The UK's Most Secretive Black Ops Unit: The 'E Squadron'

The UK's Most Secretive Black Ops Unit: The 'E Squadron'
A special forces unit hailed in so much secrecy and shadow, it could serve well in a James Bond movie. That’s something that would be perfect to describe the UK’s E Squadron, or The Increment, as they are referred to. It is a secret unit within the SAS and work directly with the MI6 intelligence agency, for only the most secretive and highly classified missions. Apparently, there is a unit within the 22nd SAS that has even more dangerous and covert missions assigned to them.
Please note that most of the pictures are purely to form an impression. Actual pictures of E Squadron do not exist and that's probably for a reason. We are aware of this and did our best to find the next best thing close to it.

[@the-spy-network]

Want me to cover anything specific next? Let me know!

[@JohnWick-hb3ft]

Maybe a good idea to look into a former British elite army group known as the Military Reaction Force from 1972-74. These operators were working in some very hostile areas in Northern Ireland, they basically had to be demilitarized in order to work covertly. There is a book title MRF Shadow Troop by 'Simon Cursey' who was a former operator for them..

[@the-spy-network]

@@JohnWick-hb3ft Sounds pretty wild! I'll look into that, thank you!

[@devincrinklaw2104]

It’s called the Counter Revolutionary Warfare Wing. Special Projects Team.

[@tinto278]

Cover the Australian SASR E Squadron.

[@carycoller3140]

Yes. Cover the differences between the SBS and SWCC. Also, what is the British version of a U.S. Air Force PJ?

[@stevehilton4052]

interesting video and as an ex British military guy I'd agree with most of this, except the comments on the SBS . the SAS boat squadron is just as effective and efficient as any other SAS unit, but the seaborne insertion and shipping or installations such as oil and gas rigs protection or destruction is the bread and butter of the SBS , and,as such are many levels above.This is not a criticism of the SAS it's an acknowledgement of how good the SBS is. I've been on exercises that have dropped off SBS troops in the middle of nowhere and land so far away they would have had to sleep in their canoe's, and where they have literally been on the outside of a submarine with all the kit and supplies they need to last a long time in an observation and intelligence gathering post.... leaving the submarine submerged getting ashore and in position unseen and leaving no sign of ever being there. We are very fortunate to have such professional people.

[@the-spy-network]

Absolutely agree! It wasn't my intention to overshadow the SBS, I am certain these guys are to some extent maybe even better trained because of their 'extra' work in the water and the need for more training for that specific case.

[@Genghis-Khan121]

I totally agree with you , I think the SAS have been well documented over the years but the SBS have carried out all kinds of amazing feats that just go under the radar, even though it’s a long time ago now but during ww2 they carried out all kinds of breathtaking missions that hardly get recognised I’m pretty sure they will have done in more recent conflicts but again go unnoticed

[@brutalforceuk]

Totally agree, SBS are on par with SAS, they get the job done. Also shout out to SFSG (Special forces support group), who to support the special forces, you have to be as good as. 👍🏻👌🏻💪🏻🍻

[@TrueBlade-1889]

​@brutalforceuk ... Which is currently 1 Para ?

[@brusselssprouts560]

Hear hear!

[@gooner72]

As "E" Squadron are elite within an already Tier 1 elite Regiment, these boys must be absolutely phenomenal.

[@the-spy-network]

Absolutely!

[@paulreeves1787]

Same quality of trooper, just no support and high level of experience.

[@markiatto_4292]

“Primarily staffed by Civilian volunteers” might be an overstatement lol from what I’ve heard most are prior Royal Marine or Paras reserves

[@the-spy-network]

This is according to the official website :).

[@pauljones8218]

@@the-spy-network like markiatto said the marines and paras make most of those numbers up and not civilian volunteers you have to serve in the forces thats why intake is a lot from the paras and some marines also marines tend to go for the sbs and from the paras tend to go sas

[@gimpygunner7327]

I was part of The E Squadron during the 1990s Rave Scene. 💪😎👍😂🤣🤪

[@the-spy-network]

Sounds fun 😂

[@alexedge646]

Me too brother... op samson was invented in some sticky chill out room loool

[@MbisonBalrog]

Raves are so contrived 😂😂😂. It is clubbing under different name some people can feel special.

[@imeach2897]

Winning comment right there 😂😂😂

[@stuart124]

Fun fact: E Squadron is named after Ebenezer Goode. A hell of a character; mischievous and devious, though very much maligned and misunderstood.

[@jordanbutler204]

My Late Dad Solly Butler known as JaggerPeasco who sadly passed away in August 2012 aged 52 served a number of years in the Increment E Sqaudron throughout the 1990s in foreign countries like Somalia Civil War Rwanda Genocide Idi amins Uganda Dictatorship and Kenyan crisis in late 1999 my Dad Bless him served 15 Years in the British Army Royal Artillery Regiments then onto 22nd SAS Regiment then became Rank of Sargent before taking on the E Sqaudron and SIS Roles with Foreign Intervention and Liberation of other countries that the UK 🇬🇧 Government denied he was involved I'm soo proud of all the stories my Dad told me about Different Guns he used as he had quite alot of money saved up prior to going into the UK Armed Forces my Dad always had the Best of the Very Best he even used DSA Made SA58 FAL Battle Rifles customised to Fire Fully Automatic to his specific needs he was more trained on the 762 Nato ammunition vs the typical 556 Nato rounds which dealt less stopping power especially on drugged up enemy Forces and could also be Penetrative againts modern day body armour thanks for posting this video Highly Appreciated 😊🇬🇧🇺🇲🇪🇺🇺🇳🗽

[@the-spy-network]

Sad to hear he passed so young but hope that the good memories will live on forever. Take care!

