American Reacts to British Special Forces Training 

Most of their work you will never know about and neither will their families. It is the ultimate unit and we are very proud of them 🇬🇧

My dad was a member of 6 Commando in WW2. This was the forerunner of what the SAS became. You could only volunteer and could not be asked too join as the missions where so dangerous it was often considered suicidal. They would only accept single men because of this. The Commandos were so feared by the Germans that Hitler gave an edict that none would be taken as prisoners of war but executed on capture instead. I'm extremely proud of what my dad did for us all. ❤

Without being biased, the British special forces are 💯 the finest on the planet. I mean no disrespect to any others, but this is No secret, they are the best by a fair old margin.

For anyone not aware of the SAS look up Christian Craighead, aka Obi Wan Nairobi. The guy went solo against a bunch of terrorists in Nairobi and is credited with helping save hundreds of lives.

Best trained military on planet earth these guys, so proud of them

I heard of a British soldier(regular) who was briefly a prisoner in Iraq. The interrogator asked if he was SAS; he replied if i was SAS you would not be standing alive in front of me.

You’ve never heard of the SAS? Wow.

The American army's elite Delta Force is directly based on the SAS, after Green Beret Charles Beckwith spent some time with the SAS on an exchange programme in the 1960s. He was extremely impressed and realised the USA didn't have anything like it so he founded Delta Force.

People have actually died during SAS selection training. It's that brutal.

"Who dares wins" is the SAS slogan, much more appropriate.

You should watch a video about the SAS and the Iranian Embassy when many Brits first learned of that the SAS existed! Or the Kenya terror attacks stopped by a British sas guy. These guys are the toughest of the tough not just physically but mentally as well.

My wife had a cousin in the SAS ( no one ever spoke to him about it), he was so outwardly normal you would never guess. That was the point.

In the UK this weekend is dedicated to Remembrance, with 2 minutes silence tomorrow at 11 O'Cclock, and services on Sunday, including the National one, led by the King at the Cenotaph, its the perfect time to remember and give thanks for not just the SAS but all those who have served to create and keep peace in the world. May the Dead Rest in peace, and may all service personel feel the depth of our gratitude. The SAS was formed in North Africa in WW2, by Colonle David Sterling, he envisaged a force that could work deep inside enemy lines, sabotaging and gathering intelligence, they were therefore trained to withstand the worst the SAS could throw at them, don't forget these are the fanatical Nazis' who ran the concentration camps, hence the need for thorough training. They assisted and often led resistance groups, since world WW2 they have been involved in many campaigns being renowned for competence and courage

I joined a foreign army after being in the British Army, I can state without doubt that the British Army Cadets receive better training and are better soldiers than most armies around the world.

We are proud of our men & women whom have served & serving

If someone tells you without being asked that he was in the SAS then it's almost certain he wasn't. Chatting with a neighbour of mine soon after they moved in we realised we'd both served. It was only months later I went into his house and saw a photo of him being presented with an award wearing an SAS beret. Apart from the secrecy, for most of those who serve with the SAS it's just another part of their time in the army and not a biggie. While I was in hospital a chap was brought in following an accident with some mortars in which he'd lost a hand and part of his arm. When asked if he wanted any special attatchments for his prosthetic he asked for something so he could fire a rifle.

The SAS motto is "Who dares, Wins". A civilian can't apply to join the SAS (unlike many other Special Forces units), only serving and experienced members of the British Army can apply and even then their washout rate is huge. The identity of the serving members of the SAS is a closely guarded secret, sometimes even their own families don't know.

You need to check out the Iranian Embassy Seige Tyler, your compatriots watched a live stream as we did over the 6 days. The SAS stormed the building while we watched in amazement...amazed because this was the ONLY time we would ever see these brave men in action ! The SAS was praised all over the world after this 🎉

Out of 104 candidates, only 5 were accepted for continuation training. 2 died on the previous course, the instructors said, "That's just nature's way of saying you're not good enough."

