiment and of the New Zealand Special Air Service and the Afghan National Army . After managing to evade U.S. forces throughout the summer of 2002, the remnants of the Taliban gradually began to regain their confidence. A U.S. and Canadian led operation (supported by British and Dutch forces), Operation Mountain Thrust

6099-416: The Germans. In July 1944, following Operation Bulbasket , 34 captured SAS commandos were indeed summarily executed by the Germans. In October 1944, in the aftermath of Operation Loyton , another 31 captured SAS commandos were summarily executed by the Germans. The last original member of the Special Air Service and the last survivor of the Long Range Desert Group , Mike Sadler , died on 4 January 2024, at

6206-498: The KSK as part of this restructuring. Additionally, soldiers from the Fernspähkompanie 100 and 300 (long-range reconnaissance companies), which were disbanded in 1996, joined the KSK and are still considered the most experienced members of the unit as veterans. Other soldiers came to the KSK from areas known as the Army's "green assignments", such as paratroopers ( Fallschirmjäger ), mountain infantry ( Gebirgsjäger ), and light infantry ( Jäger ). Specialists from other branches of

6313-557: The Mujaheddin in Afghanistan but also sent them to be trained in Pakistan , Oman and even parts of the UK. During the Falklands War B squadron were prepared for Operation Mikado before it was subsequently cancelled while D and G squadrons were deployed and participated in the raid on Pebble Island . Operation Flavius was a controversial operation in Gibraltar against the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA). 22 SAS also directed NATO aircraft onto Serb positions and hunted war criminals in Bosnia . They were also involved in

6420-461: The Philippines: [REDACTED] In Somalia: In Sahara: [REDACTED] CIC George W Bush (2001–2009) [REDACTED] 45,000+ killed [REDACTED] 2,380 killed by January 2016 [REDACTED] 456 killed [REDACTED] 158 killed [REDACTED] 90 killed [REDACTED] In Afghanistan: [REDACTED] In the Philippines: [REDACTED] In Somalia: Operation Enduring Freedom ( OEF )

6527-408: The SAS mantle as 21st SAS Regiment (V) on 1 January 1947. In 1950, a 21 SAS squadron was raised to fight in the Korean War . After three months of training in Britain, it was informed that the squadron would no longer be required in Korea and so it instead volunteered to fight in the Malayan Emergency . Upon arrival in Malaya, it came under the command of "Mad Mike" Mike Calvert who was forming

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6634-424: The SAS. The Belgian Army's Special Forces Group , which wears the same capbadge as the British SAS, traces its ancestry partly from the 5th Special Air Service of the Second World War. The French 1st Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment (1er RPIMa) can trace its origins to the Second World War 3rd and 4th SAS, adopting its "who dares wins" motto. The American unit, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta ,

6741-408: The Special Air Service, other countries in the Commonwealth recognised their need for similar units. The Canadian Special Air Service Company was formed in 1947, being disbanded in 1949. The New Zealand Special Air Service squadron was formed in June 1955 to serve with the British SAS in Malaya, which became a full regiment in 2011. Australia formed the 1st SAS Company in July 1957, which became

6848-440: The Taliban and al-Qaeda continued to mount resistance . Meanwhile, in November 2001 the U.S. military and its allied forces established their first ground base in Afghanistan to the south west of Kandahar , known as FOB Rhino . The Battle of Tora Bora , involving U.S., German, British and Northern Alliance forces took place in December 2001 to further destroy the Taliban and suspected al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. In early March 2002

6955-446: The Taliban banned women from appearing in public or holding many jobs outside the home. They drew further criticism when they destroyed the Buddhas of Bamyan , historical statues nearly 1,500 years old, because the Buddhas were considered idols. In 1996, Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden moved to Afghanistan. When the Taliban came to power, bin Laden was able to forge an alliance between the Taliban and his al-Qaeda organization. It

7062-464: The Taliban covertly offered to turn bin Laden over to Pakistan for trial in an international tribunal that operated according to Islamic shar'ia law . On 7 October 2001, the Taliban proposed to try bin Laden in Afghanistan in an Islamic court. This proposition was immediately rejected by the US. On 14 October 2001, the Taliban proposed to hand bin Laden over to a third country for trial, but only if they were given evidence of bin Laden's involvement in