[@markp5519]

God bless him for keeping us safe and creating a safer world ..

[@johncherskov5755]

So secretive and hardcore, that it's all over KZbin. I am impressed.

[@the-spy-network]

Finally! Some recognition

[@PPOSEC1]

Better be… cos we’re all out there indeed… protecting you all!🤗

[@HarryRedders]

@@PPOSEC1 Thank you for your service.

[@PPOSEC1]

@@HarryRedders thank you for the recognition! Just done and still doing 😏 my job, what I was trained in length for as my zillions of brothers from all over out there were and are!

[@british1139]

Their existence was only leaked last year...

[@Okkara-q3b]

One of the most shadowy of all British special forces units, E Squadron is small cell of UKSF operatives hand-picked to work with the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), otherwise known as MI6. E Squadron is believed to be available for tasking to both the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) Directorate and SIS. E Squadron is said to be the modern day incarnation of a long-rumoured MI6-UKSF unit known as 'The Increment'. The unit is thought to be manned by experienced operators from the Special Air Service (SAS), Special Boat Service (SBS) and the Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR). It can be speculated that it receives signals, electronic warfare and logistics support from appropriate attached units such as members of 18(UKSF) Signals Regiment. Assets, such as RAF 7 Sqn Chinook helicopters, from the Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing (JSFAW) are available as required. E Squadron Role / Operations E Squadron's role is to carry out clandestine operations for the SIS. The SIS is Britain's foreign intelligence service and its intelligence officers are active in countries around the world. They develop and run agents, form alliances with various factions inside foreign countries and gather intelligence from a wide range of sources. Operating in more hostile regions has become more of a necessity since the September 11th terrorist attacks and MI6 are more likely to require special forces escorts on their missions. It is likely therefore that E Squadron has carried out numerous operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. To what extent the UKSF element of E Squadron would be used in an offensive scenario is not publicly known at this point. E Squadron - Libya The existence of E Squadron first came to light in a January 2012 BBC news article and Newsnight report on the deployment of British special forces on the ground during the 2011 NATO action in Libya. A team of MI6 intelligence officers and their UKSF 'minders' from E Squadron were airlifted by Chinook from an airbase in Malta to a remote desert location in Libya. It appears that the E Squadron team was on a mission to establish a working relationship with a faction of the rebels that were aligned against the Gaddafi regime. They were carrying sophisticated communications equipment that would allow the rebels to keep in secure contact with British officials. Unfortunately E Squadron's helicopter insertion had been spotted by locals who were unaware of the proposed meeting and who feared the men landing in the desert were Libyan forces. As E Squadron moved off from their landing site they were detained. A flurry of diplomatic activity eventually secured the release of the E Squadron team but it was a very inauspicious and very public start to the British ground campaign in Libya. E Squadron - Sahara The BBC report claims that E Squadron deployed to the Sahara in 2009 as part of efforts to rescue a British citizen who had been held hostage by Al Qaeda. Unfortunately the unit was not given the go ahead to intervene before the hostage was killed. read more / related info: Inside story of the UK's secret mission to beat Gaddafi (BBC news article that includes a profile of E Squadron): www.bbc.com/news/magazine-16573516

[@the-spy-network]

👌

[@Okkara-q3b]

@@the-spy-network 👍

[@whsikeymike1222]

Thanks for this detailed paragraph. Learned a lot from this comment.

[@davidperry7115]

There maybe specialists out there but you won't hear about them here or what squadron they are in. That's a given If you think otherwise, I've got a bridge to sell you

[@RickJZ1973]

This is a cool video. Much appreciated presentation on E Squadron. Very few even know of its existence.

[@the-spy-network]

Was not long ago when it was found in leaked documents of the UK government. Pretty insane.

[@matthewjones9565]

That's because it doesn't exist :)

[@the-spy-network]

It does now, it didn't before :)

[@howardroark7726]

I think I read somewhere that members of the Increment are chosen because they can blend in. That means they don't look like tall, muscular special forces soldiers and are more likely to be shorter than average or slightly overweight. I wish I could recall where I read or heard this but it makes sense to me. If that seems unlikely, Andy McNab is not very tall. He also described one of the B20 troopers as so small only his legs could be seen from the back with his bergen on. Might have been Bob Consiglio.

[@the-spy-network]

I think this could be spot on. That type of work does not require the 'standard operator'. All adversaries now know what these guys look like, so you are looking for seemingly nerdy and goofy people, of which you do not expect they can take your life in a matter of seconds. Blending in is crucial.

[@zipa479]

.