I'm afraid to tell you that you're delta forces is nothing compared to the s a s

I find it hard to believe that you hadn't heard of the SAS. (Also the SBS - Special Boat Squadron) To join you have to be TOUGH, physically and mentally. Unlike some countries, they are not recruited straight from civilian life but have to be serving soldiers. Unfortunately, there have been a few deaths during training but their main objective is to work 'under the radar'. When they operate behind enemy lines they have to poo into bags and bring it away with them so no trace of their presence exists. When the Falklands War 1982 (Argentinian troops invaded the Falkland Islands) was about to kick off, and the British Army was sailing to the south Atlantic, the SAS were on the islands, observing, a fortnight before the British arrived. They had parachuted into the sea and made their way ashore - the Argies never knew they were there! They provide training for several different armies around the world. You should try reading any of the several books about their origins in the African desert during WW2. These men were, and are, SPECIAL. We don't need 2000 SAS. What we have is quite enough!

As a british citizen myself I'm so proud of our forces, all of them but the SAS are so secret and awesome at the same time. They say to be in the SAS you have to be the "grey man", this means someone who looks average (not macho or massive muscular) but the average joe in the street who you would walk past but actually they are highly trained, organised, self sufficient, can work alone or as part of a team in conditions most humans wouldn't entertain, oh and a complete bad ass. Go research the Iranian Embassy siege, this was the first time anyone (including us Brits) saw them in action.

It is incredible what they do. I wouldn't even dream of putting myself in those positions, but mad respect for those who do.

You will never know about 99% of SAS operations. Delta Force and Navy Seals learnt almost 100% of their tactics from SAS and this is coming from an American. A squad of 5 SAS could easily wipe out a squad of 10-15 Seals or Delta Force. Their training is hardcore. You can hardly find live SAS training online. They’re crazy on that tiny little island

I have great respect for both SAS and SBS since the beginning when David Stirling and the long range desert group was formed , a very secretive branch of British Military they are always there when needed way to go .

Check out Christian Craighead and the Nairobi siege to see what one SAS guy did by himself on his day off!

The quality of British servicepeople remains among the best in the world, and the SAS remains the most elite unit in the world. Which is just as well as we really don't have a lot else to shout about.

My cousin married an SAS man in the 1980s. I remember when he came home from duty I asked him what he had been doing but he couldn't tell me. All he said was he was doing what others couldn't do so we left it at that.

Had the privilege of meeting a few SAS.. It always struck me how humble and unassuming they were.. You'd have never guessed they were in the regiment, and they wouldn't have told you, anyone that boasts they were, probably wasn't in it. A lot had very troubled childhoods, but it's their character and tenacity that stands out and what is built on, the ability to adapt and overcome in a heartbeat. They are cut from a completely different cloth than the majority of us. It was great seeing you give them the respect they thoroughly deserve. 🇬🇧

physical toughness is one thing but mental toughness tops it

You hit the nail on the head with some of your comments. Its not about muscle bound monsters, its about being smart and ultra fit. Average size guys that are like pro sports guys. The term often used is "Racing snakes" lighter guys that can just walk for days if needed, any terrain, any weather.

They didn't confirm the existence of the SAS until it was used openly in the 1980's on TV against a terrorist siege of an Embassy in London, it's a bit hard to deny that they exist when everybody saw them live on the News. If this is what we are told about imagine what is hidden now, you never know the full capability, part of strength is what they don't know about... Secrecy and reserves are key to success...

The uk army is like a lion, so you poke the lion you get eaten, but if you push them too much, you get a polerbear, which is the top predator on this planet

SAS have their own Royal Signal Squadron, and while I was in training in the Royal Signals, they would come and try to recruit for it. (Every 4th man in an SAS brick was the coms expert). I found them amazingly non descript, quite and almost invisible. Wiry, not the big muscled types. But tough. Their training seemed so much more about mental strength than physical. You can train, force fitness and muscles and stamina even into couch potatoes like me - but how do you train, or force, the mental toughness to just keep going. I remember one telling me that they had a 20 mile cross country, rained soaked, heavy load and a timed march - where a lorry was waiting to pick them up. As they staggered in, one by one, the staff looked them in the eye and said "Change of plan, turn around and go back to the start". Your reaction alone could be a pass/fail moment. Mental toughness. Iranian Embassy, Operation Barras and "Obi Wan Nairobi" would be good further viewing.

