Counter-Terrorism Organization: The British S.A.S - Report Example

Counter Terrorism Organization: The British S.A.S Counter Terrorism Organization: The British S.A.S The British S.A.S (Special Air Service) is a division of the United Kingdom constituted in 1950, and is considered by many people as the best antiterrorism squad in the world. It is part of the British Special Forces, which have worked for special operations forces of various nations in the world. The S.A.S initially originated in 1941 during the height of Second World War. The force was formed as part of the special Territorial Army in 1947 (Mackenzie, 2011). Therefore, it is not a surprise that the Special Air Service is the best-recognized counterterrorist organization in the whole world. However, over the years, with the increasing number of terrorist activities in the world, the Special Air Service has adapted to its work, as Britain’s intelligent and elite counter terrorist squad. For instance, the squad came into public limelight in 1980 when it conducted a rescue operation of hostages at Iranian Embassy in London. The squad entered the Iranian embassy with sub-machine guns, captured one of the terrorist, killed five of the terrorist, and rescued all people who had been kidnapped (Ferguson, 2003). The Special Air Service is known for its use of the vicious tactics. For instance, during the 1980 incident, two terrorists surrendered but they were shoved against the wall and killed. This sent a strong message to terrorists that terrorism in the world would not be taken lightly. It is significant to note that the Special Air Service operates in secrecy both locally and internationally (Thompson, 1994). During the Second World War, the allied relied heavily on the Special Air Service for intelligent information. Additionally, the Special Air Service squad is made of low numbers of operative that incorporates sniper, assault, and command personnel. Further, the S.A.S personnel are praised as the most skilled, experienced, and prosperous at resolving hijacking and hostage situations. The squad also passes through combat instructions and survivalist training under hard conditions (S.A.S, 2013). Mission of S.A.S The S.A.S are determined to counter all terrorists activities and ensure a safe environment History of S.A.S The British S.A.S was formed in 1941 by David Sterling. The role of S.A.S during the bloody Second World War was to change and revolutionize the manner which wars could be fought in. David Sterling thought it was brilliant to compose small teams of parachute of well-trained soldiers to work behind the lines of enemies to get intelligence, demolish enemy airplanes and attack or assault the reinforcement and supply routes. The S.A.S originally had 5 members and 60 tanks. After extensive training, the S.A.S first mission was operation squatter in which they were to offer support to operation crusader in Timimi n 1941. Unfortunately, their first mission was not successful as bad weather and enemy resistance led to the capture of 22 S.A.S men. Despite the failure, the S.A.S continued to recruit members into the force (Mackenzie, 2011). The S.A.S had no formal scheme or tactic and advancement was at the center of squad’s success. The group was active during the Western Desert campaign to try to end the Second World War. In its early years, the group operated in the Greek Islands, invasion of Italy and North America. It is important to note that in 1970s, a special project team was formed within the S.A.S. In other words, the Special Project Team is a branch of the S.A.S ant-hijacking counter –terrorism unit. The unit trained and received instructions in sniper tactics and specializes in rescue operations in public transport and buildings (Ferguson, 2003). Once the Special project wing was established in 1975, they conduct rotational duties on regular basis via counter-terrorist training incorporating siege breaking, live firing exercise, and rescue of hostages. It is notable that the S.A.S has participated in anti-terrorist operations in Libya and Northern Ireland. In sum, the history of the S.A.S is long in that its founder envisioned specialized unit that could help with allied secret operation during the Second World War. Although, it has not been easy, the S.A.S has struggled losing its members but soon it developed into a formidable force with strong squad. Further, the S.A.S has several units with specialized roles designed to tackle the ever-increasing terrorism activities (S.A.S, 2013). Organizations of the S.A.S The S.A.S has several squads such as the Special Project. The Special project is composed of 60 members who are placed in four troops each with 16 men. Further, the Special project works similarly with other squadrons at the time of training. However, the situation transforms when a terrorist incident takes place. In such a case, a segment of alert is send to all members