Could You Join the SAS Reserve Regiments 21 / 23 SAS?

[@rickydepledge3245]

Interesting stuff. I helped set and proof walk the howgills test walk. When the regular sf psis turned up and did it they told us we😅 had found a harder one than the fan dance. It then became the go to part of reserve selection before you were sent down on joint selection.i.e joined the regular army and rm candidates doing selection. It always make me laugh when regulars or ex regulars slag off reserve sf. Been out over 20 years. Anyone that thinks they can just do odd weekends are a waste of rations even if they pass selection. I lived at my Sqn and served 14 years with including operational stuff. Its changed massively. Rightly so. We never had employment law on our side either.

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

I have literally just done it now (just now finished loadbearing category event) and I agree it feels at least 25% harder than Fan Dance which I've done loads.

[@exmoorfarmer4880]

Yeah, HW was a beast. I remember getting to the turnaround point at the sheep pens and looking up White Fell and thinking...FUCK that's a bit cheeky. I had eaten a massive fry up at Warcop and spewed this all up, sprinting down the Calf. I also had a monumental race against a regular Royal Marines officer and beat him in by about 100 metres after he cramped up. On my HW, one of the guys had a heart attack on the way back on the top of RGT and was helicoptered off. He got sorted out and was back on the next course. You were probably one of my DS.

[@callfly]

I think the Howgills has been part of reserve selection for at least 35yrs

[@762parabillim]

I did the full 21 set of courses in the early 70's - met and spoke to both Franks (he was, I think, the Regimental Secretary at the time) and Calvert, who came to give the Duke of Yorks lot a long and intensely interesting talk. He was razor-sharp in spite of his advancing years and partiality to high ABV. I went into A Sqn but decided to go to the Regular Army - couldn't join 22 as I wore thicker specs than were allowed. Being there at that time, we were privileged to meet a lot of the Artists Rifles, who were still around then. They taught us as much as the regular PSIs, but on a much more human level.

[@bwkid1]

I did 23 selection in the late 90s. I thought i would be ok, as i was ex regular infantry. I was offerd to do full selection down in H, as at that time. Ex regs could do that, not sure if that is still possible. But i chose to do it with the rest of 23. As i had a job and a Mrs close to the base. From the very first night at training i was in shock. I thought i was fit. It wasnt the distance, that was easy. It was the speed we ran on the grass verge next to the main road going from Dundee to Perth. It was pitch black and i couldnt see where i was steapping. No idea how meany times i twisted my ankle. Was really glad when we hit the hills.

[@ghostwriter2031]

I did 21 in 1998 after coming out of Regulars and was put on regular selection right away.

[@dominicohooley9733]

23 in 93, Belle Vue Manchester. G Sqdn. Now long gone. Very first pre selection Wednesday evening, I came last on the run. Was sick all over myself twice but never stopped running. The staff taking it told me, "well-done". First time, got to weekend 5 but not fit enough. Did it again 6 months later when hill fit. We were first cadre that did test week with the regs at Sennybridge. PSIs at time from both 22 and SBS.

[@renatosureal]

It reminds me of several interviews on YT I watched with British Special Forces Commandos who depicted similar situations while marching equipped to make enemy contact in the Malvinas island. Furthermore, they reported losing equipment due to excessive weight plus reaching the objective *BELOW normal aptitude* to fight. It makes me doubt the real effectiveness of such test/training drills to accomplish real life missions, as they don't take into the account time spent in the target area fighting.

[@dominicohooley9733]

The Falkland Islands.​@@renatosureal

[@MatthewJPearce]

@@renatosureal the point is to make sure that an individual has the mental and physical ability to reach an objective when they're heavily depleted and the odds are against them. It's not about training them for the job. It's about making sure they have the right raw ability to do the job. It's an application process - not a training course. Once through selection, ongoing training changes. British SF don't just spend their time doing long route marches to objectives.

[@johnnydiamondsmusic1673]

I did 14 years TA infantry and Reme. The SF commitment I think you would just need a part time Civi job to make the money up and would not suit anyone with a family. I’ve known people who attempted selection and also came across SF reservists on some courses and exercises. I wish I had tried selection but thinking back I’d probably have failed even though I was very fit as a Cpl.

