"Rambo Who?" American Reacts to SBS - Special Boat Service Selection and Training

[@patricktracey7424]

I was a member of the Royal marines SBS in 1974, it was then known as the Special Boat Squadron and was based at ATURM (Amphibious training Unit Royal Marines) Poole in Dorset, They only recruited from commandos who had at least 2 yrs service. They were a much smaller unit than the SAS ( only 60 strong) and were trained in much more skills, they worked in two and four man teams and were cross trained to be self sufficient. anyone in the army can apply to join the SAS but the marines only took commando trained soldiers. It was common for SBS operators to return to commando units to pass on their skills. They were and are an exceptional force of men.

[@ChelseaPensioner-DJW]

My pal was in through the 80s, including the Falklands. When ever someone asked what he did he replied "logistics", which made a few of his true mates chuckle. Another pal of mine was in a branch of the Army and to raise his wages took specialist courses, when the Falklands kicked off he realised that he'd passed the Commando course as he got his deployment orders 😂🤣 he ended up guiding air strikes from the ground. The two of them actually met up at a cross roads each controlling a bunch of Argie prisoners. Two school pals meet up in the Falklands, you couldn't write it.

[@davecoalwood9487]

Thanks for Your service Pal.

[@u4ia_fubar_75]

Thank you for your service big man. We sleep better at night knowing that men and women of our armed forces are keeping us safe, as you did.🤟

[@ziggyzagg561]

Thank you for keeping me and mine safe. God bless you and yours.

[@anthonygoodwin4732]

I too served as a Canoe Pilot……Sgt. Tigga G……..the reply to the question’What did you do in ‘82?’ was often…Admin or logistics…..which is true 😅

[@andrewwood8706]

this is why the british armed forces always hit way above its weight

[@-Pol-]

@@nealerennie9912 The special forces guy I knew was short and lean and wiry and nothing like the huge, heroically ripped US marines I was stationed beside in the UK.

[@printitpaintit.2436]

It's that ability to hit above there weight that built an empire and won wars rather than starting them then bugger off after a few years..😆🧑‍🦽

[@TheJpf79]

​@@printitpaintit.2436It was shooting cannons at people with spears that built an empire.

[@overthewebb]

@@TheJpf79 Not true, that started as an initial battle or skirmish. The Brits unlike others, the French and Spanish (who tried to force Catholicism on them) would then sit down with the leaders, get them onside by giving them stuff and showing what could be offered and then modernise their countries. That is why Britian was more successful than anyone. You cannot defeat an enemy with forces. It's what comes after that is important. Britian was a tiny Island. They didn 't control 1 quarter of the world through force. It was done through trade, improving the average locals life conditions and modernisation of the countires. Sure they did some bad, but they brought more good than bad, no matter the modern narrative

[@lextex3280]

When the SBS and the SAS were first formed, My Xs grandad went into the SAS and his twin brother went into the SBS. It was an honour to have known them both.

[@SimplySavageReactions]

Wow, that would’ve made a killer book

[@britishpatriot7386]

My respect for your grandfather and his brother is very high, thank them for me in your prayers please 🙏. My family also has a proud history during the war and I couldn't be more proud. We are ready for the next round of world war but lack numbers for now but our great training and attitudes etc makes up for being outnumbered etc as it always has done throughout history. Britian is a warrior nation fighting off the virus known as woke and race hustling etc at the moment but we have to be very gentle with them 😂

[@eleveneleven572]

In the 80's I was very fit, and in the Territorial Army. I was on a hill climbing weekend and going up the Brecon Beacons. I'd blown off the guys I was with and pretty pleased with myself....until a couple of SAS/SBS guys (I'll never know which) passed me by as if I was standing still. 😂

[@mothmagic1]

That sounds about typical.

[@liverpoolscottish6430]

A good mate of mine served in 23 SAS. He was involved with an exchange programme with US Delta Force lads who came over to the UK. My mate and another regt guy took a group of DF lads out on the hills in Brecon for 'a leg stretch.' They soon blew the American's off, and being Brits, they couldn't resist a piss taking ruse. They both had flasks of tea in their Bergen's, so what they did was set up their gas burner so it appeared to the Americans that they were so far behind, the SAS lads had sufficient time to brew up. The American's grew increasingly despondent as time went on and each time they caught up with the SAS lads, they saw the gas burner had been deployed and tea being drunk. In due course, the 'nice stroll' in the Welsh hills came to a finish. Nothing was said to the DF lads about the wind up. When the American's came to leave at the end of the exchange, my mate revealed the ruse to the Yanks. He asked the DF lads, "Hey lads, do you recall the mountain Ex when we were drinking brews all the time waiting for you to catch up? Do you know how we did it?" At that point, he pulled his flask out his kit. They saw the funny side and said, "YOU SNEAKY BRITS!" as they laughed about it.

[@geraldfitzgibbon7428]

If ur not cheating ur not trying hard enuf

[@Chris66able]

Very good, but I was my Mum's Special Soldier.

[@MajorRoadAhead]

I passed the Royal Marines commando course a few weeks after my 18th birthday, but after that I wouldn't have been interested in volunteering for this S.B.S. course. That would have been a step too far for me! Hats off to those guys who do it though.

[@garyskinner2422]

You absolutely could do the course if indeed you truly wanted to, if you're a marine then you're a step above most people already. Keep pushing

[@Simes158]

Bluddy hoofin' effort passing the RMC Course and getting your green lid. That would be more than enough for 99% of people's lifetimes!