7169-531: The U.S.) ( see the article Coalition combat operations in Afghanistan in 2006 ). The United States military also conducts military operations separate from NATO as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in other parts of Afghanistan, in areas such as Kandahar, Bagram, and Kabul (including Camp Eggers and Camp Phoenix .) The United States was supported by several nations during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan in 2001–2003 and in subsequent coalition operations directly or indirectly in support of OEF. See

7276-494: The U.S.-led combat mission in Afghanistan. The codename was also used for counter-terrorism operations in other countries targeting Al Qaeda and remnants of the Taliban , such as OEF-Philippines and OEF-Trans Sahara , primarily through government funding vehicles. The U.S. government used the term "Operation Enduring Freedom" to officially describe the War in Afghanistan , from the period between 7 October 2001 and 31 December 2014. Subsequent operations in Afghanistan by

7383-495: The UK; a second will be on a deployment; a third will be preparing for deployment whilst conducting short term training; and the fourth will be preparing for long-term overseas training such as jungle or desert exercises. In times of war, such as the 2003 invasion of Iraq, it is not uncommon for two squadrons to be deployed. Squadron Structure: The SAS has a subunit called the Counter Terrorist Wing (CTW) that fulfils its counterterrorism (CT) role. It has previously been known as

7490-589: The United States military, along with allied Afghan military forces, conducted a large operation to destroy al-Qaeda in an operation code-named Operation Anaconda . The operation was carried out by elements of the United States 10th Mountain Division , 101st Airborne Division , the U.S. special forces groups TF 11, TF Bowie, TF Dagger, TF K-Bar, British Royal Marines , the Norwegian Forsvarets Spesialkommando (FSK), Hærens Jegerkommando and Marinejegerkommandoen , Canada's 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry , Canada's Joint Task Force 2 ,

7597-512: The United States' military forces, both non-combat and combat, occurred under the name Operation Freedom's Sentinel . The operation was originally called "Operation Infinite Justice," but as similar phrases have been used by adherents of several religions as an exclusive description of God, it is believed to have been changed to avoid offense to Muslims who are the majority religion in Afghanistan. In September 2001, U.S. President George W. Bush 's remark that "this crusade , this war on terrorism,

7704-775: The West German counterterrorism group GSG 9 at Mogadishu . The SAS counter terrorist wing famously took part in a hostage rescue operation during the Iranian Embassy Siege in London. SAS were involved throughout Britain's covert involvement in the Soviet–Afghan War ; they acted through private military contractor Keenie Meenie Services (or KMS Ltd), training the Afghan Mujaheddin in weapons, tactics and using explosives. Not only did they train

7811-540: The age of 103. At the end of the war the British government saw no further need for the force and disbanded it on 8 October 1945. The following year it was decided there was a need for a long-term deep-penetration commando unit and a new SAS regiment was to be raised as part of the Territorial Army. Ultimately, the Artists Rifles , raised in 1860 and headquartered at Dukes Road, Euston, took on

7918-606: The article Afghanistan War order of battle for the disposition of coalition forces in Afghanistan as of 2012. The U.S.-led coalition initially removed the Taliban from power and seriously crippled al-Qaeda and associated militants in Afghanistan. However, success in quelling the Taliban insurgency since the 2001 invasion has faltered. As the war dragged on, the Taliban demonstrated they could not be defeated also thanks to sanctuary in neighboring Pakistan. On 9 October 2004, Afghanistan elected Hamid Karzai president in its first direct elections. The following year, Afghans conducted

8025-636: The city. The Taliban were restricted to a smaller and smaller region, with Kunduz , the last Taliban-held city in the north, captured on 26 November. Most of the Taliban fled to Pakistan. The war continued in the south of the country, where the Taliban retreated to Kandahar . Whilst in Kandahar the Taliban agreed to surrender but the deal was rejected by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld as it would have provided amnesty to Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar . After Kandahar fell in December, remnants of