0:56 - WHO DARES WINS - The motto of the SAS. This elite corps of the British Army came to public attention over six days during the Iranian Embassy siege in 1980. The gunmen, Iranian Arabs campaigning for sovereignty of Khuzestan Province, took 26 people hostage, including embassy staff, several visitors, and a police officer who had been guarding the embassy. A movie titled 'Who Dares Wins' was released in 1982 depicting a fictitious siege and subsequent SAS operation.

Soldiers have died during the SAS recruitment process and I can see why, it’s only for a very elite, select group of soldiers.

My late father did train for the SAS in the late 50's but didn't last more than a week. In the early stages he slipped,landed awkwardly and broke his ankle. He was told that because of that break ,even when it had healed,he would not be able rejoin the course and could not be considered again for it.

When I was a student (many years ago) a group of us walked up Mt. Snowdon in Wales. We were passed by a group of Army types with large and obviously heavy packs. They had a leisurely lunch on top and then passed us on the way down. Were were almost running, they were running! No sign of any military insignia, no sign of who was in charge. They were HARD. Often wondered if they were SAS on a day out.

I watched a documentary about SAS selection.After the gruelling 40-mile march, a truck was waiting to take them to camp. The exhausted soldiers clambered aboard, when the training officer blew a whistle and shouted, "I've changed my mind. You can march to camp." Moat of the soldiers got out of the truck, but five remained on board. The other soldiers marched a few yards when the trainer blew his whistle again. "OK. Back on board." The ones who had stayed in the truck groaned, because they knew they'd been tricked into failing. But the ones who had got out despite their weariness were the ones the officer wanted. In the torture scenario, they actually used to physically torture them, e.g. electric shocks to the genitals. You've really, really, _really_got to want to get into the SAS.

This is one of many reasons why I’m proud to be British 🇬🇧

I met some SAS guys when I took them on a rescue mission in South America. I asked one of the guys that when they have photos taken they have their eyes blanked out. I said " Does the black tape hurt you when you take it off afterwards ". He looked at me and laughed when he realised I was taking the micky.

There's plenty of known cases where applicants wanting to get into the SAS have actually died during the different phases of training and tests. That's how tough it is! My friend from the US served in the famous 101st airborne. Whilst he was in Iraq, through operations, he came to have contact with some SAS and my friend couldn't believe, even as part of the US 101st, how tough the SAS is.

The SAS. The best psychopaths that money can buy

My dad was in the SAS fighting back against the IRA when all that was kicking off in the 80s etc. He done some wild things, just the things I know of cool but he was a very humble man that didn't speak much about it. He died of a brain tumour quire a few years ago now. I miss him so very much, they're all heroes and im proud of my dad and proud of other sas and soldiers in general. ❤

Nice reaction my man!..........there has been years where no-one has passed SAS selection and there has been years where selection candidates have died!!

If you want something done well, you get the sas, all special forces around the world are based on them.

There is a fine line between genius and madness, these guys walk with one foot either side of the line, they are absolute.y the best of their type

You need to react to the special forces operator Christian Craighead or as he’s now known ‘Obe-1-Nirobi’. Absolute legend. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

You know whats fun about the hike in the Brecons, its the following week when youre dropped into the jungle in Belize. Freezing cold, pissing rain, broken to bits on the beacons, only to be dropped into horrendously humid, swampy jungle full of lots of things trying to kill you. And of course theres the psychological torture portion of training. Ah the joys!

So very proud of these amazing guys ❤️🙏

When I was in the British Army they had what was called the Junior Army you signed up straight out of school. Back then you finished school at 15 1/2 - 16 years old. I was 15 1/2 and it was 2 years to train you to be a soldier, after which you joined a proper unit. in those two years we also done survival training. A week in a hut the Welsh mountains in groups of three and were given our rations and had to cook for our selfs. Running water was a small stream running by. We also did The Lyke Wake Walk a 42 mile hike across the Yorkshire moors in 24 hours, and many other things. I really can't imagine 16 year olds doing that today, non of them know how to cook for one thing. You can't get a pizza delivered on top of a mountain.