[@exn207]

Don't forget: The most important muscle is located between your ears. There's a funny story about german KSK SOF. A former well known german actor and later author served as reserve (sergeant) in Afghanistan in 2011 or 2012. He was the press officer of the camp (i don't know the correct english words). There were some rumour that KSK troops were deployed to the camp. But no one ever some special trained special equipped tall muscualar guys. Some days later this guy understood that the KSK guys were these normal looking shy nerds. They looked much more like logistic corps an quartermaster than SOF. So don't forget: Your brain is the muscle. (There's a documentary about german KSK. An officer says that your brain your instincts and your will to perform is the most important part). The career of thi guy is interesting: Conscriped in the Navy in 1989, later actor and apprenticeship as a cook/chef. As author he wrote a crime novel in the context of veterans (german paratroopers) and got interested in serving in Afghanistan. After a military exercise as cook serving on a frigate he switched as corporal (reserve) to german mountain infantry (as cook/chef, he lives in Bavaria and has some friends with friends with friends serving at th "Gebirgsjägertruppe") and was promoted to sergeant (reserve). In UK or US more like warrant officer.

[@alexkrivoy392]

​@@exn207😅

[@snowflakemelter1172]

I was in F squadron, it was so secret even the blokes in F Squadron didnt know they were in it. I was only told i was in it after i left.

[@the-spy-network]

Well, not so secret anymore now.. you just spilled the beans. Might as well uncover all your operations and the organization too.

[@PinkiPunki-z2w]

😂

[@truefalse207]

3:37 is Sgt. John McAleese, "the man behind the mask", he blew out the window and stormed into the Iranian embassy wearing black and a gas mask which was watched by millions live on television 4:51 is Sgt. Paul McGough who died in a hand gliding accident in 2006 RIP to both

[@the-spy-network]

True legends 🤙🏼

[@saschiver]

John macs son died in action, not long after, John. RIP. He was the guy that stuck the frame charge on the window of the Iranian embassy. Poor sim Harris (BBC guy who was a hostage) he got a slap because he was hysterical, which is a normal reaction.

[@muppetpaster]

Yup, Awesome dude, sadly lost his son Paul, also in service, in Afghanistan in '09. Which made him a broken man.

[@sarahlamb2333]

He was a nonce John was going to be extradited for child porn.. that outweighs any good he did.. heroes don't nonce

[@Gunmannn.]

You ride John Mac in every YT comment section

[@Sidney1WG]

I love the modern idea of secrecy. All over KZbin? The most secret unit is the one that isn't on here. And there are no books!

[@the-spy-network]

Of course.. that's the whole idea with secret.

[@roberthunter6927]

The British 22 nd regiment, SAS, the Australian and New Zealand SAS operate on very similar lines. As I understand it, all SAS troopers lose their former rank, and have to re-qualify, except the officers and they are specially recruited and trained as well. All the operators go through a common training cycle, and they rotate training and experience in all SAS operations. This includes VIP protection, counter-terrorism, CQB, water, air, mobility and mountain type missions. The system is flexible, and if they have lead time, they will concentrate expertise in one grouping, and exercise them in that until it is time to go on the mission. We don't get told everything from open sources of course. But even the most "marginal" SAS operator is way above the standard of ordinary soldiers. Some soldiers from ordinary "line" units, considered "jets" in their own units, have failed SAS selection.

[@the-spy-network]

Thanks for the additional info 👌

[@JordanAnsell-y8d]

I am not going to say much on here but you are not far from truth there my friend as an ex para I have worked and operated with these guys on ops they can do everything and more

[@richardpreston5260]

it’s not the 22nd it’s two two

[@roberthunter6927]

Wrong, there is the SAS REGIMENT [roughly the size of a smallish battalion] which is divided into squadrons [ "roughly" companies] , then troops [AKA "platoons"], down to patrols. The number in a patrol can vary from 4 to 6, depending on mission. Special forces units always have a smaller establishment than ordinary infantry units.

[@muppetpaster]

3:38 Mac, Macca....John McAleese....Awesome dude

[@Totalplonker]

Many are called. Few are chosen.

[@darrenangel461]

SAS and SBS equal respect

[@raystewart6524]

Nice to see Mac in there

[@raycope2086]

" Careless talk costs lives." Come home safe lads.

[@northlondonmasons107]

I love that the sas are that cool they can drive around in pink land rovers so there less visible at night

[@the-spy-network]

😂🤙🏼

[@nathanielwhite8769]

One would suspect that an unknown number of these operators could be from 14 Intelligence Detachment, often refered to as just (The Det) during the IRA Troubles.

[@the-spy-network]

Haven't heard of that before. Will definitely look into that!

[@kevinadamson5768]

​@@the-spy-networkyeah they worked primiraly in Northern Ireland undercover to infiltrate the IRA. The SAS sometimes worked alongside of them when I was there.

[@JohnWick-hb3ft]

lets not forget about the MRF..

[@irishboer7124]

The Det were used when the SAS were not suitable. For instance when undercover SAS were deployed in Tyrone they were immediately "made" by the locals. Why? Because when driving they would glare at locals driving the other way. What the Det did was raise a finger on the wheel,nod or smile acknowledging the other person(s) like locals do. They were also good at accents and changing their appearance to fit in.

[@janedoh123]

So the mobility group is like the RAC is to regular people to the SAS

[@davidyates1299]

Fun fact - the unit numbers are pronounced "two-one" "two-two" and "two-three" as opposed to your chosen pronunciation. If on an op with them they will often be referred to simply as "blades"...

[@the-spy-network]

Nice.. literally everyone who has made a YT video about them has made the 'twenty-second' SAS as their 'chosen' pronunciation. Thanks 👍🏻

[@davidyates1299]

@@the-spy-network indeed, it's a small thing which most civilians don't know about - it's a key way of immediately identifying what you guys call "stolen valor" if a so called ex SAS man slips up in that manner... any ex British Army soldier will spot the mistake immediately.