[@petersmith9470]

Enjoy your green lid

[@garagenigel]

You would smash UK special forces! Don't believe the hype,it's not as hard as you are led to believe! If you can do the 30 miler you'll piss the hills phase!

[@anecdotal_mattybs5435]

They did an experiment decades ago before sf started the combined courses where some of the fitter new recruits were put through the SBS selection course. They passed. And there are a few stories (maybe spread by the guys themselves) that when they joined the squadrons, they were blasting (*beasting) the other older members. The old selection was known as being a lot more physically arduous and difficult than todays. A few of the test subjects were old sweats still serving in the 2000’s and maybe beyond. Don’t believe the hype and don’t throw shade on your own abilities. You never know till you try.

[@jamesohara4295]

At a mixed SF party how do you tell the SBS from the SAS?, The one trying to sell you his latest book is the SAS :)

[@SimplySavageReactions]

Lmao that great!

[@grumpygramps1451]

And the one eating crayons will be the SBS.

[@jamesohara4295]

@@grumpygramps1451 With the obligatory lashings of gravy :)

[@cybertrophic]

My grandfather was one of the first Commandos in WW2. My uncle was in the SBS after serving in the Navy, then joining the Marines. I've never met someone harder in my life - part of his selection was to paddle a FolBot (collapsible canoe) around the UK without being seen, which mean rowing at night. the SBS are something very special.

[@raycope2086]

My heartfelt thanks to your grandfather and to your uncle. We owe them and their comrades so much, but we take our freedom for granted, until now.

[@cacambo589]

Paddle around the UK!?! Very strange that a selection test would leave the candidate alone for three months completing a pointless exercise. Are you for real?!?

[@cybertrophic]

@@cacambo589 They weren't alone - they were trying to navigate the coastline in FOLding BoaTs (FOLBOTs, or collapsible canoes) without being spotted by observers. I'm just going from what I was told by him and it tallies with things I've heard from others in what were the FOLBOT squadrons and later the SBS.

[@leeholt1820]

Hello mate, out of curiosity how did you find out more about your grandad? Mine was also one of the first commandos in ww2 but unfortunately never really talked much about his service and died when I was very young. I have his flash as my uncle gave it to me when I joined the army but nobody seems to know anything other than he was hand picked and he has both the Egypt and Italy campaign medals. I'd genuinely love to know more about him but nobody seems to know where to look.

[@cybertrophic]

@@leeholt1820 Honestly, my family remembered it, as my dad was one of 9 kids and he was born in 1941 and already had brothers and sisters older than him by 10 or so years. He got blown up by a grenade in Norway in the docks, got rescued by some locals and dragged to a small boat - that took him back to Scotland and he ended up deaf in one ear and with a plate in his head. After that, he didn't see active service and got tired of being sat in military hospital, so went AWOL to come home and see to his allotment. Some of my dad's earliest memories are of the MPs coming to get him and take him back...then him doing it again. And again. We think they got tired of it and just discharged him on medical grounds as he wasn't ever going to be combat-worthy again. He didn't mind the training or the early part of his war at all - but he just didn't see the point of hanging around for the sake of it when he knew he wasn't ever going to be a fighting soldier again. He spoke about it a fair bit, but then my Dad was a Royal Engineer, my uncle was SBS and we lived in an Army town with one of the WW2 RAF fighter bases about half a mile away - most of the people there we in the military or ex-military, so it was just them shooting the breeze, really.

[@daftgowk1]

I used to know an ex SBS and commando, good friend of my dad. He got attacked once while drunk, by 4 fairly tough dudes, he left them lying on the floor and walked away, with a chunk bitten out of his ear. Hard kicks, hard men, nuff said

[@MGWA6891]

I know Ronnie Pickering too. Small world.

[@markrunnalls7215]

Ha ha frigging great..

[@al488j]

​@@MGWA6891Who????😅

[@stormywindmill]

@@al488j -------- Ronnie Pickering , Who ? RONNIE PICKERING, -----Never erd of yer

[@liverpoolscottish6430]

He would no doubt have been very well trained in William E. Fairbairn's ruthless system of fighting, 'defendu,' as per WW2 Commando's. I knew an ex-Royal who had been on the RM unarmed combat demonstration team. He was absolutely nails and had unshakeable confidence in his ability to defeat *any* opponent. He's one of very individuals I've met in life that I wouldn't consider fighting with under any circumstances. I've boxed and I've always hammered my fitness, I wouldn't stand a chance against a Sykes-Fairbairn trained man- despite studying bits of the WW2 manual over the years. Paddy Ashdown took out a mugger in London who pulled a knife on him. Paddy disarmed him, and had him restrained- face against a door, with an arm lock on him in seconds. Over the years, there have been numerous stories in the UK media of WW2 vets being attacked by a much younger assailant, who they have given a good hiding too. I recall one story concerning a WW2 Para who was familiar with the teachings of Mr Fairbairn. A mugger stuck a knife in his face and demanded his wallet. The old boy gave it to him hard and fast- took control of the knife and used an arm lock to take his attacker to the floor. He promptly put the boot in, and for good measure- stuck the blade in his nutsack! That was around 1994/95 as I recall. Priceless.

[@taffbanjo]

British Special Forces take pride in their anonymity. Unlike their US equivalents, they don't get tattoos and they don't make a big deal about their places in their particular branch, whether SAS or SBS, even within the military. They are not especially forbidden - it's just not their style. They are the Tiptoe Boys - they arrive, they do the job and then they disappear. It's just the way they are. FWIW, British SF members never leave their parent Units and successful SAS Selection candidates are merely attached to the SAS "on temporary duty"(sometimes for the rest of their Army careers!).