As far as it goes, the standards most special forces in the world train to are either met or surpassed by the Royal Marines or the Paras. These are the people who the SAS and SBS recruit from and a very small percentage of applicants are accepted. I would hazard that the SAS does not include all the same duties as the likes of the Navy Seals as the SAS are usually on land based duty. The SBS (Special Boat Squadron) would probably be more of a match but I believe that there are even fewer of those guys than there are SAS members.

If you want to see how it all began you should watch 'The Greatest Raid of All' narrated by Jeremy Clarkson. It's about fifty minutes and I realise you don't like to react to long videos, but you could break it up, or you might like to watch it anyway. It's a real eye opener and better than any war film.

I was fortunate enough to do an a medical attachment with 23 sas i was an experience that I will never forget.

There is also the SBS (special boat service) which is less well known, but more covert and highly trained/ specialised!!

The SAS is not the oldest. That honour falls to the Royal Navy's special forces unit, the Special Boat Service (SBS) , the forerunner of which was formed in 1940. After a number of name changes, the unit became the Special Boat Squadron of the Royal Marines, but in 1987 the Royal Navy took over full responsibility for the unit and its name was changed to the Special Boat Service.

Glad these guys are on our side,my cousin was a Sargent in 42 commando,never knew where he was in the world or doing! Tough guys ,not to be messed with..best wishes from Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

British forces ARE the best in the world ! No competition !

They are the Best, ever you won't get better than them they teach every special force in the world! ❤ love from UK 🇬🇧 😊❤

The difference in size between SAS and SEALs is not just down to the size of the military, they're not the same thing. The SAS/SBS are not comparable to Navy Seals, they're Tier 1 regiments whereas the majority of SEALs are Tier 2. The SBS are more of a direct equivalent to specifically SEAL Team 6, which is the SEALs' Tier 1 unit, and the SAS are the equivalent of America's Tier 1 unit Delta Force. Also, in order to join the SAS (not the reserves) you HAVE to have served already in the British military for 2 or 3 years, whereas SEALs can apply for selection without any military training. At least, that is how it is explained to me.

my older Cousin did his National service and joined the Army (and sadly passed away) after 40 years of service in many regiments twice with the Commandos once with the Paras and once with the SAS also serving all over the world 4 years in the USA training your troops, i will remember 2 of his stories 1 was getting told off in the commandos for pushing a trainee (from a different unit in the army) for failing to complete a jump from a wall 10 feet down on to a flag pole (he had tried 3 times and couldnt do it so my Cousin (a regimental colour Sargent pushed him off) during the investigation all he said he is going to risk others lives and was let off,2nd was while in SAS training in Norway they had to stay concealed in a freezing cellar for 3 days after that they were allowed out and he and a fellow went to a pub theyed been before and the pub had been taken over by American soldiers who promptly told my Cousin this is American only? one of the Americans asked my cousin what regiment they were from my Cousin just replied SAS and they were welcomed with open arms

your Navy Seals are more like the Royal Marines than the SAS

The SAS is often deemed to be the best in the world which isn't much of a shock when the standard British infantry man is many nations special forces

I'm a proud British guy and who ever says the USA has better training and military just remember the SAS trained you and the SBS are on another level.

I remember reading a book by an ex-SAS guy once that briefly touched on the selection process. He made the interesting point that he couldn't understand why some candidates cracked during the final interrogation, after having successfully made it that far. After all, he reasoned - you *know* it's not real. There's no danger of being horrifically tortured, raped or killed - there's a limit to how far they can go and you're not in any real danger. But I guess the instructors know what they're doing, since some people do actually fail at that stage.

The first time I was ever aware of the SAS, was as a child watching Blue Peter, for non brits that was a childrens TV programme. I remember watching a man named Lofty Wiseman, who was speaking about survival and living off the land. I may be wrong, but I believe he taught SAS candidates how to survive in extreme places. He seemed very soft spoken but left quite an impression.

The SAS & the SBS go through the same selection process and then those who choose the SBS have yet more specialist training for diving, covert landing, boat handling, canoeing etc etc. Special mention to the New Zealand SAS and the Australian SAS who have their own equally intense selection, training and history. The Special Reconnaissance Regiment and the Pathfinder Platoon along with Special Forces Support Group (SFSG) and 18 (UKSF) Signals Regiment are all Special Forces units within the UK armed forces.

