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What is sbs military?

What is SBS Military?

The Special Boat Service (SBS) is a specialist forces unit of the British Royal Navy, responsible for conducting a range of high-risk missions, including amphibious warfare, counter-terrorism, and special reconnaissance. The SBS is modeled after the US Navy SEALs and is considered one of the most elite units in the British military.

History of the SBS

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The SBS was formed in 1962 as a response to the growing threat of sea-based terrorism and the need for a specialized unit capable of conducting covert operations in maritime environments. The first SBS team was established at Portsmouth, England, and consisted of 20 operatives handpicked from the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm.

Roles and Missions

The SBS is trained to conduct a variety of missions, including:

  • Amphibious Warfare: The SBS is trained to conduct raids and assaults from the sea, using a range of specialized boats and techniques.
  • Counter-Terrorism: The SBS is trained to detect and disrupt terrorist operations at sea, and to recover hostages from hijacked ships and boats.
  • Special Reconnaissance: The SBS is trained to conduct reconnaissance missions in hostile environments, gathering intelligence and conducting surveillance.
  • Direct Action: The SBS is trained to conduct direct action missions, including raids and ambushes, against enemy forces.

Training

SBS operatives undergo rigorous training, which includes:

  • Basic Training: 12 weeks of intensive physical training, including combat survival, first aid, and navigation.
  • Specialized Training: Advanced training in areas such as scuba diving, combat marksmanship, and tactics.
  • Parachute Training: Operatives are trained to make HALO (High-Altitude, Low-Opening) jumps and operate in parachute environments.
  • Arctic and Jungle Training: Operatives are trained to operate in extreme environments, including the Arctic and jungle.

Personnel

The SBS is made up of 600 operatives, who come from a range of Royal Navy backgrounds, including sailors, marines, and engineers. SBS personnel are selected for their:

  • Physical Fitness: Operatives must be able to withstand the physical demands of SBS training, including swimming, running, and combat.
  • Tactical Skills: Operatives must have advanced skills in areas such as combat marksmanship, explosives, and tactics.
  • Leadership: Operatives must be able to lead and command teams of other SBS personnel.
  • Language Skills: Operatives must be fluent in multiple languages, including Arabic, French, and Spanish.

Equipment

The SBS operates a range of specialized equipment, including:

  • Combat RIBs: Operatives use high-speed rigid-hulled inflatable boats for missions requiring speed and agility.
  • Scout Vehicles: Operatives use modified Land Rovers for missions requiring mobility and discretion.
  • Sniper Rifles: Operatives use advanced sniper rifles for precision marksmanship.
  • Explosive Ordinance Disposal: Operatives are trained in explosives disposal and use a range of specialized equipment.

Notable Operations

The SBS has conducted numerous high-profile operations, including:

  • The Iranian Embassy Siege: In 1980, the SBS was called upon to respond to a hostage situation at the Iranian Embassy in London. The SBS operators successfully stormed the building and freed the hostages.
  • The Falklands War: During the 1982 Falklands War, the SBS played a key role in several operations, including the recapture of South Georgia Island and the sinking of the Argentine cruiser, General Belgrano.
  • Afghanistan: The SBS has been deployed to Afghanistan on several occasions, conducting operations against Taliban forces and training Afghan special forces.

Conclusion

The Special Boat Service is an elite unit of the British Royal Navy, trained to conduct high-risk missions in a range of environments. With a rich history and a reputation for bravery and competence, the SBS is one of the most respected and feared special forces units in the world.

Key Statistics

UnitSBS
LocationPortsmouth, England
Personnel600
Training12 weeks basic + advanced training
LanguagesArabic, French, Spanish
EquipmentCombat RIBs, Scout Vehicles, Sniper Rifles, Explosive Ordinance Disposal

Note: The information provided in this article is based on publicly available sources and should not be considered as accurate or up-to-date as classified information.

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