[@SuperOwls1867]

They don’t get tattoos ??? Jesus heard it all now

[@taffbanjo]

@@SuperOwls1867 Not tattoos which identify them as SF! If a man has an "SAS" tattoo, say, it's more than likely that he tried Selection, but didn't make the grade.

[@robertcottam8824]

@@SuperOwls1867 Poppet: Why would someone who may require a cover story want a big effin’ tattoo proclaiming himself to be a British serviceman? Do you reckon that’s what gave Robert Nairac away! 🫣

[@taffbanjo]

@@robertcottam8824 Apparently, Robert Nairac wasn't SAS, he was Det (14 Intelligence Company) and was known for some very dodgy decisions, sometimes going rogue.

[@robertcottam8824]

@@taffbanjo You might very well be correct. He got caught. Robert was tortured and killed. I, too, have heard that he made bad choices. Thing is: we don’t really know, do we? He kept his cover even when he knew he was dead. Bob Nairac was a good soldier.

[@asl7235]

Give me 4 well trained British soldier over 1000 Russian conscripts.

[@tgsgardenmaintenance4627]

From what I can gather, SBS should stand for seriously badass soldiers! Soo proud, and glad they're ours! ❤️ From 🇬🇧

[@Ajax93]

Also, SAS stands for Super Army Soldiers.

[@seldom_bucket]

​@@Ajax93that's actually true, I saw it in one of those Ross kemp documentaries

[@JLOCC23424]

​@@Ajax93And SBS stands for super bad ass soldiers, and slightly better soldiers.

[@Sofasurfa]

To be fair to the SAS they didn’t exactly come out and say here we are, they were outed during the Embassy incident. Which of course meant that everyone wanted to know about them. It does a nation’s morale good to know there are men who sit quietly in the wings willing to do what it takes to take down the bad guys. It helps a nation to know that although our armed forces are small, they are a force to be reckoned with. And I mean all our forces. Well done we the public salute you.

[@64nello]

Great channel can please check out the selection process for the Gurkhas they are from Nepal and have been in The British Army for over 250 years they been deployed to virtually every British campaign from The Falklands to Afghanistan 🇳🇵🇬🇧🇳🇵

[@garyskinner2422]

Arguably the most fearsome of all soldiers on earth.

[@hedleylamarr7283]

Gurkhas are now also eligable to apply for the SAS😮

[@rtg0616]

One thing it didn't mention is that during selection they are expected to paddle a canoe for up to 18 to 20 hours a day. After selection it can be higher. A mate of mine told me of submarine extraction drills. Meeting up with a submarine in the middle of the sea, and the method of collecting canoes in one swoop is unbelievable. Scary as fook.

[@The-Underbaker]

The SAS are elite soldiers, arguably the best in the world at what they do. The SBS are the elite of the elite.

[@nickmaclachlan5178]

In short, you really, really, really have to want to be in the SBS, and even then they will weed you out if you are nothing short of exceptional in every required department. Had the pleasure of working alongside these absolute living weapons when I served in the Royal Navy, they are very modest and down to earth guys. You'd never pick them out in a crowd, but God help you if you have done something that makes you their target.

[@Mike-rw2nh]

Thanks for being one of the few to cover the SBS. Paddy Ashdown MP started in the military, was selected for SBS, joined MI6, became a diplomat, before becoming a Member of Parliament. Thanks for reacting to the less well-trodden subjects.

[@SimplySavageReactions]

That sounds like it would be an amazing story. I wonder if there are any videos about him on KZbin that I could check out.

[@catherinewilkins2760]

@@SimplySavageReactions yes plenty of videos about him, had the privilege to meet him. He was called Paddy as from Northern Ireland, real name Jeremy. Brilliant man.

[@Mike-rw2nh]

@@catherinewilkins2760 This!☝️ 👍👍👍

[@lorddaver5729]

You don't get selected for the SBS (or the SAS). You volunteer and then have to pass the special forces selection course. Subtle difference.

[@Mike-rw2nh]

@@lorddaver5729 Thanks for the nuance. I’m a civvy and it shows.

[@chrisholland7367]

The special boat service comes under the control of the Royal Navy. It will draw candidates from all branches of the UK military but traditionally the Royal Marines. So you have a trained soldier before they begin their selection process. By strength and Guile.

[@williamwilkes9873]

My grandfather was slight & clever........he was thrown.out.of the marines, a.long time ago, when they sussed he was 14 years old.......he later rejoined, got blown up & survived Adolf..........moral somewhere?........0r simply luck?.......Luck, l reckon..........

[@jameshogan5029]

Anyone from any service can do selection, so you could be an airframe specialist in the RAF, wake up next day and apply. As ling as you are good enough

[@SuperTyrannical1]

It's not the entire training, it's just the selection with some training in order to meet the minimum. They get extra training in regards to other things like arctic warfare. mechanics, languages, medical training (including working with paramedics on call for real life experience) and botany to identify plants correctly. For example what mushrooms might kill you if you have to survive of the land and what plants may have medicinal value etc. There's a good old 80's video that goes into some of these things with the SAS which is similar in the things they will learn.

[@Max-admin]

I could do that but I'm far too busy drinking tea and eating biscuits

[@davidharris4062]

😂😂😂😂

[@Sofasurfa]

Oh do be careful, you might burn your tongue or break a tooth 😂😂😂

[@danielbronks4234]

You would never even know if you met one of these guys, they dont brag, they dont need to. They aren't muscle bound giants, but there are no better killers.