8132-558: The clock, increasing the distance covered each day; this culminates in an endurance test known as the "Endurance", in which candidates march 40 miles (64 km) with full equipment before climbing up and down the mountain Pen y Fan (886 m; 2,907 ft) in 20 hours. By the end of this phase, candidates must then be able to run 4 miles (6.4 km) in 30 minutes or less and swim 2 miles (3.2 km) in 90 minutes or less. After completing aptitude phase, officer candidates are required to spend

8239-725: The cloisters at Westminster Abbey . The SAS Brigade Memorial at Sennecey-le-Grand in France commemorates the wartime dead of the Belgian, British and French SAS and recently a memorial plaque was added to the David Stirling Memorial in Scotland. There are other smaller memorials "scattered throughout Europe and in the Far East". The local church of St Martin's, Hereford has part of its graveyard set aside as an SAS memorial, over twenty SAS soldiers are buried there. There

8346-465: The cloth of a Crusader shield with the motto Who Dares Wins . SAS pattern parachute wings , designed by Lieutenant Jock Lewes and based on the stylised sacred ibis of Isis of Egyptian iconography depicted in the décor of Shepheard's Hotel in Cairo, are worn on the right shoulder. Its ceremonial No 1 dress uniform is distinguished by a light-blue stripe on the trousers. Its stable belt

8453-438: The commando companies as required. KSK personnel serving in the special commando company are commonly seasoned hands having previously served in one of the three commando companies. The Special Reconnaissance Company is staffed with KSK members and further personnel specialised in reconnaissance. This company may support the operations of the three commando companies with reconnaissance and surveillance abilities, for instance with

8560-467: The company is organized in: Members of the KSK wear maroon berets as a symbol of their roots in airborne units. A metal badge is worn which consists of a sword surrounded by oak leaves. The flag of the Federal Republic of Germany is depicted on the bottom of the sword. The Kommandoabzeichen (commando badge) is a cloth patch worn on the right pouch of the uniform. The commando badge's design

8667-640: The demands of participants' civilian careers. In October 2018, recruitment policy changed to allow women to become members of the SAS for the first time. In August 2021, two women became the first to pass the pre-selection course, making them eligible for the full course. The first phase of selection, aptitude phase, lasts 4 weeks and takes place in the Brecon Beacons . This phase also involves training in Sennybridge , and normally starts with approximately 200 potential candidates. Candidates complete

8774-541: The enemy's advance. By early 2003 a composite squadron of 21 and 23 SAS, was operating in Helmand for roles against Al Qaeda forces, 'with the emphasis on long range reconnaissance' In 2007–08 a squadron-sized sub-unit was deployed first from 23 and then from 21 SAS to Helmand for roles including training the Afghan Police and working with the intelligence services. Following the post-war reconstitution of

8881-470: The events of 11 September 2001. The UN Security Council , on 16 January 2002, unanimously established an arms embargo and the freezing of identifiable assets belonging to bin Laden, al-Qaeda, and the remaining Taliban. On Sunday 7 October 2001, American and British warplanes began fighting Taliban forces and al-Qaeda. Cruise missiles were fired from warships. The Northern Alliance , aided by Joint Special Operations teams consisting of Green Berets from

8988-546: The general public. All current members of the UK Armed Forces can apply for Special Forces selection, but the majority of candidates have historically come from a Royal Marines or Parachute Regiment background. Selections are held twice a year, once in summer and again in winter. Typically only 10% of candidates make it through the initial selection process. Between 2014 and 2022 there were more deaths in training and exercises than in combat against armed threats. In

9095-463: The legitimacy of the government of Afghanistan, and formally surrendering their soldiers and weapons. Subsequent actions have led to questions about their true loyalties. The Afghan National Army , Afghan National Police , and Afghan Border Police were being trained to assume the task of securing their nation. On 31 December 2014, Operation Enduring Freedom concluded, and was succeeded by Operation Freedom's Sentinel on 1 January 2015. In 2020,