[@SuperKinlo]

Fully agree with this, if you have a full time job and a family don’t bother, unless your work is ridiculously supportive and you hardly want to spend time with family.

[@GIZALARF]

Did 2 courses of survival with 23 SAS (v). 1998 and 1999 on the Duke of Westminster's estate ( Exercise Grosvenor Revenge ). Cracking bunch of lads. I'm a class of 87 - 2473

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

Sounds interesting! Thx for watching mate 👊

[@jimbo658]

21 and 23 used to do a joint Long drag. Certainly when I did it in 90/91. In fact I did it 3 times.. once as the finale of summer selection 90 (failed on timings). 91 Winter selection ( failed again on timings), I stuck with some poor fella who was in a really bad way with exhaustion and hypothermia weather was bad. Unusually 2 or 3 weeks later I got another chance as the regiment decided to give a select few a another go before the start of battle camp. I still have the map. Made out of 3 different maps as OS landranger didn't cover the whole area in one map.

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

Amazing, Thx for the comment! I'm having a crack at Long Drag again this September (civvy event self-nav)

[@jimbo658]

@@HardRoutine_TOTW Fair play to you. I'm now approaching 60 with 2 new knees. I could only dream of completing it now. Are you doing the long drag in the Howgills? Before Long drag, for 21 selection we had to do something called Nav 1, Nav 2 as a qualifier. Apparently it was close to the reg Endurance but started at Storey Arms instead of Torpantau area. On weekend 4 we had to do the Fan dance...with a twist. We had to go over the Fan 3 times...not 2. We were sent over Cribyn and back...it broke alot of people who thought it was just twice over.

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

At 52 I'm lucky to have no major knee issues. The long drag I'm doing in Sep is the classic one. There's a video on my channel where I do a full recce at easy pace (camping overnight). In Sep the pace will have to be a lot higher 🤣

[@exmoorfarmer4880]

Yeah I've got all of those maps as well. I hated the Jock weekend in the bloody Moffats...spend most of the weekend in the wagon...

[@exmoorfarmer4880]

@@HardRoutine_TOTW I'm 54 now and have only recently discovered that I actually have knees!!

[@lkxbrw1874]

I spent 9 months on winter Selection with 21 in '95/'96. We were the first reservists required to do Test Week at the time they were trying to align more closely with 22. I think they had R Sqdn (Resrve) in 22 at the time but were getting rid and the plan was to use 21 and 23 which is why selection was brought up to 22 standards. It was an extremely tough course. Ex regular paras, marines, infantry. Me and one other got through to long drag but then both failed so no one from my Squadron made it. Grylls got through from E Sqdn I think. I spent 18 months in the TA infantry prior.

[@fishingwithtommy5743]

Amazing story did you ever meet bear grylls during your days on selection?

[@lkxbrw1874]

​@fishingwithtommy5743 yes I was aware of him from the early stages as he was quite switched on and vocal at times. There were about 10 or so of us left when I came off so we ended up talking more as the numbers thinned out.

[@fishingwithtommy5743]

@@lkxbrw1874 amazing he's my hero!

[@Dr.Ian-Plect]

@@lkxbrw1874 21 and 23 selection has never been at 22 standards, they don't do jungle phase at all, for a start.

[@davidelms4165]

The role of the Reserve is not the same as the Regs, We didnt need to do the jungle to fullfil our roll. 98% of the reserves are not wannabe 22, We had/have Jobs, wives, kids, Schools and Mortgages why would we want to go to Hereford for shit money as a badged trooper?? The guys that do try for 22 are normally single on dole patrol and in my time I knew just 3 who tried and 2 got in, the other wasn't that good anyway. And the jungle is like anything a state of mind I know of guys who have thrived there and others who just couldn't hack it, inspiite of being a racing snake on the hills.

[@phillloyd2519]

22 R squadron “L” Detachment lad, you’ve forgotten them

[@angloaust1575]

Its for the challenge of seeing How much one can endure I tried the royal marines reserve back in 1981 Being 35 i didnt meet the Physical stands but the Officer said i was fitter Than the average man of 35 and also said i did quite Well in the iq test!