[@RichardWilliams-kf5vw]

No better ‘soldiers’, not ‘killers’. Soldiers are disciplined people who may have to kill in the service of their country. Killers are just people who kill, often for no good reason, and rarely make good soldiers. To refer to professional soldiers as ‘killers’ does them a disservice.

[@aaronshaw9982]

my fathers uncle was one of the original cockleshell crew in ww2, he had trained for the mission , but due to injury on the boat out to their drop point he was injured, but these were the forerunners to the S.B.S. and we only found this out a couple of yrs ago.

[@adventussaxonum448]

That turned out to be a very lucky injury.

[@keithwilliams1243]

Why don't we use them to keep the boat migrants out?

[@MajorRoadAhead]

Brilliant idea. The S.B.S. have some very cool fast assault boats. They could attach a line to the migrants boats from underwater, and tow them back to France, and wave by-by to them on a French beach.

[@Weareeverything2023]

The SBS or other branch of the armed forces could do that, but there is no political will to do so. Basically, allowing in these migrants is part of a plan, condoned by the Gov who simply pay lip service to public opinion. Do you really think they couldn’t be intercepted if the elite wanted them stopped?

[@keithwilliams1243]

@@Weareeverything2023 - No I don't think they couldn't be intercepted if the political will was present and I agree with everything you said.

[@Sofasurfa]

The boat migrants are not considered a threat.

[@keithwilliams1243]

@@Sofasurfa - They are by me and every right thinking person.

[@paulwood5803]

Back in the 80's I was in the Royal Navy and Navigating Officer of one of our Offshore Patrol craft, we did a couple of exercises with the SBS which were to simulate them recapturing oil rigs that had been taken over by terrorists. The final phase of one of them was where we dropped them off 5 miles from the target at night, they then swam to the rig and scaled the legs of the rig to get onboard. Their radio operator arrived on board and set up his radio on the deck just outside the ship's bridge. He stayed there for 4 days straight, his food was brought to him and he pissed and shat directly over the side of the ship into the sea. As far as I know no-oner eve saw him sleep. I knew their officer with whom I had trained at the naval academy, he had gone on to join the Royal Marines but was subsequently kicked out of the Marines for being "too dangerous", he found his place in the SBS.

[@williambelford9661]

Your full of bullshit you were never in the Royal Navy, Royal Naval Officers do not attend a Naval Academy (that an Americanism), back then ALL SBS Officers were Royal Marines Officers so you could not have attended any "Naval Academy" with an Officer who subsequently served in the SBS, and back in the 80's UK MCT (Maritime Counter Terrorism) was the responsibility of O Company Comacchio Group RM, who were based at RM Condor outside of Arbroath on the East Coast of Scotland. BTW in the 80s you had to be a serving RM to even volunteer for SBS selection, I served in the Corps throughout the 80s, it's a very small, close Corps, and can't recall any Officer being kicked out for being "too dangerous" SMFH .

[@DaveHall-rh3fr]

Former RN here, can confirm the exercises above. I spent 2yrs on Lindisfarne 79-81 on Fisheries and Oil Rig protection. We did four exercises 2 x Purple Oysters & 2 x Pink Prawn. I had previously trained to be RM support and got to assist the SBS with minor jobs whilst on board along with being an occasional water taxi driver 👍😂. I gained a massive respect for these Royal Marines and the work they do also made some friends that I still keep in touch with.

[@williambelford9661]

@@DaveHall-rh3fr 79 - 81 it was a rostered "Oilsafe" Troop from.45 Commando Gp that provided anti terrorist protection for North Sea oil installations.

[@TheDavejhall]

@@williambelford9661 Thanks @williambelford9661; never had a great memory and its getting worse as I get older ... I remember we had two RMs in the spare bunks in our mess in '79 seem to recall they were from Comacchio Coy. Does this sound right or is my memory playing games again ?😁

[@lynchetts]

Yep I spent many a night getting onto oil rigs and cross channel ferries in the 80s

[@peterhopkins7505]

Their success, is your not knowing what is done to keep you safe, 24/7/365

[@dominicgibson9529]

This is why SEALs really aren't that well trained by comparison...oh, and anonymity is a big deal, unlike the SEALs, again, who seem to quite enjoy having there identities known.

[@peterjones3557]

It's exhausting just listening to how much is expected of these blokes. Forget equality, no way could a woman do all this stuff!

[@Davey-Boyd]

Then you would be very surprised. Saying no woman could do this is totally wrong. Most couldn't (most men couldn't) but I'm sure some could. Stop being a dick.

[@peterjones3557]

@@Davey-Boyd Ha-ha! You don't do irony, do you? You HAVE to be a 'dick 'to do the stuff SAS/SBS do.

[@ianjardine7324]

You're not wrong though 99% of men couldn't either even trained soldiers.

[@CymruEmergencyResponder]

There are women who can.

[@davidshattock9522]

No but could nag a man into doing it

[@williambelford9661]

Back when I was in the Corps ONLY Royal Marines could join the SBS. Never forget that any Royal Marine joining the SBS will already have undergone the hardest and longest basic military training anywhere in the world (36 weeks).

[@anecdotal_mattybs5435]

And at that time (in the 2000’s anyway) RM also contributed way more manpower than anyone else to all branches of SF.

[@williambelford9661]

@@anecdotal_mattybs5435 I'm talking the 80s and at that time the only Royal Marine I knew of that managed to join the SAS was a Sgt who was on detachment to 14 Int in NI.