9202-423: The nature of their work. The Special Air Service comprises three units: one Regular and two Army Reserve (AR) units. The regular army unit is 22 SAS Regiment and the reserve units are 21 Special Air Service Regiment (Artists) (Reserve) (21 SAS(R)) and 23 Special Air Service Regiment (23 SAS (R)), collectively, the Special Air Service (Reserve) (SAS(R)). Special Forces Parachute Support Squadron (Para Sp Sqn)

9309-591: The navy's Kampfschwimmer (combat divers ), and (until 1989) the Special Weapons Escort Companies—Sonderwaffenbegleitkompanien were the only military units comparable to anything that other nations may have seen as dedicated special forces units. One political reason for the establishment of the KSK was that in 1994, during the genocide in Rwanda , German citizens had to be evacuated by Belgian para-commandos . This task

9416-640: The need for a regular army SAS regiment had been recognised; the 22 SAS Regiment was formally added to the army list in 1952 and has been based at Hereford since 1960. In 1959 the third regiment, the 23 SAS Regiment, was formed by renaming the Reserve Reconnaissance Unit, which had succeeded MI9 and whose members were experts in escape and evasion . Since serving in Malaya, men from the regular army 22 SAS Regiment have taken part in reconnaissance patrols and large scale raiding missions in

9523-481: The operation were to provide humanitarian aid and patrol the Horn of Africa to reduce the abilities of terrorist organizations in the region. Similar to OEF-P, the goal of humanitarian aid was emphasized, ostensibly to prevent militant organizations from being able to take hold amongst the population as well as reemerge after being removed. The military aspect involves coalition forces searching and boarding ships entering

9630-414: The regimental clock tower at Stirling Lines . Originally funded by contributions of a day's pay by members of the regiment and a donation from Handley Page in memory of Cpl. R.K. Norry who was killed in a freefall parachuting accident, this was rebuilt at the new barracks at Credenhill. Those whose names are inscribed are said by surviving members to have "failed to beat the clock". At the suggestion of

9737-511: The region for illegal cargo as well as providing training and equipment to the armed forces in the region. The humanitarian aspect involves building schools, clinics and water wells to enforce the confidence of the local people. Since 2001, the cumulative expenditure by the U.S. government on Operation Enduring Freedom has exceeded $ 150 billion. Seizing upon a power vacuum after the Soviets withdrew from Afghanistan after their invasion ,

9844-456: The then Commanding Officer, Dare Wilson , inscribed on the base of the clock is a verse from The Golden Journey to Samarkand by James Elroy Flecker : We are the Pilgrims, master; we shall go Always a little further: it may be Beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow Across that angry or that glimmering sea... The other main memorial is the SAS and Airborne Forces memorial in

9951-483: The three commando companies has five specialized platoons , each with a unique specialty and ability that can be adapted to both the terrain and situation, depending on type action(s) required: There are four commando squads in every platoon. Each of these squads consists of four equally skilled members who have been hand-picked from the German Army into the platoon that best suits their abilities. Each squad member

10058-430: The unit's earliest days when the unit's name was intended to confuse German intelligence. The four troops specialise in four different areas: In 1980 R Squadron (which has since been renamed L Detachment) was formed; its members are all ex-regular SAS regiment soldiers who have a commitment to reserve service. 22 SAS squadron duty rotations are set up as such that one squadron is maintained on Counter-Terrorism duty in

10165-579: The use of UAVs . Female members may also operate as Female Engagement Teams if the task is required. The HQ & Support Company is responsible for supply duties in Germany. For that, the unit is made up of: The Signal Company consists of three signal platoons. While the HQ & Support Company supports the KSK in Germany the Support Company takes supply duties during operations. Therefore,

10272-667: Was a parachute drop in support of the Operation Crusader offensive, codenamed Operation Squatter. Due to German resistance and adverse weather conditions, the mission was a disaster; with only 22 men, a third of the unit making back to base. The rest were either killed or captured. Its second mission was a major success. Transported by the Long Range Desert Group , it attacked three airfields in Libya , destroying 60 aircraft without loss. In September 1942, it

