This is the last of the “patrols” (Delta Patrol) to finish off the troop of 16 SAS blades.

Sabre Squadrons

22 SAS is divided into 4 main Squadrons – A,B, D & G. Each squadron is divided into 4 specialised troops and a command/HQ element.

HQ Element

Comprising officers and support staff:

• At the head of each squadron is the OC (Officer Commander), usually an Army major.
• The 2nd in Command, or 2ic, with the rank of captain.
• Operations Officer
• Squadron Sergeant Major (SSM)
• Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant (SQSM)
• Staff Sergeant

Troops

SAS troops comprise of 16 men, led by a captain. There are 4 troops within each squadron, each specialising in a different method of insertion. The troops are Air Troop, Boat Troop, Mountain Troop and Mobility Troop. Non-officers who pass SAS selection lose their previous rank and are assigned the rank of trooper. Troops are numbered e.g. B Squadron comprises 6,7,8 and 9 Troops. Each troop consists of a number of 4-man patrols, each typically led by a corporal.

Each member is required to possess a particular skill e.g. signals, demolition, medic or linguist in addition to basic skills learned during the course of his training.

The term “squadron” dates back to the unit’s earliest days when the unit’s name was intended to confuse German intelligence.

SAS B Squadron, Troop No 6