I was RAF tech and worked with the SAS and they are really intelligent guys,but they do not looked like ripped 6 ft tall guys.

Watching this reminded me of an article I saw, about a training exercise of British vs US commando forces. British forces were trying out a new command structure. Less than halfway through the exercise, the British forces had completely disabled all of the US forces, gone from controlling their starting 20% of the training area to 65%, and forced a surrender by the US forces.

One of the guys in my old church was ex SAS. His group were captured and tortured during the first gulf war. One of the soldiers wrote a book about the experience, he wasn't allowed to give the names of his unit so he gave them nicknames, when it came to the guy we knew he was called preacher as whilst they were being tortured he was witnessing to the torturers

You should watch 6 Days about the SAS ending the siege of the Iranian embassy in London

The SAS are diffrent, they think and do not take rubbish, threy are amazing. I used to live in a small town in England and the SAS had a place there, but no one talked about it. The UK is very proud of the amazing SAS. You should look into there history its impresive.

I KNOW GUYS FROM MY OLD REGIMENT who trained for SAS selection. They had beaten their post cards home during phase 1,the endurance phase. They were truly fit guys,they got much respect for trying when they come back to my old regiment. Much respect 🇬🇧.

My Granddad was in the LRDG. Long Range Desert Group, know as the Desert Rats. The precursor to the SAS. Respect Gramps x

I believe everyone in the SAS is still a volunteer. They will likely already be in the forces and even more likely in an elite unit such as the paratroopers or marines. They still volunteer themselves for the brutality of SAS training and testing. Soldiers withdrawn from training are RTU (Returned to Unit). In WW2, particularly the early days in North Africa this was considered to be the harshest punishment.

Due to the sas taking part in real life war games with other countries it's said that the sas can defeat a force 20 to 30 times larger than them 👍

People that make it into most special services around the world are incredible humans, standard military is tough enough for most

SAS are the real deal, Americans can say they are better but we all know Brit’s kick there ass. I remember our commando’s made you retreat 8 times over a 10 day period

I've worked with them: most recently with their training the Spec Ops forces of other nations. And yes, they are the Grand-Daddy of SF & the benchmark by which others are judged. You can't even try until you've done 3-yrs in Green (Regular) Army... People have even died during selection.

Don't forget the British Special Boat Service. The naval equivalent to the Special Air Service.

If you ever met one of the SAS soldiers you would never know they are actually in the SAS. You might even think his job is as a bank manager or just some normal guy that just keeps fit and works in some office. They are extremely intelligent guys who have to think on the fly and be able to work without orders and just work on the mission set. But the variety of soldiers in the SAS means they can mix with normal people in any situation and just fit in as well as be able to kill you with a paper straw.. The training is physical but the main thing is mentally being strong enough and be able to solve problems on the go. One of my old school teachers was an instructor at the SAS station in Hereford and although he was no SAS (or not that we knew) he told us about one of the commanding officers who just for a laugh would break into the base or break in and steal vehicles or cause mayhem for the regular soldiers who were also stationed there that would be looking after the base too. He was about 5 foot 5 inches and not what you expect to climb over a 12 foot high security fence with barbed wire. He would break in and reprimand the guys on duty for allowing someone to break in and move vehicles around. The sad thing is the soldiers on duty would have zero chance of catching him unless it was sheer luck. One of the tests which may have been an urban myth was being chained or handcuffed to a railway track and a rail car set off towards you. You would have very little time to think, less time to react and have to find a way to not get your hand or arm run over by a rail car. It was a way to make you think clearly and logically even under the highest stress.. Sadly applicants have died during selection and it is going to weed out those who are not suitable very quickly. The physical side is only half of being in the SAS selection process.

I think one thing that wasn't emphasised is that the candidates are taken from the ranks, so know a lot more about what to expect and how fit, both physically and mentally. Also, there's some who are so obviously good prospects, they might be pushed to apply.

My uncle was in the sas he retired now my dad was in the army also retired proud of them both

My grandfather was in the first SAS squad assembled in WWll. Very proud of him!

It’s always good to know that you have powerful friends on your side no matter what the circumstances are. At least us Brits seem to be good at something these days.