[@the-spy-network]

I've never heard it before, but it might indeed be one of those things you only know once you've served. Nice one.

[@the-spy-network]

@@davidyates1299 I wanted to get back on this. I just saw a Short which was from a ex US SF guy who referred to the SAS as ' two two SAS' . Never heard it anywhere else. Seems legit!

[@davidyates1299]

@@the-spy-network you have a good memory for follow up! Yea, it is gen mate - I served in the British Army (Reserves) so can confirm it is the thing. Also applies to a number of other British units - for example 45 Commando is NEVER pronounced "Forty Five Commando" - it's always "Four-Five". Anyone making such a mistake in service would be ridiculed mercilessly! :)

[@cesaravegah3787]

The most secretive is the one nobody is aware off besides its members and the one paying for it.

[@the-spy-network]

Very true. Although secret and secretive mean different things.

[@williamgordon2919]

T troop, the most secretive and probably the bravest members of any sf anywhere, these guys are tasked with making sure the guys get their cuppa and sharpish like, that means even when they are in the midst of a hairy combat situation, delivered straight to their hands. nobody knows their names and no-one will ever be able to find out info on them. These guys are the difference between winning and losing. PG tips actually had some of them in their adverts, but for security reasons they were of course disguised, made up to look like chimps.

[@mathunt1130]

I understand that E Squadron also includes members from the SBS and possibly the SRR as well.

[@the-spy-network]

Absolutely!

[@1337flite]

21 and 23 SAS are territorials - reserves. They are not civillians - they are soldiers who only serve part time.

[@the-spy-network]

From the army.mod.uk website on 21 and 23 SAS: '21&23 SAS processes applications from male and female applicants with no previous military service.' Again, thanks for pointing a finger at me for making a crap video while all you do is make inaccurate statements trying to pull me and the channel down.

[@lakeam6982]

21 and 23 are trained to the same level as 22. For most its a full time position within itself, especially when you consider training courses that last 6+ weeks in foreign countries. 21 and 23 are used to fill in for 22 as casualty replacements, they cant be any worse than the guy beside them

[@CraigArnott]

​@@lakeam6982they arnt trainedto the same level as 22...21/23 have tgeir own designated sf taskings in which they operate "stand alone"... Although they do augment they regulars on occasion it is not atthe pointy end

[@lakeam6982]

@@CraigArnott If they augment with 22 it wouldn't make sense to train them to an inferior level. Dont they have to be able to replace a regular if shit goes sideways?

[@CraigArnott]

@@lakeam6982 its in the way they augment with 22 ie not at doorkicker level... Bear in mind 22 needs enablers across the board(tasks now carried out by sfsg) sas(r) taskings differ from regs and require a different skill set(althought basic sf sops and ttp's are common through out group) the biggest thing is 22 are trained in all aspects of warfare and asymetrical warfare whiles sas(r) have only 2 roles(which they excel at) their contribution to uksf is in bringing depth to the group at tge strategic level rather than the tactical... Best comparrison is think US special forces groups(green berets) and 1sfod-d

[@Patriot218S]

I guess the E Squadron is the equivalent of the CIA’s Special Activities Division.

[@the-spy-network]

I think that's fair to say! But these guys seem to be an extension of the SAS that works with MI6, whereas SAD is a unit from within the CIA or something similar. Other than that, it might be an equivalent indeed.

[@TYANBOOTH400]

The best of the sas soldiers get picked for it

[@paulwilliams2663]

​@@TYANBOOTH400and SBS 😊

[@petesmith9472]

No. That unit is within MI6. E squadron may work in support of some MI6 activities

[@davidrobertson5700]

CIA are CIA is not a special service, it's a special needs service. SAS and SBS are the best Thank you for your service, every day is poppy day

[@jonsnow373]

EN120… if yer know, yer know..

[@neilt1889]

They are the best of the best of all Special SAS/SBS the are the Goats 🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@robgillies1500]

Its sad they forgot to mention C Sqaudron raised in Rhodesian war but now stood down when the war stopped in 1980

[@the-spy-network]

This video is about the E squadron, not the C squadron.

[@robgillies1500]

That I understand, But when you were reading out the squadrons A,B,D,G and E, I was wondering why C was omitted as histotically being a recognised squadron of the SAS but no longer exists. Thank you I enjoyed the documentary.

[@the-spy-network]

Thanks a lot! Appreciate it.

[@MortonBartlett-yy3cn]

@ 1.42 photo is of 1NZSAS In Kabul Afghanistan

[@atae7185]

That secret, that you’re telling the whole world all about them! 😂

[@the-spy-network]

No... 'secretive', not secret.

[@PPOSEC1]

Secretively protecting your booze nights out for decades!!! Enjoy your life!!!Not a secret!😏

[@atae7185]

@@PPOSEC1 hahahaaa! My boozy nights out with my oppos when I was a marine in forty commando, then brigade recce and various other places within the RM corps during my 23 years of service! And you’re welcome! Hahahaaaa!

[@michael98478]

They do secrets 😂

[@notyoursmine1]

I just came across this. So could you say that the James Bond character hold be conditioned of these as squadron?

[@the-spy-network]

Well, although I would like it to be, there likely are 10's of units we don't know about that produce James Bond like characters in real life.