and quickly broken down into sniper unit while the remaining officers form an attack team. It is significant to note that the Special Project unit of S.A.S is interim since all S.A.S teams or organizations are rotated via counterrevolutionary war and Counterterrorism duty (Thompson, 1994). The S.A.S does not function like other counter terrorism groups instead; it rotates all of its teams via the CRW duty because all S.A.S units or teams are regarded as counterterrorist-certified and qualified. Further, the S.A.S conducts refresher training, which is consistent after a period of 16 months. The Special Project squad is composed of 65 officers with Blue and Red teams, each with EOD trained and sniper soldiers. The S.A.S use of sophisticated firearms is high and refined for proximal quarter fight. The general course is six weeks when soldiers fire more than 200 rounds of ammunitions (British Special Air Force, 2012). . Weapons and Equipments of S.A.S operatives The S.A.S operatives use the sig sauer p226 pistol and sub machine guns. Further, they also use the Arwen 32 riot guns, torches to help them see in darkness. Laser devices, Remington short gun made to shoot off door hinges while not injuring hostages, tear gas canisters, and stun grenades. Snipers are armed with G3 rifles and L9a1-bolt rifles fitted with a night and day scope. The rifles are fitted with selector with a wired radio component that sends information to a receiver and displays component monitored at the domestic HQ unit (Ferguson, 2003). The S.A.S is also equipped with breaching gear such as pneumatic tools, explosives, sledgehammers and battering rams to help them enter into a terrorist hideout. Further, they have several ladders and ropes to assist them to enter the airplane or high buildings. The S.A.S has attack platforms, which comprises four-wheel vehicles, such as Range Rovers and Land Rovers that are modified and kitted out with safe communication system. The S.A.S attackers or assaulters can drive at high speed to penetrate a terrorist stronghold. The S.A.S officers wear specialized clothing to guard and help them during counterterrorist operations. For instance, they have bulletproof armored coat, ceramic armour, ac 100 armoured helmet, flame resistant carbonized undergarments, spyglass, and radio harness (S.A.S, 203). S.A.S accomplishments In 1996, S.A.S men were sent to Peru to offer help and advice to the government of Peru before the 1997 attack, which led to the rescue of 71 hostages by S.A.S men. Currently, the S.A.S took part in the Iraq war waged by the United States of America. The S.A.S carried out counterterrorism efforts in Iraq. They worked with the allied forces to bring down all activities related to terrorism and capture terrorist leaders (British Special Air Force, 2012). Another notable accomplishment of the S.A.S was in 1981 when the President of Gambia visited England on a diplomatic mission, and back at home, rebels seized his government and captured the presidents’ children and wife. The S.A.S officers were sent to Gambia to suppress the activities of the rebel, rescue the presidents’ family and the Britons who were at risk. Four S.A.S officers were assigned to Gambia to put the Gambian government back in place, rescue everybody at risk. The S.A.S officers worked secretly with local government agent and managed to reinstate the Gambia government. It is vital to note that during their operation, the S.A.S officers used a series of intelligent and disguised negotiations, which enabled them to oust the rebels. The S.A.S operation in Gambia is perceived as the most prosperous counterinsurgency attempts in 20th century (British Special Air Force, 2012). Summarily, the S.A.S counterterrorist group originated in 1941 with the aim of helping the allied in stealth operations. The group has several organizations such as the Special all mandated with combating terrorist activities. Further, there have been made numerous rescues and operations, which have saved lives of many people. The S.A.S uses complicated weapons and equipments such as the spyglass, assaulter vehicles, sub machine guns, and pistol to aid in their operations. References British Special Forces. (2012). Special Air Service. Retrieved on 3 April 2013 from http://www.eliteukforces.info/special-air-service/ Ferguson, A. (2003). SAS: Special Air Service-Inside special operations. London: Rosen Publishing Group. MacKenzie, A. (2011). Special Force: The Untold Story of 22nd Special Air Service Regiment (SAS). London: I.B Tauris. S.A.S. (2013). Special Air Service regiment. Retrieved on 3 April 2013 from http://www.terrorism.com/sas/ S.A.S. (2013). Counter terrorism: Weapons and equipments. Retrieved on 3 April 2013 from http://www.eliteukforces.info/special-air-service/counter-terrorism/weapons-and-equipment/ Thompson, L. (1994). SAS: Great Britains Elite Special Air Service. Oxford: Zenith Imprint. Read More