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

Well done buddy

[@mikewinston8709]

The Quiet Soldier…by Adam Ballinger; on selection for 21 in the late 80’s. By far the most erudite and funniest account I’ve ever read. I’m a former 2434 - 1974 - 1998 and never saw a soul from the SAS in all my time….😂😂….🇬🇧

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

Yes I read it as part of my research for this video! 😁📕

[@mikewinston8709]

@@HardRoutine_TOTW Ohhhhh….excellent. It’s an honest and cracking read. It can still be had from Amazon too.

[@Pompeytown]

C sqd, very deserving to be badged as an Artist Rifle.

[@Dr.Ian-Plect]

Changed yes, but still significantly less arduous than full UKSF selection.

[@steviec278]

any TA course is not made easy that it is what it is some people think because its TA that its Easy its not but also not looked upon as not the best or real course because they will only be called upon when realy required I think as x Reg the TA have alot of the time more intrest in the job as Regs do because I did it every day and the TA do it as a HOBBY Hat Off to everybody that has or still serves in the TA you are very important and do a fantasic job Thank You from an ex Reg.

[@gtd65]

When I left the Army, way back in 1990, I'd served for 6 years in the Royal Artillery, doing survey and recce after a year or so on the guns. I'd decided to go back to studying, to do an Engineering degree and went to university, in Edinburgh but was still a reserve soldier at that time. I received a letter inviting me to report to Port Glasgow to try out for 23. I'm having a quiet laugh to myself here but at the time I was quite interested in giving it a shot, as I was extremely fit but the thought of the student social life and waking up with some random babe, on a Saturday morning, was more attractive, than a trench without sleep. Now as an older fart, I actually think I should have given it a go but I'm perfectly happy how life panned out, without knowing if I could have made the grade.

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

Hahaha yes I know what you mean. Thx for the comment!

[@jimbo658]

Actually a guy I did selection with in 91 was previously studying at Edinburgh. I think he was doing an MA at Oxford . I used to give him a lift. A very young talented officer in the Para reserves. He absolutely smashed 21 selection...one of those naturally gifted good looking. Super intelligent types.

[@gtd65]

​@@jimbo658now that you described him, he does sound very similar to me 😂😂😂.

[@gtd65]

One of my Recce teammates (Trev) went to 22 and passed selection. Our BC (Major) was also from the SAS. There's a chap being interviewed on a few of the KZbin channels right now that was also from my battery but he was a few years before my time, called Mick Hawkes. From my observation, it's all very different these days, all sexy, hyped up and overtly celebrated. Back in the day, it appeared to be much more understated and was only something the hard core few would sign up for. Of course, you were certainly very respected in general, for making the grade.

[@danstenberg760]

SAS is the best in everything they do!!! Who dares wins :)

[@daniboy0812]

Do selection and fail DV clearance. Had the pleasure of working in Hereford base from last Nov til last month, had access everywhere and believe me it’s eye opening what’s going on there. PATA was fun too but was only the for 1 week. You think the Ireland thing was over - it’s still in full swing from their perspective

[@rickydepledge3245]

Ive been out 20 years. Not been in new camp. Spent plenty at pont. Your not wrong re NI. Powder keg just waiting to kick off. Hopefully wont but you never know.

[@jonludlow]

@daniboy0812 how'd you fail DV?

[@daniboy0812]

@@rickydepledge3245definitely - working in the corridors and above the offices and the conversations we would get a whiff of signalled to me the Irish are being managed, few stories about the Chinese but mostly Ireland. I got stuck in the SRR building for weeks as he had work around meetings and things I wasn’t allowed to be exposed to. The MI5 STRAP rooms were fascinating but when you go in there they just shut everything down. Op Honeystone is a thing though lol

[@daniboy0812]

@@jonludlowfinancial woes and failure to disclose. I passed but was only a contractor. It was fun to be there as I’d always wondered what it was like - I wasn’t disappointed put it that way

[@jeremyholt4740]

Great video. One small point I would question. I am a runner. You say that each day they must cover 4 miles in boots over rough ground in under 25 minutes. That is helluva speed and I do doubt its accuracy

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

Good point. Sub 4min/km pace it does sound extreme. The classic combat fitness test of 1.5 miles requires a sub 10.30min time for male infantry officer candidates (not special forces) which is only marginally slower (4:10 min/km) so it's not impossible. Anyway I got it from a document but no firsthand experience so it's a fair comment. Anyone reading this know if it's accurate?