[@well-blazeredman6187]

James Bond is more SOE than SIS.

[@leewright5091]

The increment were " implicated " in the assissanation of our Princess Diana in the pont de l'ama tunnel in Paris.

[@the-spy-network]

Although I wouldn't be surprised, we will never know if that is factual or not.

[@James-hs3tu]

Seen so many SF on KZbin. And. Knowing all of this and what they do You'd think there would be no Trouble in the World. And all the special stuff they have

[@the-spy-network]

It almost doesn't make sense, indeed. It's crazy to think that people actually think they could go against them (UK, US, Europe SF).

[@OfficerFishy]

Can you cover 28th EOD from the US Army? It assist Tier 1 units for EOD.

[@the-spy-network]

Never heard of them, but will definitely check them out! Thanks :)

[@gravityspiral4185]

Thank you so much for your constant load of legendary content!👌 I wonder if their is such a unit like the esquadron But American special forces style Combining the best of delta and Devgru together into one best clandestine unit 🤔

[@the-spy-network]

Might be a unit like SOG, but that is more CIA focussed of course. I think they'll do anything to keep that a secret 😁

[@thabomuso2575]

CIA's Special Activities Detachment, although they don't operate under a US flag.

[@alastairleith249]

Seal Team 6, is prob it, a spin off from regular Seals (or DEVGRU as its now called).

[@dallasyap3064]

CIA's SOG would be a similar unit I'd say. It also happens to recruit a lot from Delta Force and SEAL Team 6. Other highly secretive units are also Delta's G Squadron and ST6's Black Squadron. These 2 Squadrons conduct intelligence operations as well (nothing much about them either).

[@markdavids2511]

No one outside of the circle knows anything about the increment, many deny they even exist.

[@the-spy-network]

With good reason obviously.

[@mister.karate]

Apparently not secret enough then since they ended up in this video 😆

[@seanjoseph8637]

The SAS and SBS trained every western SF force.

[@goodputin4324]

Correction - Throughout the whole world.

[@quintipleresolution3121]

Always love your content, thank you!👏 If you can I love it if you can get information on Mindset , visualization process of passing sas selections, especially the jungle phrase Simon Jeffries British sas, once said one of his tips especially fro the jungle phrase is taking care of your equipment. I love if you can make a videos on dale comstock a former delta operator on his psycho somatics visualization process

[@the-spy-network]

Thanks a lot! Sounds interesting indeed. Not sure if I can make a whole video about it but I will put it on my to do list to do some researching!

[@gravityspiral4185]

@@the-spy-network Yes I want mindset content like this!👏

[@anthonyocarroll5630]

Same of everything look after your gear and it will look after you

[@findingandvalue]

It is SOOOO secret that there is a KZbin video about it.

[@the-spy-network]

A governmental data leak exposed the existence of this unit. So it was actually a secret, and still is, but more and more information is leaking out about them and their existence.

[@chrismitchell4808]

Never heard of them, But it doesn't suprise me that a squadron like this exists in secrecy.

[@shaundavenport621]

Im skeptical about E Squadron. Ive never heard any former member even admit that it exists?

[@the-spy-network]

That even intrigues us more. I believe I saw a podcast once about a man talking about the UK (22 SAS) equivalent of Black Squadron within ST6. But I'm not sure which podcast that was. Kinda brushed it off as if it was nothing.

[@chrissmit6439]

Maybe this may sound dumb. How do you "fine tune" a special forces operator already considered fine tuned to the brink of human capacity? Something else completely.

[@the-spy-network]

To be honest, that is a good question. It's actually insane that you think you are the best, only to learn there are other secretive and more elite units of which the general public doesn't know they exist. Something for which you even need to be better and more capable.. insane.

[@chrissmit6439]

@@the-spy-network Exactly the point. Another question that could be considered in this discussion is, "What kind of people or threats require these types of soldiers to deal with them?" These must be serious problems, given the caliber of soldiers the government sends in to "fix the problem or eliminate the threat."

[@the-spy-network]

@@chrissmit6439 1 thing is for sure, these men and women do things in the shadowns, black ops, things which will be declassified in 100 years from now. It takes a special kind of human to carry out these missions and operations.

[@RugbyMatters]

Was the Increment formally known as 14Int in the 1970s

[@the-spy-network]

I don't know.. was it?

[@jackhebdon8360]

very nice video my uncle works for the SIS (MI6) very technical shit

[@the-spy-network]

Thank you! He must have some wild stories!

[@300ampeg]

OK, this is getting ridiculous. How many of these "secret black ops" units are we up to at this point? It seems like there is one popping up on a weekly basis.

[@the-spy-network]

I'm not covering anything crazy, and didn't see a video on it. This is all publicly known due to a data leakage of the UK government.

[@HeathenFitness]

Right. There are so many. China has special black ops units that are cyber warfare capable specifically.

[@timsmith1323]

The increment has been about for ages and is similar to delta in that it takes all sets of SF in SBS,SAS and SSR so nothing new about what’s said in tnis video

[@the-spy-network]

Like I said, I've not seen a lot of videos covering it, and my channel is all about this so I decided to make a video about it. Sorry if it's nothing new to you, it might be to someone else.

[@jermf35]

​@@the-spy-network video thanks for the upload. This explains it a lot better then anyone else has tried too. Other channels tried saying E squad was the whole sad and I knew that didn't sound right. Now this makes sense. Thanks for making them all clear

[@zbeasty]

So essentially the UK version of The Activity.