10379-641: Was also a lack of necessary transport capability. Several Belgian soldiers died during this operation. Due to the political pressure, the need to have its forces ready for special operations within NATO became evident. Following the KSK's activation on 20 September 1996, soldiers were recruited from former members of the Paratrooper Companies B1 (Commando) of the individual airborne brigades. These soldiers had already been trained for hostage rescues and commando operations and were now incorporated into

10486-457: Was also affiliated with counterterrorism operations in other countries, such as OEF-Philippines and OEF-Trans Sahara . After 13 years, on 28 December 2014, President Barack Obama announced the end of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Subsequent operations in Afghanistan by the United States' military forces, both non-combat and combat, occurred under the name Operation Freedom's Sentinel . Operation Enduring Freedom referred to

10593-621: Was carried out by special operations forces of the former colonial power Belgium as agreed upon in advance by the NATO partners. The Federal Government of Germany chose not to intervene directly, as it believed neither the Federal Border Guard ( Bundesgrenzschutz ) GSG 9 counter-terrorism unit nor the German Army Paratrooper Companies B1 (Commando) were trained for guerrilla warfare , and there

10700-451: Was dedicated by the Bishop of Hereford at a service attended by Prince William . Operation Enduring Freedom#Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) In Afghanistan : (completed) In the Philippines : (completed) In Somalia/Horn of Africa : In Georgia : (completed) In Kyrgyzstan : (completed) [REDACTED] In Afghanistan: [REDACTED] In

10807-476: Was formed along the lines of the SAS. The former Royal Afghan Army's 666th Commando Brigade was formed by Colonel Ramatullah Safi in the 1970s after he received his training with the SAS before it was disbanded through purges after the coups in 1973 and 1978. Little publicly verifiable information exists on the contemporary SAS, as the British government usually does not comment on special forces matters due to

10914-554: Was formed by Colonel Charles Alvin Beckwith , who served with 22 SAS as an exchange officer , and recognised the need for a similar type of unit in the United States Army . The Israeli Sayeret Matkal and Shaldag units have also been modelled after the SAS, sharing its motto. Ireland 's Army Ranger Wing (ARW) has also modelled its training on that of the SAS. The Philippine National Police 's Special Action Force

11021-576: Was launched in May 2006 to counter renewed Taliban insurgency. Since January 2006, the NATO International Security Assistance Force undertook combat duties from Operation Enduring Freedom in southern Afghanistan, the NATO force chiefly made up of British, Canadian and Dutch forces (and some smaller contributions from Denmark, Romania and Estonia and air support from Norway as well as air and artillery support from

11128-809: Was renamed 1st SAS, consisting at that time of four British squadrons, one Free French , one Greek , and the Folboat Section . In January 1943, Colonel Stirling was captured in Tunisia and Paddy Mayne replaced him as commander. In April 1943, the 1st SAS was reorganised into the Special Raiding Squadron under Mayne's command and the Special Boat Squadron was placed under the command of George Jellicoe . The Special Raiding Squadron fought in Sicily and Italy along with

11235-572: Was successful, and the UKSF mission in Iraq ended in May 2009. Overall, more than 3,500 terrorists were "taken off the streets" of Baghdad by 22 SAS. Various British newspapers have speculated on SAS involvement in Operation Ellamy and the 2011 Libyan civil war . The Daily Telegraph reports that "defence sources have confirmed that the SAS has been in Libya for several weeks, and played

11342-732: Was the commander in chief of the British forces in the 1990 Gulf War. General Michael Rose became commander of the United Nations Protection Force in Bosnia in 1994. In 1997 General Charles Guthrie became Chief of the Defence Staff the head of the British armed forces. Lieutenant-General Cedric Delves was appointed commander of the Field Army and deputy commander in chief NATO Regional Headquarters Allied Forces North in 2002–2003. For much of

11449-428: Was the official name used by the U.S. government for both the first stage (2001–2014) of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) and the larger-scale Global War on Terrorism . On 7 October 2001, in response to the September 11 attacks , President George W. Bush announced that airstrikes against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban had begun in Afghanistan. Beyond the military actions in Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom

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