[@Grogritark]

@@HardRoutine_TOTW Where are you getting that male infantry officer requirement from? There is no fitness requirement change depending on gender now. It is the RFT, which is 4km with 40kg in 40 minutes folllowed by a 2km with 25kg in 15 minutes.

[@tridentadventure]

Lots of experts on here commenting on standards but how many actually did anything of note themselves?

[@Dr.Ian-Plect]

Is that claiming what they state is therefore wrong?

[@A.Mardle]

Hmm... I could easily be wrong, but I have a feeling that service in 21 and 23 involves spending weekends and holidays living in holes in the ground in Estonian forests. Whispers: "I need to go... Pass the clingfilm mate".

[@skaus2184]

I knew a guy from 22 who told me when he was bored at an OP, he would pull his clingfilm wrapped presents out of his pack and play with it like play-doh. He might have been just trying to get a reaction, but upon getting to know him a bit better, I believe him. He had some interesting stories, and quite a few centred around the brown sticky stuff. One in particular about a Monarch who will remain nameless, and how theirs was captured in the sewer after being flushed, and kept preserved on his mantle piece.

[@762parabillim]

@@skaus2184 That was (allegedly) from the RY Britannia. Those Petty Officers, eh? (Princess Anne, I believe (allegedly))

[@marshall401]

My grandfather ( my mother's father) was in L Detachment original sas ww2 with David Sterling.

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

Amazing!

[@SuperKinlo]

Think to do 21/23 you really need to be self employed and able to take a lot of time off or having a ridiculously understanding employer. Having a full time job and family life alongside the time commitment for SF reserves is a cocktail for failure. But suppose the mindset for those who pass is different to most.

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

Thx for the background

[@cantfindmykeys8104]

I recommend going to the imperial war museum archie on line and look up SAS SNCO Edward Geordie Lillico He did 6 Recordings... He was a ledgend.

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

Thanks will do!

[@renatosureal]

I';m from the Malvina's war time period ... and I've watched several interviews on YT with British Special Forces (and also, w/ Argentinian Army) personal who marched equipped to make enemy contact over there, only to be able to reach the target area to fight **BELOW normal aptitude** I doubt these stress level tests are really worth the squeeze to accomplish real life missions, as they don't take into the account time spent in the target area to accomplish the mission itself.

[@andojo4747]

So is it still the case that you must join a reserve infantry unit first and complete CIC before applying for 21/23 selection? At one point a few years back I'm sure someone could join straight from civilian life with no CIC or basic training under their belt...

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

As far as I've been able to ascertain CIC is still required. Those who want to find out for definite best off contacting recruitment directly.

[@paulc9668]

Some exaggeration or wishful thinking going on there for sure. 21 & 23 were doing Test week sponsored by 264 Signals, not the regular selection (slower pass mark). You cannot replicate capability with 60 days a year at best (selection aside - don't expect a lot of them to turn up if there is a premiere football match at the weekend), sorry - it takes 30 days to do minimum army reserve requirements - let alone 'firing more than a regular'. If they were at such a high level they would not need 6 months pre-deployment training.

[@dominicohooley9733]

That isn't accurate for 94 cadre. Winter. We did same test week as regulars but with slower pass times. Not massively slower and not sponsored by the signals lads.

[@paulc9668]

@@dominicohooley9733 same difference - a slower pace. At some point after your course the administration and management of reservists was done by 264, at the pace you mention. At the same time as test week (easier to run one)

[@dominicohooley9733]

Fair play.

[@muskett4108]

All Reservists are an important component of our military capability, and our military is better for it. However, Reservist and Regular are not the same. Being a Regular is a full time job with the time for all the training necessary. Even highly committed Reservists have limited time as they also have their other full time commitments. Not withstanding that, some Reservists make exceptional soldiers as good as any of the very best. Much must be said that some people just "have it", and would being Reserves or Regular isn't the issue. The commitment, let alone the ability and grit, for the SAS is off the planet whichever the unit. Respect. The stand our component for SAS is the level of fitness demanded; the skills can be taught. That and "the right" attitude. Not surprising not many are cut out for it, even if fit enough. They really are very specialised. So specialised there aren't many of them. That means they have a limited capability, and that capability is reliant on all the support from every source. I'm just pleased someone does it. For a fitness channel, the endurance courses set are a true test of endurance. Fill your boots. I'm watching for the scenery.