[@PPOSEC1]

Nope… The Activity or any other SOF in the world are based in the original SAS from 1941… ALL OF THEM!!! Do your research!!!! This from a Belgian veteran who’s Rgt moto was “ Who Dares Wins” and had the privilege to share Ops with those lads! 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007… Do your research and SHUSH!!! Take it to the bank, GenZ and have some RESPECT for those who allowed your pathetic lives to go on!!!😡

[@the-spy-network]

Wow, take it easy.. we are here to learn and not to judge.

[@zbeasty]

@@PPOSEC1 I was referring to the way the respective intelligence services draw from the elite spec ops teams (CAG and DEVGRU for The Activity and SAS, SBS and SRR for E Squadron) to conduct missions that might require greater deniability. It had nothing to do with their origins. As a member of Gen X who grew up an RAAF brat, lived a couple of doors away from active members of the SASR and had a friend, who was a member of 4RAR, KIA in Uruzgan I have a greater respect and level of knowledge than most civilians.

[@PPOSEC1]

@@the-spy-network apologise for the outburst!

[@PPOSEC1]

@@zbeastyRight, sorry for the outburst! Sometimes, you know… very frustrating this lack of respect for what we did, what I did for … well.. 42 years as far as I am concerned! Anyway… 👍🏻👊

[@robertmiller1299]

Which section does UAP recovery?

[@the-spy-network]

Lol😅

[@robertmiller1299]

My question was part serious? If half what has been revealed in the US is true, then there is likely a UK unit which does this stuff!

[@the-spy-network]

Well sure, but a YT channel will not be able to provide that info. If I could, the channel would disappear rather quickly 😅

[@carmenohio8735]

This Unit sounds a lot like The Air Force 24th Special Tactics Squadron

[@weeddegree]

You wouldn’t see them if you died.. silent gentleman

[@jim___mcaleese]

Great footage there. Especially showing my late uncle John mcaleese.

[@the-spy-network]

He's seen as the real captain price, that's a big honor.

[@DianaKazimiera-]

Absolutely !Great respect...Mr uncle is absolutely Legend SAS 🇬🇧 Great respect 🕊️ Good luck from 🇵🇱🕊️🤝

[@HarryRedders]

I worry more about the units without KZbin videos about them.

[@the-spy-network]

Most definitely.

[@jussiesmollet4137]

So the increment is basically Great Britain’s version of the CIA’s paramilitary operations officers of Ground Branch.

[@well-blazeredman6187]

Please, UK - not GB.

[@jussiesmollet4137]

@ why?

[@jussiesmollet4137]

@@well-blazeredman6187 Seriously, I’m not trying to be disrespectful. I would love to know why it’s more appropriate to refer to it as the United Kingdom?

[@well-blazeredman6187]

@jussiesmollet4137 My country is the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland - 'UK'. Great Britain is the island of England, Scotland and Wales. The UK has armed forces; GB doesn't. Note, however, that some sports on the island of Ireland are organised on all-Ireland basis: Rugby Union is an example, though soccer isn't. And the British Olympics team is, confusingly, called Team GB! There, I hope that's all clear for you! :)

[@thabomuso2575]

British Special Forces, possibly the E squadron was sent into Libya to establish contact with Libyan rebels. The rebels weren't given forewarning so they got a bit pissed off when they found and captured the British SF soldiers trying to find them. That was all.

[@the-spy-network]

Jep, that sure seems to have happened. They got caught as soon as they left the heli-pad / airstrip. 😅

[@thabomuso2575]

@@the-spy-network I read bout it in the newspapers and thought it was a cute little story. But on a more serious note the British government did the right thing. A forewarning to the rebels could have been intercepted by Qhadaffis intelligence service and the whole infiltration team could have been killed or captured by his troops. That would have been a catastrophy and a scandal. Their mission suceeded because they established good liasion and cooperation between British forces and the rebels.

[@Alex20towed]

The comms operator had written his login password onto his laptop, so when he was captured the whole UKSF secure network was compromised. It was actually quite a big scandal at the time. I am glad to not have been that guy

[@mdits249]

During India's secret mission Operation Cactus in Maldives in 1980s.. a british airways plane flew past the big military teansport heading towards the Maldives. Before the Indians could know what their army was doing, BBC told the world about it....

[@the-spy-network]

Ugh... that news travelled fast.

[@ForburyLion]

Are we going to talk about F squadron? I mean we have A, B C and G.... now you're saying there's a secret E squadron, so I still see a missing letter in that sequence.

[@the-spy-network]

Is there any reason to believe there is an F squadron in there besides this? Legitimate question..

[@dallasyap3064]

A similar unit in the US probably is the CIA's SOG that also recruits heavily from the 2 primary tier 1 counter-terrorism units. Perhaps another similar or near similar unit could be Delta's own G Squadron that also deals with highly secretive clandestine/covert intelligence operations.

[@the-spy-network]

Absolutely. G Squadron is really difficult to find stuff about, because I think only it's existence is publicly known. CIA SOG is a bit better known.

[@MarkRunnalls]

SOG... Is that soggy for short..?? Ie it's piss wet through, drenched, waterlogged..?? 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@weareallbeingwatched4602]

E, F, G, ... Alpha group are Ukranian. Los Zetas are a Mexican crime syndicate. Google are called Alphabet, and we're all in their soup kitchen...