[@anecdotal_mattybs5435]

@@williambelford9661 it probably increased when selection became a common course and SRR was formed / replaced 14 Int. I knew lads that did go to Hereford. And then others from other regiments started considering the SBS too. Either way, even with the special boat squadron/service entirely populated by RM’s till the 90’s, 00’s that’s a huge chunk of the SF community. 👍🏻

[@jazzflute2465]

Correct, I'm an ex Bootneck and shakey boats was a RM specialist qualification back in the 80s.

[@dendemano]

@@anecdotal_mattybs5435 There is very little cred given, or particularly sought from the Cadre. Consisting of and solely recruited from the ranks of RM's A unique Brigade asset during my years of service. Any Bootneck will confirm their acknowledgement as amongst the best conventional "bread & butter" long range patrol (arduous terrain specialists) in the world. Their role played in the recapturing of the Falklands is little known. The text book assault on "Top Malo House" is legendary. Their constant, continuous, and tireless patrolling of Argentinian enemy positions was paramount in breaking their resolve, as well as gathering essential Int. No nonsense frills or spills. Drier than dry sense of humour that is laced with sarcasm, and an unapologetic thread of sinister pragmatism. There are those who might not like them, but there aren't any who don't respect them.

[@ChelseaPensioner-DJW]

A pal of mine is ex SBS, a quieter nicer bloke, you couldn't wish to meet. I was playing spoof with his oppos a few days before his wedding and realised that I was sat drinking with 5 men who each knew 101 ways to kill. No one else was any the wiser.

[@lowfatmofat2152]

I was part of an elite 🇬🇧 SF unit in the mid to late 80s, hats off to anyone who passes any selection for any 🇬🇧 elite unit.

[@robwilton9539]

Yes mate, there is one of you in every pub in Britain.

[@wirralchap]

​@@robwilton9539True 😂

[@robwilton9539]

@@wirralchap Ask him to describe the standard working rig and he would not have a clue.

[@wallbars8684]

So you missed out on the balcony job?

[@johnnybeer3770]

I'm totally in awe of these guy , i wouldn't want to be a person that goes up against them , they're superb .🇬🇧

[@theSFCchannel]

My dad was SBS as Back then they ONLY recruited from The Royal Marines and such as a RM Commando (RM24656) served from HMS Fearless in Southhampton. We started life in Plymouth, then South Hampton, Pool In Dorset (if you get my drift) Yorkshire ,Belfast for a number of years (again if you gety my drift) and then finally back to Yorkshire. The stuff I can tell you, especially when my father used to come home (When we used to live at top of Shankill Road-Rosebank Estate Belfast-during the 70's) and tell us that they had caught and shot/arrested ANOTHER American trying to smuggle a boat load of arms to The IRA! The stories I can tell!

[@ac1646]

Mm yes. I like the 'shot/arrested' bit

[@goodyeoman4534]

From what I heard - totally unverifiable ofc - is British SF, in particular the SBS, were getting rid of IRA members off the books.

[@norfolkronin6307]

Hip hip hooray for Fearless. Ran out of toilet roll though during the Falklands. Bless em.

[@norfolkronin6307]

Thank him for his service sir.

[@patricktracey7424]

one small part of the selection was that your canoed a two man klepper sea canoe for 18 hours in scotland then took it apart and carried it and your equipment overland for ten miles before putting it back together again and canoeing for ten more hours to your target.

[@paulsaunders6536]

Haggis Leap?

[@jamespugh9214]

That’s proper hardcore, just hearing that makes my body and mind go numb. No wonder we are the best! I don’t think the Seals come close, they might have better equipment but that’s it!

[@baldieman64]

The reason the SBS do so well is because the British employ these specially trained soldiers for amphibious operations. By contrast, the Americans get it all wrong by deploying Marines (water soldiers) in the desert.

[@smooth_sundaes5172]

I have great respect for all our SF"s. I know former members of the SAS in my family including a life lost in service. SBS are on another level it seems to me. Webbed feet are a definite advantage. Gills even better.

[@FISHDINHO]

One of my best mates 20 year ago, dad was in the SBS. He was never home as far as I can remember. He never said much about it. He did say that half the guys in the SBS he knew were Scottish just like him though. He had a 7 inch long scar down the side of his face that looked like he had been hit with a machete. He probably had.

[@KnowPorcelain1]

If you stop learning or adapting, you go backwards, preparation, preparation preparation, if you do not train it, you will never over come it, 75% is mental, the rest is learning, that's why the UK military is so awesome, we never know we are defeated, even when to some its obvious, we find a way, because there is always, a way, if you stop looking, you will never find it.

[@creativitycell]

SAS is more well known, but I think the SBS selection training is harder due to the amount of time you spend in cold water swimming, training, underwater, in combat gear etc. its like they do everything the SAS does, then u gotta do all the water n boat training n swimming too! Im freezing Scottish waters! As someone who struggled to pass my 600 metre swimming badge at school, and barely managed to pick a rubber brick off the bottom off the bottom of the pool swiming in pyjamas! Id have zero chance of lasting a day of SBS training! 😂

[@gurtsmunta1]

Sadley watching the SBS retake the tanker Nave Andromader off the Isle of Wight from pirates will not make a very long film it was all over in 7 minutes ,just as well it was chilly stood on the cliffs and I needed a cup of tea to warm up so well done lads.

[@robwilton9539]

A word on training: Most SBS guys are Royal Marines so they have already been through the longest, toughest basic training in the world. The special forces' everyday work is training, training and some more training. It is this relentless pursuit of perfection that makes them the best soldiers in the world but it is not a job that too many can do for very long because it is so demanding physically and mentally to train every day. These guys only get a rest when they see action!