Tyler if you are enjoying learning about the S.A.S. Please do a reaction to ‘Obi one Nairobi’…… You won’t be disappointed 😊

Soldiers have to be virtually superhuman and unbreakable to get into the SAS. Psychologically tough as well and i think most of them have a different mindset to the ordinary man. I have personal experience of a close relative doing and failing SAS selection at least twice. Not a pleasant experience. Check out the Iranian Embassey seige in London in 1980, where the SAS stormed the building to rescue the hostages. Also theres a brilliant TV dramstisation of how the SAS came into being: check out SAS: Rogue Heroes

As a Brit, we are proud of our boys who remain in the shadows but are always their to keep us safe. Also I was a bit perplexed when you kept saying I do not want these super soldiers after me! Im like, bro were like cousins with the closest relationship possibly on the planet. These guys are on your side too.😂😂😂 You hear stories of when allied special forces meet up for drills an practice. The USA Seal team with their banner up outside their base "Navy Seals, 2nd to none".... Next door, The SAS lads had a banner up & it simply read "None" 😎😂🤣 SAS the original, the most replicated, the best.

The SAS are superb, no question, However when you add the SBS and The Gurkhas - Yup our little island can be scary!

The name 'Special Air Service' was I believe devised to be misleading and confusing, to keep their activities secret. The SAS are based in Hereford, not too far from me, and they have traditionally trained in the Brecon Beacons in South Wales.. I have been told that they are permitted to say which regiment they're in, but they don't, because they don't want bother from wannabes, etc. I'm told, that in the best British tradition, they are very self-effacing, and difficult to tell apart from the crowd, although you might notice the fitness. So, be careful about that man sitting quietly in a Hereford pub...

I Nursed an SAS Soldier from an accident a really nice character , BUT very solitary (I would be if I had to cope with his life style )personality and visited by a bunch of his fellow male comrades for me it was and interesting encounter and they have my full respect 👏👍🤷‍♀️

Not necessarily the SAS, but a lot of champion olympians started off as members of the armed forces and it’s partly what helped to make them champions. SAS are next level.

The worst thing in the endurance test is not knowing when it ends. They don’t tell you, you just keep moving until someone tells you to stop…

I walked 13 miles as a teenager once when the buses stopped, carrying nothing, it was a horrible experience, my legs were in bits when I got home.😂

Hey Tyler, you need to check out a series called "Rogue Heroes". It's the true story of how the SAS was formed and their first missions. Very interesting and so entertaining with a bit of humour thrown in also. Can't wait for second season. We also have the SAS in Australia.

The most impersonated regiment in the British Military. I had the privilege of meeting the team that stormed the Iranian Embassy on a couple of occasions. Lovely fellows, don’t piss them off.

You're right, that the training is suppose to simulate the worst case scenarios. Being captured, your job is to give as little information away as possible, while trying to survive. Trying to be your capturers best fried, but still trying to not give any information away apart from your name and rank. One of the craziest things about SAS is that you could be sat next to one on the train, you'd never know. That's aprt of the selection, it's not all about fitness it's who can blend into normal life without it being obvious. I think that's one of the main differences between SAS/SBS and Delta too, i think Delta are proud to be Delta and are openly proud whereas an SAS soldier would never show it, there has been serving SAS soldiers that don't even tell their own family. There is Navy seals that have been in interviews that have said the SAS/SBS are on a different level. But that isn't to take anything away from the Navy Seals because they're obviously on such a high level too. There a guy called Billy Billingham, he is one of the baddest people you could ever encounter, he grew up on a council estate which you would call a ghetto, he was in the SAS for 17 years, he was ranked Warrant Officer Class 1 - the highest position possible. There is delta force/navy seals that talk about working with him and there is plenty of videos on him on youtube if you want to look deeper.

There's an even less known British special force known as The Special Boat Service that was founded in 1940 .

I heard about an SAS selection course where there were 500 candidates (all toughened serving British army soldiers) and not a single one passed the course...all were rejected.

Just a little extra bit for you to read. The entire Royal Family have their own little bit of SAS training since the 1974 kidnap attempt on Princess Anne. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_House