[@johnwilliamson7506]

What you see..IS NOT what you SEE!

[@brutalforceuk]

Shout to SBS & SFSG!

[@leedale4008]

They ARE the best.

[@RobertMarshall-hl1rv]

The uk is proud of the SAS

[@kevinadamson5768]

Never heard of E squadron before.

[@the-spy-network]

Now you know!

[@nyxer4]

You tend to find a known secret, that you cant really prove but know they are about is more scary than not at all. They leak might have been intentional.

[@the-spy-network]

I have no clue what you mean by this, sorry.

[@nyxer4]

@y-network So I am saying in my opinion could be an intentional leak. So the fact that they are secret and there is little knowledge and it cant be proved is part of it. The fact that they "might exist" and the thought is there is scary enough for bad guys and could be a detterant. Psycological approach.

[@nitwit4947]

What about the Pathfinders. They are cut from the same cloth.

[@the-spy-network]

The SRR you mean? They are indeed 👌

[@skylongskylong1982]

Pathfinder’s are basically a recce platoon that secure and mark drop zones. We’ll trained to a very high standard but does not have the variety skills of SAS/ SBS.

[@eric6360]

@@the-spy-network Pathfinders and SRR are two different units.

[@leeredman8980]

Not sure they do work with British airways, thought that was an airline company

[@the-spy-network]

They are. 'Presumably', they were boarded on freight flights and faked system failures in order to get into restricted airspace and dropped the operators out of the plane and 'fixed' right afterwards. This is, however, not verified and it probably never will be.

[@EasyTiger.01343]

British Airways is a public company and not even British any more. It’s highly unlikely they play any role in military operations.

[@Ozman676]

Australian SAS 4 Squadron, Swan Island.

[@richarddepledge960]

you forgot to tell us all which part of the balcony you were on.

[@the-spy-network]

O yeah, because (ex-)SAS Troopers are most certainly transitioning into producing YT videos... you're on to me.

[@adriankunz3395]

we need a video on the UKN sounds interesting

[@the-spy-network]

Not much to be found on them.. which makes it even more interesting.

[@gooner72]

You're incorrect about the make up of the SAS, there's 3 separate units actually with 1 being regular and 2 being territorial "battalions" (reserve)..... 22 is the only regular full time "battalion." 21 and 23 are the reserve battalions, these are trained to exactly the same standard but the men have normal civilian jobs. Men from ALL 3 are fully deployable and ALL have deployed overseas.

[@the-spy-network]

Not sure if I have emphasized that enough, but I thought I made it clear that the two one and two three SAS were reserves but are fully trained and just as capable, just not full time SAS troopers.

[@Nttmf]

There will be secret units that are not on here, that’s why it’s called, “secret”! So, this squad is not so secret now. Has anyone actually thought for a moment, that this is what you’re supposed to read? Secret ops and groups will always be secret.

[@the-spy-network]

Well, that's why I've called it 'secretive'.. since they are not secret but also not mainstream media. But yeah, what needs to be kept a secret will always be, indeed.

[@timsimpson9367]

They need Tea, You can't function without a proper brew up. I'm not kidding.

[@the-spy-network]

They're British so I assume they need biscuits as well

[@robrob9250]

The Increment/E Squadron is not part of the SAS. It is part of MI6. It’s operations are directed by MI6 and the members of E Squadron are selected from the SAS, SBS, and Defense Intelligence. Intelligence officers gather intelligence and when they need to do something like a rescue operation or whatever it is the Increment they use, rather than their own agents.

[@the-spy-network]

There are some mixed articles on it, but the clearest info I could find is that E Squadron is a subunit of the 22 SAS. Thanks for the addition!

[@albertograssi3675]

​@@the-spy-network There is a "E" squadron in 21 SAS (R), is a coincedence?

[@Anglo_Saxon1]

Jason Bourne type - possibly Christian Craighead (obi wan Nairobi).Not now of course but at some point in his career its entirely feasable he could have been e-squadron.

[@the-spy-network]

That would've made sense. The guy is so skilled and fearless, it's insane.

[@Darren-sl7rp]

Not his real name either btw

[@the-spy-network]

For obvious reasons :) @@Darren-sl7rp

[@fensterputzernuernberg]

lol 🙂 " they are working in close co operation with British Airways " @2.30

[@the-spy-network]

This is public knowledge :)

[@Epsillion70]

Bravo Two-Zero!

[@angelsean2843]

I wonder if it was E Squadron that murdered Princess Dianne ??? Everyone knows she was, but no one knows who !!!

[@the-spy-network]

Unfortunately we will never get to the truth as that will be hidden forever, presumably.

[@charlesfarn4496]

could be....she was upsetting half the world including the french with her crusade against landmines (mostly made in france)

[@GlennMearns-xk6yo]

Morrighan already has her raven.

[@FirearmsGunGear]

Cover the SRR if you havent already

[@the-spy-network]

Will consider that! Thanks

[@FirearmsGunGear]

@@the-spy-network thank you, I know you mention them in this video briefly, and not much is known about them, from memory they were formed in 2006, and I've never seen them mentioned on TV here, great channel BTW, you've gained a sub.