[@m4rkscott]

You are right, I don't know what the Royal Marine basic training is now but it used to be 35 weeks for a junior and 28 for a senior (under and over 18) before any specialist training and it finished with the famous 30 miler run with a 40lb back pack, is that still the case.

[@robwilton9539]

Yes the 30 miler is still ongoing. I think most would consider that easy compared to "bottom field" though.@@m4rkscott

[@m4rkscott]

@@robwilton9539 Probably, I think it's the final week/ 10 days that makes it so daunting

[@robwilton9539]

Well, the last 5 days are when all of the pass/fail tests are, or 7 days if you get a rescrub on a test. After that it is admin and ceremony for a week with a green lid on your head.@@m4rkscott

[@JLOCC23424]

And what's crazier is even 90% of those royal marines fail selection it just shows that the UKSF is truly the hardest in the world especially the SBS.

[@KernowekTim]

Yeh man. RMC and Boat are the best of the best from the UK. SBS have no Base Target on their backs: being stationed with RMC, who are super elite in their own right. The creme de la creme.

[@michaelallen8276]

We are lucky to have such dedicated professionals looking out for British interests

[@bushwhackeddos.2703]

Looking at my high street they brought our interests home with them.

[@tinysaxon3826]

On the 7th day God finished making the earth, so on the 8th God DECIDED to make the SAS to protect the world from evil, but the 9th day God made the SBS as he thought even the SAS need Hero's !!

[@Shoomer1988]

9 mile march with canoe. That 14.4 Kilometre

[@SimplySavageReactions]

That is absolutely ridiculous man. These special forces guys are the closest any human will ever become to being super human.

[@urbanjungle9600]

Literally super humans walking amongst mere mortals. Thank you for everything that you do.

[@peterhall8572]

You saw the SBS motto " BY Strength and Guile"

[@mathiasosiriswoodhal]

got im knackered just watching that lol that would kill me lol

[@jamesmorgan4426]

A lad was doing some electrical work at my house ,him and his mate were ex military just back from Iraq, his words where the SAS will get the job done no doubt about it !! but in his opinion the real Black op guys were SBS ,i didnt ask what he meant by that !

[@da90sReAlvloc]

Great video sas and SBS and navy seals are hero's and have saved countless innocent lives , 👍 Great video mate stay safe

[@kathnunan641]

The SBS are more secret than SAS but work very closely together both SF are1st to go in and last out

[@rtg0616]

There is no difference in terms of secrecy. They are probably a smaller unit and therefore more anonymous these days.

[@rtg0616]

@@FunnyVideoCollector That would depend on whether you know them or have worked with them. I have.

[@davidharris4062]

Also look at what was the Royal Marines Artic and Mountain Warfare Cadre, now known as Mountain Leader (ML’s) there is a BBC series made in the 80’s called Behind the Lines, my Nephew, currently serving RN Engineer told me his ship picked up 6 SBS guys who parachuted into the North Atlantic in December a few years ago, he said one of the guys was really small, his bergan was almost as big as him, scrounged a fag(cigarette for the septics) off him as soon as they got on board, my Nephew was impressed

[@sidslick1]

Scrounging. It's a veritable art form in the services......

[@Sofasurfa]

Good lord I haven’t heard an American referred to as a “septic” in yonks. You sure they will know who you mean?

[@leslewis73]

Remember the SBS is mainly drawn from Royal Marines who have already done 35 weeks training to get their green lid before compleating 2 years just to go through selection for the SBS, absolute nails the lot of them.

[@ALANL4460]

While the SAS and Delta force are comparible so are the SBS with Seal team 6 British SF selection is thought to be 6 months long but then you'll be closely watched for 2 yeats

[@Aindriuh]

Comparable? They knock Delta and Seal Team 6 out of the park.

[@flamingsmore5904]

Like was said on the video, the SAS is made up of mostly former parachute regiment members, while the SBS is made up of mostly former Royal marine’s. There is sometimes people from other groups, but the main bulk of both are made up from either ex-parachute regiment or ex-Royal marine’s.

[@ALANL4460]

These days its mostly pathfinders and special forces support group of 1 para if you want the best chance of passing as they get to work constantly alongside the SAS unlike 2 and 3 Para

[@Bellemorte999]

There are also members from the RAF Regt 🤘

[@wingding028]

@@Bellemorte999 lol they make the tea

[@philstothard8333]

@@wingding028 then itwill be bloody good tea.!

[@wingding028]

@@philstothard8333 🤣

[@eloiseaspinall9897]

Yeah the SBS are the shit!! The SAS are the shit too but the SBS r extra!! They r above, they vot that bit extra! I love the british forces, they are the best in the world!!!

[@johnnybeer3770]

Going up against these guys is an invitation to the graveyard , they're amazing .🇬🇧

[@markziff7234]

Richard Marcinko said of all the special operators he'd trained with the SBS was by far the toughest he'd experienced.

[@alanwareham7391]

And that’s what makes the combination of the SAS and SBS so deadly in that you can plan counter measures against tanks,warships ,aircraft etc but how can you do the same with an enemy that you can’t see or hear until it’s too late and they’ve moved in completed their mission and are well on their way home before you realise what’s happened, after all its hard to track a ghost

[@krakatoa1200]

These guys are scary, don't mess with them.

[@jackdominiak445]

SBS are very, very Special & very very deadly, no glamour and very, very secretive, if you're bad guys they're your worst nightmare !

