How to Join the SAS: A Comprehensive Guide

Joining the Special Air Service (SAS) is a dream for many aspiring soldiers. The SAS is renowned worldwide for its operational excellence, rigorous selection process, and commitment to maintaining the highest standards. It demands exceptional physical and mental resilience, unwavering determination, and the ability to perform under immense pressure. This comprehensive guide outlines the necessary steps, requirements, and preparation strategies to maximize your chances of successfully navigating the SAS selection process.

Understanding the SAS

The SAS is a special forces unit of the British Army. Its primary roles include counter-terrorism, special reconnaissance, direct action, and hostage rescue. The regiment is structured into squadrons, each specializing in particular skills and geographical regions. The SAS is known for its motto, “Who Dares Wins,” which reflects its ethos of courage, innovation, and relentless pursuit of objectives.

Before embarking on the path to joining the SAS, it’s crucial to understand the commitment and demands involved. This is not merely a career change; it’s a lifestyle choice that requires unparalleled dedication and sacrifice. Consider the following factors:

* **Operational Tempo:** SAS soldiers are frequently deployed on demanding and dangerous missions, often in austere environments.
* **Training Rigor:** The training is physically and mentally grueling, pushing candidates to their absolute limits.
* **Secrecy and Discretion:** Maintaining operational security and discretion is paramount. SAS soldiers operate with a high degree of confidentiality.
* **Personal Sacrifice:** The demanding nature of the role can impact personal relationships and family life.

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying for SAS selection, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the British Army. These requirements are designed to ensure that only the most suitable individuals are considered.

* **Nationality:** Applicants must be citizens of the United Kingdom or the Commonwealth. There are limited exceptions for foreign nationals serving in the British Armed Forces.
* **Age:** Candidates must typically be between 18 and 32 years old. The upper age limit may be slightly higher for experienced soldiers with specific skills.
* **Military Service:** Generally, applicants must be serving members of the British Armed Forces. While direct entry from civilian life is rare, it is sometimes possible for individuals with exceptional skills or experience.
* **Rank:** While soldiers of any rank can apply, successful candidates are typically non-commissioned officers (NCOs) or junior officers.
* **Medical Fitness:** Candidates must meet strict medical standards, demonstrating excellent physical and mental health. This includes passing comprehensive medical examinations and psychological assessments.
* **Criminal Record:** Applicants must have a clean criminal record.
* **Eyesight:** Vision requirements are stringent. Corrective surgery may be permitted within certain parameters.

The Application Process

The application process for SAS selection is straightforward, but thorough. Ensure all information provided is accurate and complete.

1. **Initial Application:** serving members of the British Armed Forces can apply through the internal channels. This typically involves completing an application form and submitting it through your chain of command.
2. **Screening and Assessment:** After the initial application, candidates undergo a screening process to assess their suitability. This may include:
* **Psychometric Testing:** Tests designed to evaluate personality traits, cognitive abilities, and leadership potential.
* **Physical Fitness Assessment:** A series of tests to measure strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness.
* **Medical Examination:** A comprehensive medical examination to ensure compliance with medical standards.
3. **Pre-Selection Training:** Candidates who pass the initial screening may be invited to attend a pre-selection training course. This course prepares candidates for the rigors of the selection phase and provides them with essential skills such as navigation and survival techniques.

SAS Selection: The Ultimate Test

SAS selection is notoriously challenging, designed to push candidates to their physical and mental limits. It is a continuous assessment of an individual’s ability to cope with stress, work effectively in a team, and maintain composure under pressure. The selection process typically lasts for several weeks and involves a series of demanding exercises and tests.

**Phase 1: Endurance**

The first phase focuses on endurance and navigation skills. Candidates carry heavy bergens (backpacks) over long distances, often across challenging terrain. This phase is designed to test physical stamina, mental resilience, and the ability to navigate accurately using map and compass.