[@the-spy-network]

@@FirearmsGunGear Thanks a lot. The SRR however has been covered by some other channels already and I do want to make my videos about the stuff that hasn't been touched upon as much as possible. But I don't count it out for a future video :)

[@octopusintelligence2323]

Large pinch of salt needed

[@the-spy-network]

🥴🤷

[@iaintownsley8287]

That report is fairly accurate 👀

[@the-spy-network]

🤔

[@michaelthemadsoldiertist]

Fit right in with a James Bond movie. Checks out since anybody who acted like James Bond would be dead day one. If everyone knows you’re a spy. It’s because you are a bad spy. Which is to say a dead spy.

[@the-spy-network]

Fair point.

[@michaelthemadsoldiertist]

@@the-spy-network thank you. It’s nice to hear. Most people just call me a liar or hate on me because I’m a threat in their ego. It’s nice to be acknowledged. Networking is half the game. The rest is subtlety effective acting skills and the confidence to convincingly lie better than any narcissist or psychopath has ever lied. Oh and luck as well. Hope you don’t run into somebody’s equivalent of Navarro because they want to rescue. They’ll just kill you everywhere else but here.

[@iain1019]

You said E squadron use 21 and 23 both reserve regs why would E squadron use reserve units

[@the-spy-network]

I don't think I did.. I mention them because the two one and two three units are also SAS, but reserves.

[@DrewWithington]

F troop is so secret that no one has ever made a KZbin video about it.

[@Saxondog]

They are not one of the best...They Are The Best.😊

[@MarkRunnalls]

Bravo mate one of the few statements on here that is actually TRUE. 👍👍👍

[@andrewquake4631]

Mr. Conway........was attached to the REGIMENT.

[@patmark3059]

Pray an act of perfect contrition everyday

[@michaelthemadsoldiertist]

These the ones that blew up that pipeline ?

[@the-spy-network]

Not to say, probably the people who need to know will know, us as the 'normal people' will never know, or get to find out in history books 100 years from now.

[@michaelthemadsoldiertist]

@@the-spy-network I wasn’t looking for an answer I was being salty. Feeling like the middle child rn.

[@MbisonBalrog]

Does MI6 not have its own wet works teams?

[@the-spy-network]

I think those are 'actually' secret.. 😅

[@intruder313]

Numbers seem way off as the SAS is 4 Sabres of about 50 men each. Lots of support but you’d need to add in SBS for 400 then SRR for 600 (if SRR is even that size). E Squadron is outside the SAS I thought but they actually are secret …

[@cantfindmykeys8104]

Good to see your playing down the numbers...

[@andy8862]

I would disregard the rank required. Also no mention of Rupert's involved. Wouldn't be Rodney's only

[@the-spy-network]

You gotta give a little more context.. what are Rupert's and Rodney's?

[@stevebarlow3154]

@@the-spy-network A Rupert is an officer, especially in the posher regiments like the Guards. A Rodney is an officer promoted from the ranks. Interesting to note that the best fighting units, the Royal Marines and the Parachute Regiment, have about 30% of their officers promoted from within their ranks.

[@the-spy-network]

Thanks a lot! Makes sense now.

[@stevebarlow3154]

@@OMT988 I have heard soldiers from various Army Regiments use the term 'Rupert'. I have never heard anyone use the term 'Rodney', but it is included in a dictionary of military slang. The 30% figure was quoted by the MOD. You can serve in the Royal Marines up to the age of 40. I couldn't find a maximum for the Parachute Regiment, but I assume it would be the normal 22+ years for the army. There are plenty of smart young guys, some with degrees, serving as Marines. I assume the same is true for the Parachute Regiment. There should be plenty of time for them to become regular officers. I do know the Guards Regiments often promote their Warrant Officers to Captain towards the end of their service, as a thank you for their years of dedicated service.

[@MyScotty7]

E squadron do Mi6 dirty work!

[@the-spy-network]

So it seems indeed!

[@tiegger9316]

And who leads every service?

[@the-spy-network]

What do you mean?

[@tiegger9316]

@@the-spy-network who is the leader/s of the leader like Jsoc looking the finances.....etc.?

[@the-spy-network]

Ah I see. Frank Bradley is the current commander of JSOC.

[@abdulqayumkhan3992]

Yes i know Its the 2nd SF Group at world Rank

[@jamiesonsambarhunter]

Same as 4 sqn SASR.

[@the-spy-network]

May be the topic of a future video, thanks for mentioning!

[@Gonken88]

The reason they don't have ABCD squads is that the guy who decided didn't know the alphabet. True story.

[@the-spy-network]

Is that actually true? 😅

[@colcot50]

G squadron is specifically for the Guards or household division, not liked from what I read in books, bunch [of hooray Henry’s. Not my opinion as I said I read it in a book

[@mattewwoodward4131]

They work in northern Ireland

[@ve7hun]

Can I make a suggestion? Please consider reviewing your script more carefully before recording. It isn't the 'Specialized' Boat Service, it is the Special Boat Service, and it is the not the 'Special' Intelligence Service, but the Secret Intelligence Service.

[@the-spy-network]

Although you are right about the SIS (can't find the SBS mistake anywhere in the script), I really need to get used to the fact that you can do most of the video right and provide correct info, and only do 1 small thing wrong and get called out for it 😅. Thanks anyway, I'll do better next time.

[@the-spy-network]

This is public information and a known way of covertly dropping operators as close to their targets from out of otherwise restricted airspace. You can do you're own research ;).