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

Video of the Sabre XXIII event inbound this weekend with some stunning scenery ⛰️😁

[@muskett4108]

@@HardRoutine_TOTW For those more old and bold than swift and bold, many in the military have tabbed those hills, so just seeing the scenery again is good enough. I can remember seeing a lot of my DMS boots padding along in the mud too, when huffing and puffing under the weight. Old injuries, in my case a compressed spine, means those days are over however romantic it might seem to do it all again. Good times. ATB.

[@rickydepledge3245]

What a lot of people dont know or realise is there are plenty of so called reserves that are actually full time. They are self employed civvies that put their own business on hold and commit to their SQN. I did it for years. SQN and Reg came 1st before anything ir anyone else. My 1st year back at SQN after regular service. I did 235 days. Official reserve limit was supposed to be only 50 days a year.

[@muskett4108]

@@rickydepledge3245 Too true. I was only ever a Reservist, and certainly I did more than the minimum days. Probably, averaged 60 to 90 over my 13 years. Frankly, anything less wouldn't have held my professional attention, as if you are going to do a job then best do it well. It is well understood that a Reservist takes three years to get fully up to military regular skill levels beyond "recruit". Once there it is maintenance of those skills, and there is little difference. However, Reserves do suffer from fitness and endurance levels especially when taking a unit as a whole. In the Regulars there is time to sort that out. And then there is attendance where a Training Major might plan an exercise but never know how many might turn up. Regular units know their strength at any time, and have a far more comprehensive training year. An important role for Reservists is to do a years tour, and supplement Regular numbers so ensuring the Regular unit works at near full strength. Regular units have courses and leave which can leave them short. Usually, Reservists integrate quite well, and found to be an asset bringing their other skill sets whatever they might be. One thing is they might think outside the "regular military box" which can be "refreshing" or "annoying". What Regulars can do, and why Reservists are no replacement, is train to be highly proficient and a cohesive complete unit, with full combined arms integration. Done well that isn't a part time job. The modern military may well be highly sophisticated and incredibly powerful, but as Ukraine is showing it still needs numbers of boots on the ground. Again, Reservist play an important role but only a complimentary role, however I've been out of the loop far too long to know how its going now. Good luck, and all the best to all.

[@dustsettles6099]

I'm 36 and have good physical condition, which can be improved greatly...a guy my age can start reserves or too late?

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

As far as I'm aware you can start the process. Good luck!

[@hugtango]

You can, you should 👍🏻 take à HR monitor and build as much fundamental endurance as possible as a start.

[@DaDaW9762]

Joining age max is 42 and 365 days.. Get after it lad.

[@travisbickle0526]

You can apply. Yes, you have another 6 years until you hit the age limit. Just make sure you're in a position to do it because it's not a part time job, even though it's the reserves. It's full time. If you have a day job, you'll have to pick which one you want to do, can't do both. Another thing to think about is the eyesight. For uksf, to be fully deployable, you'll need good unaided vision

[@A.Mardle]

Don't rush into it. Build your baseline fitness slowly and steadily - over a year or more - with plenty of rest time. You potentially have a high capacity for endurance and stamina at 36 (as well as mental resilience and maturity) but the risk of injury will be your bugbear.

[@anthonyocarroll5630]

Yes you can I did in 1967 21st

[@steviec278]

did you ever hear of the airbourn phantoms

[@dand6520]

Anyone know where I can find that training plan?

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

If you join the channel Facebook group one of the members kindly published it in pdf form

[@Nirzal45]

after being reserve is it possible to go full time?

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

If you mean regular UKSF then yes I believe so, but only if you attend and pass regular selection.

[@jordanlewis1697]

I have an updated BAC training schedule

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

Great, if you join our private Facebook group (link in channel bio or description) there'll be folks keen to see it buddy. Cheers, F

[@karlcarlysle3578]

Are they still hosting Cambrian Patrol? My former LRS unit in Army Guard in the US participated

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

I don't know, but I'll look into it. That's an interesting challenge!

[@robbrownfield7677]

Yes, the Cambrian Patrol is still run. 4-13th of October for this years.

[@Pompeytown]

I believe Pakistan won a patrolling skills test in 2018?

