The Special Boat Service (SBS) is one of four detachments that make up Great Britain’s Special Forces. Like all British elite units, its beginning was forged in World War II, when in 1941, a unit was formed using folding kayaks to conduct raids on German targets in occupied Europe, the Mediterranean ocean, and the Aegean and Adriatic seas. Initially known as Folboat troop, it was renamed the 1st Special Boat Service, then later added with the 2nd Special Boat Service.
In 1942, these two units plied their talents reconnoitering, evacuating troops and raiding airfields on the island of Crete, and later the Greek Island of Rhodes, where it suffered heavy casualties. Due to this, it was briefly absorbed into the Special Air Service (SAS) before replenishing its ranks and returning to action in 1943, where one of the services dispatched to the Pacific to operate against Ceylon and Burma. Back in Europe, the power of the S.B.S. became such that in 1944, they were so successful, some 300 of them kept 6 German Divisions preoccupied and ineffective.
After the war the SBS was disbanded and used by the Royal Marines as a functional title only. Even so, shadows of its past reared its head as they conducted missions in the Korean war, and hot spots like the Suez canal and Indonesia.
In 1977, it was decided to incorporate a dedicated Special Boat Squadron with British Special Forces, which fought in the Falklands and kept the name until its return to Special Boat Service in 1987. Its most recent uses involve its deployment in Afghanistan, Iraq and Africa against terrorist forces as part of the War on Terror.
The current organization of the SBS is as follows:
- C Squadron – responsible for swimmer and canoe operations.
- M Squadron – responsible for maritime anti-terrorism and ship boarding operations. The Black Group, counter–terrorist team who specialize in helicopter assault are included in M Squadron.
- S Squadron – specializes in small water borne craft and mini-sub operations.
- X Squadron – in June 2004 it was reported that a new squadron had been formed from volunteers from the SAS and the SBS. This is believed to be the first phase of an expansion of Britain’s Special Forces ordered by the Government because of an increased threat to national security.
- SBS Reserve or SBS(R) – provides individual reservists to serve with the regular SBS rather than forming independent teams. Only candidates with military experience will be eligible to enlist.
To be eligible for selection, a candidate must be male, and must have served in the military for at least 18 months and have 3 years left to serve.
Joint Selection (SBS and SAS Candidates)
Stage 1 – Special Forces Briefing Course (2 days)
Candidates are shown what to expect as a special forces soldier with a series of lectures and tests. Basic skills such as swimming, map reading and basic fitness are tested.
Stage 2 – Endurance (4 weeks)
Kicking off endurance is a Battle Fitness Test which weeds out anyone without a basic level of fitness. Designed to test fitness and determination, the first 3 weeks of selection take place amongst the barren hills of the Brecon Beacons in Wales. A series of timed marches is undertaken. Wearing heavy packs, candidates must navigate themselves over the steep hills along a series of way points. Endurance not only tests stamina, but also the ability to keep going whilst suffering inevitable blisters, cramps and the tender affections of the frequently harsh climate. Over the 3 weeks, the marches get progressively longer, and the packs get heavier. The climax of this phase is known as ‘the long drag’ – a 40 km march that must be completed in less than 20 hours.
Stage 3 – Initial Continuation Training (4 weeks)
Basic SF skills of weapon handling, patrolling and demolitions are taught. Candidates who can’t absorb and apply these skills are Returned To Unit (RTU’d)
Stage 4 – Jungle Training
In the heart of thick rainforests in Belize, UKSF jungle training pushes the candidates to their limits of endurance. The particular skills needed to meet the demands of navigating, patrolling, fighting and surviving in dense jungle are taught and practiced. A series of exercises tests the student’s ability to apply what they have learned.
Stage 5 – Combat Survival (4 weeks)
Combat survival features a series of lectures on escape and evasion techniques, followed by exercises in which the candidates are hunted down and captured by other troops (often Royal Marines or Paras). Once captured, students are subjected to intense interrogation. Whilst waiting for tactical questioning (TQ), candidates are placed in stress positions, deprived of food and water and sleep and subjected to white noise. They are then interrogated and must only give their name, serial number, date of birth and rank. All other questions must be answered with a stock reply : “I cannot answer that question.”
After Joint Selection
The few that make it through the 1st 5 stages of selection, are given a green beret with patch and motto of the service, “By Strength And Guile,” placed on probation, and then assigned to a squadron and troop. They then move onto 32 weeks more training which tests their ability in the water.
One of those are:
Swimmer Canoeist (SC3) Training Course
The SC3 course involves training in diving in all conditions, canoeing (often over long distances), underwater demolitions, beach reconnaissance and surveying techniques. Any man that has reached this stage of selection is technically in the SBS but is considered under probation and subject to being RTU’d if he fails to measure up.
Those who finish are proficient in swimming, diving, parachuting reconnaissance, demolition and navigation. They will join one of the five squadrons, and make up the 200-250 man unit in 16 man troops modeled after the SAS.