22nd SAS

The 22nd SAS today

In more recent years, the 22nd Special Air Services have expanded their operations to include Counter-Terrorism and Bodyguard Training. They often work in covert situations, using disguises such as civilian clothing or the uniforms of other military units to hide their operations from both enemy and public view.

The SAS of today is split into several different squadrons, with each squadron having a special function or the knowledge of operation in a specific kind of fighting environment. In addition to the Headquarters units, which oversee the logistical operation of the SAS itself, there are several “Sabre” units in each squadron, which are named that so that they can be easily distinguished from the Headquarters units to avoid confusion.

Some of the different types of Sabre units in the 22nd SAS of today include:

* Boat – As suggested by the name, this unit deals specifically with aquatic manoeuvres. They are also trained experts in marine infiltration, with the troop's members able to use small boats which deploy from either an aircraft or submarine, and then sneaking on shore without being detected by the enemy.

* Mobility – Members of this unit are skilled in the use of ground-based vehicles to get behind enemy lines or deep into the battlefield. They use a wide variety of motor vehicles, including quad bikes, Land Rovers, and two-wheeled motorcycles.

* Mountain – This unit specialises in high-altitude operations and undergoes extensive training in mountainous or desert regions of the world.

* Air – This is the type of Sabre unit that is probably closest to Stirling's original conception of how the Special Air Services would infiltrate enemy lines. They parachute in from above the battlefield, sometimes from far above, necessitating the use of specialised parachuting techniques.

Because of the highly secretive nature of the Special Air Services today, all SAS soldiers in the 22nd sas and other regiments are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement stating that they will not author books or other forms of exposé about their time in the SAS. Soldiers are also bound by the UK “Official Secret Act,” which prevents military and other individuals from discussing things which the government deems to be critical for national security purposes.

Some of the more recent wars participated in by the 22nd SAS include the conflict in Afghanistan, where they have fought alongside US and other special forces units to undermine the Al Qaeda's superiority of the area. They have also been active in Iraq, where they were the centre of some controversy after two members of the unit were arrested by Iraqi police and supposedly rescued by a unit which stormed an Iraqi jail to retrieve them.