[@paulwilliams2663]

Not under uksf jurisdiction now.

[@maxwelldurrans9272]

Look it up, they changed it back. In 2014 they moved under 1st ISTAR brigade then in 2019 moved back fully under the official UK special forces. So they are in the SAS

[@mikegleed5842]

Anyone heard any Buzz on the SBS Reservist Unit(s)?

[@Veritas118]

To join R Sqn you have to be a former regular badged bloke or from the RMR units

[@CraigArnott]

@@Veritas118 no r sqn recruit from any trained reservist accross all 3 services.. Been that way since 2005

[@Veritas118]

@@CraigArnott I stand corrected

[@5732noel]

It’s not as hard as 22 SAS selection!

[@G4x5da]

Why would anyone go trough the ordeal of the most demanding selection end training in the world to be placed in a reserve role. Also, from the MoD point of view, why’d place the top 1% of your military in a reserve role? These men are the sharpest tools in your toolbox.

[@travisbickle0526]

Because its a full time job, despite the 'reserve' title.

[@G4x5da]

@@travisbickle0526 so what’s the perk of being in a 21/23 SAS then?

[@Dr.Ian-Plect]

@@G4x5da As per the other thread, 21 and 23 are not the top 1%.

[@G4x5da]

@@Dr.Ian-Plect yeah you’re right, less then 1%. 21 and 23 combined only has a few hundred men while the British Armed Forces had 140.000 men

[@Dr.Ian-Plect]

@@G4x5da You know what I meant and you know from my explanation on the other thread that you're wrong. Their selection, training and scope of roles is far below 22 SAS/SBS. So when you state "Why would anyone go trough the ordeal of the most demanding selection end training in the world to be placed in a reserve role.", that's demonstrable nonsense.

[@macmckie2238]

Hilarious that civies think they can prep lads for selection. It’s a hard enough task prepping soldiers for the course. Mikes book doesn’t cut it either. I will say however“real high walk” in the Howgills is more difficult than High walk wales

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

Having just now finished the Howgills highwalk I agree. Bloody hard...

[@macmckie2238]

@@HardRoutine_TOTW remember High walk is minimum standard “the easy test”

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

@@macmckie2238 staff explained that when he was in 23 selection they got to highwalk with 36 who had all passed the marches leading up to that point. Cut-off was 4H50min and only 10 progressed to test week. That's a level of fitness I'm nowhere near 😄 But I'm glad I got round. In today's heat half the participants binned off at the halfway point.

[@dominicohooley9733]

Pipeline harder than real high walk, but off camber tabbing in the Howgills and Calf, not pleasant. Babies heads in the Black Mountains worse.

[@geordiewishart1683]

Does anyone know that if this new selection process to join a reserve unit makes it easier for that reservist to transfer to 22 SAS? Does the potential SAS reservist have to join an infantry TA unit first? Or will any arm or support unit suffice? When a TA SAS soldier joined the regular 22 SAS, he was given a parent regular unit. Normally the paras. That way, if he then got kicked out of SAS, he had a unit to "return" to. Would this still happen? Or would he be assigned to the regular component of his reserve unit?

[@Osama-Bon-Jovi-01]

I think they have FTRS (full time reserve service) jobs at 21/23 but as far as I'm aware you'd have to do selection again if you want to transfer to 22 as I don't believe the reserve units go to the jungle during their selection

[@Osama-Bon-Jovi-01]

Also as far as joining reserve SAS, it is open to any reserve capbadge and there are also opportunities to attach if you have a particular trade (ie vehicle mechanic)

[@iceandale7621]

Reserve selection have slower timings to achieve than regular, don’t conduct a jungle phase and a different role altogether. No such thing as transfering to 22 from 21 or 23

[@CraigArnott]

Yes it does.... You can start the process then if you pass bac you can select to go on the regular pathway.... I think cic (combat infantrymans course) is mandatory... But even if not get on it as the learning curve during soptac phase is astronomical

[@euskryhtbnfvse4i7ehs4hnvf]

To transfer from 21/23 to 22 you'd have to do Aptitude again, to the timings and routes of 22, but that's essentially it. You need to have done CIC to be loaded onto BAC.