[@leejones1041]

i saw one drown three guys with a pint of beer.

[@neanderthaloutdoors9202]

I was on a 2 year secondment with the SBS in the early 80's when I was a R.M.C., back in the days when they only took on Commandos for their selection, I was mainly involved with piloting river craft in the Irish water way's dropping them off and picking them up, they made me part of the team and are extremely highly trained and competent soldier's of the highest order.

[@lorddaver5729]

You are wrong about the unit only being called the SBS from 1987. Prior to 1987 it was known as the Royal Marines Special Boat Squadron, the abbreviation of this being SBS. The unit's motto was " Not by strength, by guile." In 1987 the Royal Navy took on full responsibility for the unit. Its name was changed to The Special Boat Service (obviously, the abbreviation staying as "SBS") and its motto was changed to " By strength and guile".

[@jimtriggs2869]

not strictly true, i was in the RN for all of the 90s. The SBS did come under naval control in 1987 and did change from Special Boat Squadron to Special boat service in 1987, but the motto "Not by strength but by guile" changed to "By strength and guiile" ....im going to say 1993, 94, maybe even later

[@ianwalker5842]

Ollie Ollerton in the last video said they had to carry that canoe for 9 miles which is much, much further than 5 kilometers (3.1 miles)!

[@SimplySavageReactions]

oh shit, I misheard then. Holy Hell man, 9 fkn miles!

[@marktahu2932]

What they don't tell you is that they actually run with the canoe, carrying it on their shoulders and loaded with all their gear - for those miles and many more, normally after an all-nighter.

[@Bosspigeon230]

The real stinger is that you can 'pass' and then get rejected simply because of your personality!

[@brusselssprouts560]

We Brits are very proud of SBS and SAS troops, as well as Royal Marines, Paras, Guards, and let me say the whole of the British Army, as well as the Royal Navy and RAF.

[@Valhalla88888]

Pathfinders

[@mroctober3657]

There's a biographical book called First Into Action written by a former SBS operator that's quite good.

[@kurtsteiner8384]

Everyone has heard of the sas. Thats army. Sbs are different they are royal navy and royal marines, it was known az the special boat squadron. In ww2 undertook raid o st nazaire to blow up docks and submarine pens in france. Cockleshell heroes. A lot of tbeir work is secret and under cover, hence secrecy bit like mi6.

[@stevetaylor7403]

Set of Jessies. I can do all of that. At night. In my bed. These applicants have already undergone basic training which might include battle training. Successive governments have whittled down Armed Forces numbers. We don’t have the numbers that other countries have. We don’t have the resources of other countries. Our Special Forces therefore have to compensate in training and operational skills. By God, don’t they just.

[@tonym480]

1:40, You ask about the blanked out faces in the photo and are they really that anonymous. True story. I was on an Osprey spotting boat trip in Poole Harbour which is very near a large Royal Marines base and where the SBS are based. During the trip we encountered a small group of young men in Kayaks who all turned their faces away from us, and the captain of the boat I was in asked us all not to take any photos, as these guys were members of the SBS and need to retain their anonymity.

[@theotherside8258]

one way of attracting attention!

[@TheCornishCockney]

Best of the Best. Costs to train ONE SBS successful candidate to ops-ready status? £1.7million. Special indeed.

[@SimplySavageReactions]

WHAT??!!!!

[@SpookyFox1000]

The best of the best ! So proud !

[@Smiger00na]

They aren’t the best accident.

[@simonwinwood]

The Gray Bearded Green Beret (KZbinr on bushcraft and survival) said he spent 5 years of his 12 in special forces working in U.S. hospitals.

[@MrT01582]

Our sas are gods but the sbs rescue gods 👌💓

[@norfolkronin6307]

Recommendation. Ex SAS Phil Campion documentry on ISIS. Especially should be appreciated by an American audience. Bless

[@altaylor3988]

Matey if you want to be the BEST, you have to train harder, jump higher, run further, think and respond faster, ignore pain, think laterally better than No 2 ... And if you want to remain No 1 then you have to train harder, jump higher, run further, think and respond faster, ignore pain, think laterally better than No 2 . That is why every S.F. in the World is modeled around the S.A.S./S.B.S. as the No 1. I am ex U.K. Military, the rest is secret.

[@kf8575]

By 4 minutes in, youre getting the idea of what sets British military and particularly it's Special Forces apart from american counterparts👍 SAS and SBS get the job done with just over 250 men per unit whereas Seals and Delta Force depend on 2,000 men plus per unit. Remember, the UK asked the US for help as far as staging for bombing missions and air refuelling and logistical help for the Falklands war effort against Argentina. US didnt want to get involved. British Military says "OK we'll do it all ourselves" despite the distances involved. British military alone d id the job. Briefly and effectively within a few weeks. US on the other hand, with both Afghan and Iraq (twice) begged NATO for help, eventually Britain steps in and helps. Yet due to Us and their YeeeeHaaaaw mentality thinking they know it all and running the show, both wars drag on for years. On the subject of Iraq though, dont forget it was only thanks to RAF Tornados and particularly RN FAA and RAF Buccaneers flying in at high speed and ridiculously low altitude during SEAD missions knocking out air defense networks that the bombing effort of the USAF could take place. The RN FAA Buccaneer pilots were known for their high speed carrier fly-bys at lower altitude than the flight deck. That being the standard of the British Military as a whole, shows why there are none at all that come close to even attempt to measure up to British Special Forces.