* **The Fan Dance:** A notorious exercise that involves carrying a heavy berg over Pen y Fan, the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons. Candidates complete the route twice, once north-to-south and once south-to-north.
* **Long Drag Marches:** Extended marches covering significant distances, often in mountainous terrain. Candidates must maintain a consistent pace and navigate accurately while carrying heavy loads.
* **Navigation Exercises:** Tests of map reading, compass skills, and the ability to navigate in various weather conditions.

**Phase 2: Jungle Training**

Candidates who successfully complete the endurance phase progress to jungle training. This phase is typically conducted in Belize or Brunei and focuses on survival skills, patrolling techniques, and combat tactics in a jungle environment. Jungle training is designed to test adaptability, resourcefulness, and the ability to operate effectively in challenging and unfamiliar conditions.

* **Survival Skills:** Instruction and practice in building shelters, finding food and water, and avoiding hazards in the jungle.
* **Patrolling Techniques:** Learning how to conduct patrols, ambushes, and reconnaissance missions in a jungle environment.
* **Combat Tactics:** Training in close-quarters combat, jungle warfare tactics, and the use of specialized weapons.

**Phase 3: Combat Survival**

This phase tests candidates’ ability to survive and evade capture in a hostile environment. Candidates are subjected to intense interrogation techniques and must resist giving away sensitive information. This phase is designed to assess mental toughness, resilience, and the ability to withstand psychological pressure.

* **Escape and Evasion:** Candidates must evade capture by enemy forces, using their survival skills and knowledge of the terrain.
* **Interrogation Resistance:** Candidates are subjected to simulated interrogation techniques and must resist revealing classified information.
* **Psychological Assessment:** Continuous monitoring and assessment of candidates’ mental state and ability to cope with stress.

**Phase 4: Tactical Training**

The final phase of selection focuses on tactical skills and teamwork. Candidates participate in simulated combat scenarios, urban operations, and hostage rescue missions. This phase is designed to assess their ability to apply their skills in a dynamic and demanding environment.

* **Close Quarters Battle (CQB):** Training in room clearing techniques, hostage rescue tactics, and the use of specialized weapons in confined spaces.
* **Urban Operations:** Conducting patrols, establishing observation posts, and engaging enemy forces in urban environments.
* **Hostage Rescue:** Planning and executing hostage rescue missions, coordinating with other team members, and maintaining situational awareness.

Preparing for SAS Selection

Success in SAS selection requires meticulous preparation and a relentless commitment to improvement. Candidates should focus on developing physical fitness, mental resilience, and essential skills such as navigation and survival techniques. Here are some key areas to focus on:

**Physical Fitness:**

* **Endurance Training:** Engage in regular long-distance running, hiking, and swimming to build cardiovascular fitness and stamina. Gradually increase the distance and intensity of your workouts.
* **Strength Training:** Focus on building strength in your legs, back, and core. Include exercises such as squats, deadlifts, pull-ups, and push-ups in your training regimen.
* **Load-Carrying:** Practice carrying heavy loads over long distances to prepare for the endurance phase of selection. Gradually increase the weight and distance of your load-carrying exercises.
* **Swimming:** The SAS requires strong swimming ability. Practice swimming regularly, focusing on endurance and efficiency. Work on swimming with equipment and in various conditions.

**Mental Resilience:**

* **Mental Toughness Training:** Develop strategies for coping with stress, managing anxiety, and maintaining focus under pressure. Consider practicing mindfulness, meditation, or visualization techniques.
* **Goal Setting:** Set clear and achievable goals to stay motivated and focused during training. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps.
* **Positive Self-Talk:** Develop a positive inner dialogue to combat negative thoughts and maintain a confident attitude. Remind yourself of your strengths and past successes.
* **Resilience Building:** Seek out challenging experiences to build resilience and learn to bounce back from setbacks. Embrace discomfort and view failures as opportunities for growth.