[@exmoorfarmer4880]

It's very tough. The Fan Dance is easy compared to High Walk, which we did as reservists. I've done both multiple times. 23 and 21 have some very high calibre individuals indeed who have multiple patrol skills and are very well trained and experienced.

[@briandavies8351]

I’m to old

[@OMT988]

wow wow wow ...guys lets not pretend youre joining some high speed SF unit here. do they Fuck fire more than a regular infantry unit. they have to do what 1 camp a year and at least 2 weeks to get their bonus...so thats what most do....some thing in that region.

[@SteveR-w1q]

You really need to educate yourself

[@OMT988]

@@SteveR-w1q you think so? I was the PSI for one of the sqns...I fully know exactly what goes on and the 'opinions' of what reservists actually do, but what theyre really capable of and do.

[@lindsayheyes925]

​@@OMT988Well since we are being brutally frank: If you were a PSI for any reserve unit and it wasn't up to snuff by the end of your tenure, that was down to your effort and the imagination of the Training Major - or maybe just you. You had the manpower, materiel and money - but motivation and training were your responsibility. Maybe some adjustment of your attitude was necessary. "Cynicism is the besetting and venial fault of declining youth, and disillusionment its last illusion".

[@OMT988]

@@lindsayheyes925 ohhh you think so? shows what you know. here's the reality. I could organise as much training as I wanted, but it could never be progressive...why? because if I did phased training every new phase new guys that never turned up for phase 1 would show. meaning the only way to progress was to restart. hence why any one that thinks a reserve unit. (for those unaware, they do one evening a week and one maybe 2 weekends a month plus a few camps...meaning maybe 2 weeks weeks twice a year) thats the training time available but a minority (the ones on the dole) regularly show. so my point here is, no...reserve units are not and can never meet the standards of any full time unit....its actually incredibly rude those that think they can. the common reply would be....ive done some some filled environments and fire raining...does that make me a fully qualified fire fighter....of fucking course it doesn't. The military, just like any other profession is a full time skill. Thats reservists...now imagine thinking special forces-art times is actually a thing 🤣

[@lindsayheyes925]

@@OMT988 So here's the thing: Your contempt for reservists is evident, but an important MO of special operations since WWII has been training local militias, resistance groups and other civilian volunteers. How can an operator do so effectively without respecting them? How can you respect members of a Firqa or the Maquis of another country and culture if you can't give due credit to people in your own army and branch of service who are prepared to risk their lives and civilian careers to be your force's force multiplier in war - or be your personal BCR? You are as blind to their commitment as the clock tower at Stirling Lines. We shall remember them - but you won't have found their names there with the regular soldiers who have fallen: Bob Popham wrote his name on a paper tape and stuck it on the front of his para helmet. I met him, just once, in the bar the King's Road. It bothered me that I couldn't remember his face when - three weeks later - I was issued that very helmet and his CSPEP. I immediately scraped that paper tape - his only regimental memorial, so I knew: Who dares wins can mean play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Thus I learned to expect attrition and to respect EVERYONE for their service - he'd served in the MT Troop. RIP Bob. Rude? I bet all the reservists spoke highly of you.

[@allanyoung2677]

Ally

[@DjTurt]

‘Will shoot more rounds in 10 days than a soldier will in 3 years’ what a stupid remark 😂

[@A.Mardle]

Obviously never did BATUS or Kenya etc. We had so much spare ammo in Kenya that we had competitions to see which section could fell a tree the quickest with bursts of 5.56.

[@DjTurt]

@@A.Mardleit’s just abit of a stupid remark. How could you even say it 😂

[@philscaife6413]

Weekend 9 🤣 says it all tbh.

[@caiotefu9856]

No... im not that stuipid?

[@cjtdup5395]

Ironic.

[@Bacchus001]

23 doesn't exist anymore.

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

What happened to it?

[@Bacchus001]

@HardRoutine_TOTW I did selection in 86 and am confident that 23 was amalgamated into 21. I'm starting to doubt myself now, though. 😕

[@skaus2184]

@@Bacchus001 They're both still listed on the army website. It's possible one was stood down, then spun back up as demand surged.

[@CraigArnott]

@@skaus2184 negative... 23 was never stood down... Both regiments did lose 2 of their 5 squadrons in 1996 now having 3 apiece.. A C and E in 21 and B D and G in 23