[@evankaden657]

These guys are trained like modern day ninjas. Totally mind blowing. Some candidates probably die trying to get through, but those that make it are definitely not to be fucked with, ever!

[@sidslick1]

Yeah, there are periodic fatalities on the SF selection courses. Most deaths happen on the Brecon Beacons usually because the individual is already exhausted and prone to heat or cold injury. In 2013 couple of lads (TA SAS, I think?) died of heat exhaustion and another four collapsed and were hospitalised. The others were instructed not to help because of the "mission comes first" mindset. At the inquest, there was quite a big argument over levels of realism in training leading to training deaths, although the final report was heavily redacted because of the SAS's training programme.

[@rob8493]

In my opinion the SBS are the pinnacle of special forces. Prior to 2001 they only recruited from the Royal Marines. I had a friend who was recently badged around this time. He was trying to persuade me to go for it but the main reason that put me off was the amalgamation with the SAS calling it joint SF selection. I am very proud to have been a royal marine but the SBS guys are the absolute cream of the crop.

[@stetomlinson3146]

I went to join the RM at a Royal Navy Careers Office, back in the mid 70's. The recruiting sergeant sat me down, asked my name and address, school, life experiences etc. Then his next question was, " How do you feel about killing someone with a spade?" I decided it might not be for me and left. Some have it. Some don't! Massive respect to those that do.

[@jimbo-yv5jh]

The SBS are like the US Delta force in that they both shun publicity unlike the SAS and Seal Team6.

[@BobFiltration]

Don't be ridiculous! Delta force shun publicity ? How many books are there about Delta force? Written by former members? There was a TV show called " the unit " ? How many former delta force members are now training civilians in weapons training? Bro! You haven't got a clue what you're talking about! 😂

[@jimbo-yv5jh]

@@BobFiltration post the books on Delta , I'ii read them. are you ex USA Navy?

[@58stoddart]

So imagine how funny Brits found it when the French fishermen tried to blockade the island of Jersey back in 2001. 😂😂😂

[@Flyboy1066]

POW 💥 👊 our boys are so professional ❤🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@HUTZELMUTZEL]

Klepper folding boat - detachable into boat skin and inner frame - but not only that has to be carried but also personal and combat equipment - more than 50 kg

[@poppaleggansquat3640]

Its important to take into account that everyone showing up at selection is already a fully trained and experienced soldier which makes the comments on the length of training even more significant given its not new, raw recruits from civvy street but already effective soldiers/ marines etc, who continue to hone skills and achieve things most of us would balk at.

[@tam1381]

These solders are a completely different breed.

[@captainscarlet6758]

UK special forces = best on planet earth . Period. Nuff said. Note to the rest of the world. Don't make is come over there.

[@Rabmac1UK]

SBS are th marine equivalent od the more Famous SAS, they are the ONLY equivalent to the SAS in the netire world. I can't say why I am so Admirational. Suffice to say the SAS and the SBS from the UK have a hand in training US Seals

[@paulb1912]

A lot fo the "SAS" missions you hear of will more than likely, maybe, perhaps have SBS within it or is being run by them.

[@ghosthorse77]

The best in the world, far superior to the USA. Very proud of the troops who do this.

[@chilldog998]

My grandad was in Men in black, my uncle is Snake eyes from GI Joe and my dog was in Paw Patrol. The book’s out next week 👍🏼

[@jodu626]

getting through the door is the easy bit

[@pilgrum23]

The Sbs are special bunch of people team work is at Hart of what they do most important thing is you ability to go beond normal it a mind set

[@ENGBriseB]

Plus (SETT) HMS DOLPHIN 30m driving tank Gosport.

[@Aindriuh]

They, like the SAS and SRR are Tier 1 special forces. That is why they anonymise them as revealing their faces would put them at risk.

[@YoYoZamolo]

SRR aren’t in the same league as SAS and SBS. Totally different training and selection, hence why women serve in the SRR. We had a comms girl join SRR as she spoke about 5 languages and successfully passed there selection. She’s still serving as we talk quite often.

[@YoYoZamolo]

@@In_A_Sane_World no and they don’t do the hills either

[@Aindriuh]

@@In_A_Sane_World No. They don't do SAS/SBS selection. They do a watered down version.

[@Aindriuh]

@@In_A_Sane_World SRR do none of that. They are a specialist reconnaisance regiment. They have the ability to fight their way out of trouble, but they do not bring trouble to the enemy like the SAS/SBS. Ask your mate what the SRR was called in Northern Ireland before they were founded as the SRR. The ful name was 14th Intelligence Company. They wre routinely referred to by the green army as 14 Int, but to the SAS they were the Det.

[@Nigel-wu5lj]

The best soldier ever was Bazooka Bill. Commodore 64 of 1986.

[@liamhennelly3961]

That's why they are the best of the best. Nobody really realises until they see wha they have to do to be in th SBS and SAS. Simply put they are the best soldiers on the planet ✌🏻

[@-Pol-]

As I was walking with my girlfriend along the Thames Tow Path beside Kew Gardens, we came a upon an old man well into his 70,s maybe even 80s, beating his way towards the path and through the brambles with his stick. When I concernedly asked him if he needed any help, he cheerfully replied "No it's all right, I'm ex-special forces". Looking back the way he'd came, it became apparent he'd decided to leave the gardens by a 'shortcut'. He'd scaled the 5' high iron railings, to drop straight down into a 5' deep hawhaw (ditch) before scrambling up and out through a thick brier patch. However "Special" his forces background might be, he'd successfully negotiated an obstacle that would be no small challenge to any of us!