**Essential Skills:**

* **Navigation:** Master map reading, compass skills, and GPS navigation. Practice navigating in various terrains and weather conditions.
* **Survival Skills:** Learn essential survival skills such as building shelters, finding food and water, and treating injuries in the wilderness. Attend survival courses or read books on survival techniques.
* **First Aid:** Obtain first aid and CPR certification. Learn how to treat common injuries and illnesses in a field environment.
* **Communication:** Develop strong communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. Practice communicating effectively in stressful situations.

**Specific Training Exercises to Mimic SAS Selection**

To best prepare, try incorporating exercises that mimic the demands of SAS selection. Remember to consult with a medical professional before starting any new training regimen.

* **The Fan Dance Simulation:** Load a berg with the required weight (typically around 40-60 lbs) and hike up and down a steep hill or mountain. Focus on maintaining a consistent pace and navigating accurately.
* **Long March Training:** Plan long-distance marches with a heavy berg. Gradually increase the distance and weight over time. Practice navigating using a map and compass.
* **Water Confidence Training:** Practice swimming in open water with equipment. Work on treading water, swimming underwater, and rescuing drowning victims.
* **Close Quarters Battle (CQB) Drills:** If possible and legal, participate in CQB training courses. Learn room clearing techniques, hostage rescue tactics, and the use of specialized weapons in confined spaces. (Note: Ensure all training is conducted safely and in compliance with local laws and regulations.)
* **Stress Inoculation Training:** Expose yourself to stressful situations to build resilience and learn to cope with pressure. This could involve participating in competitive events, public speaking, or other activities that push you outside of your comfort zone.

Tips for Success

* **Start Early:** Begin preparing well in advance of applying for SAS selection. The more time you have to train and develop your skills, the better your chances of success.
* **Be Honest:** Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on improving your weaknesses and leveraging your strengths.
* **Stay Motivated:** SAS selection is a long and challenging process. Stay motivated by setting goals, tracking your progress, and surrounding yourself with supportive people.
* **Listen to Your Body:** Pay attention to your body and avoid overtraining. Rest and recovery are essential for preventing injuries and maintaining peak performance.
* **Never Give Up:** SAS selection is designed to push candidates to their breaking point. Never give up on yourself and never lose sight of your goal.
* **Embrace the Suck:** Understand that selection will be incredibly difficult and uncomfortable. Embrace the challenge and focus on maintaining a positive attitude.
* **Work as a Team:** The SAS emphasizes teamwork. Support your fellow candidates and work together to overcome challenges.
* **Learn from Others:** Seek advice and mentorship from experienced soldiers or SAS veterans. Learn from their experiences and apply their insights to your own training.
* **Maintain Discipline:** SAS soldiers are known for their discipline and attention to detail. Maintain a high level of discipline in all aspects of your training and preparation.

Life After Selection

Successfully completing SAS selection is a significant achievement, but it is only the beginning of your journey. New recruits undergo further training and specialization before being assigned to a squadron. Life as an SAS soldier is demanding, but it also offers unique opportunities for personal and professional growth.

* **Specialization Training:** New recruits receive specialized training in areas such as communications, demolitions, medical skills, and foreign languages.
* **Operational Deployments:** SAS soldiers are frequently deployed on operations around the world, often in high-risk environments.
* **Continuous Training:** SAS soldiers maintain a high level of readiness through continuous training and exercises.
* **Career Development:** The SAS offers opportunities for career advancement, including promotion to senior NCO ranks and officer positions.

Conclusion

Joining the SAS is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. It requires exceptional physical fitness, mental resilience, and a unwavering commitment to excellence. By understanding the eligibility requirements, preparing diligently, and maintaining a positive attitude, aspiring candidates can maximize their chances of success. Remember, “Who Dares Wins.”

**Disclaimer:** This article provides general information about joining the SAS. The information provided is not exhaustive and may be subject to change. Candidates should consult official British Army resources for the most up-to-date and accurate information.