SAS Faces Crisis as Elite Unit Makes Unprecedented Public Appeal for Volunteers
The SAS is urgently seeking new recruits as the Army faces a significant personnel shortage
SAS, Recruitment Crisis, UK, Special Forces, Soldier Magazine
London: The SAS is in a bit of a pickle. They’ve made their first-ever public call for volunteers because they’re facing a serious recruitment crisis. Can you believe it?
A senior instructor from the Special Forces is reaching out to current soldiers, encouraging them to consider joining the regiment. It’s a big deal, especially since the Army is down to just 72,500 personnel, the lowest it’s been in over 200 years.
With fewer troops around, it’s getting tough to fill the ranks. Even the SBS and Special Reconnaissance Regiment are feeling the pinch. Normally, soldiers would apply through their chain of command, but it seems interest is waning, which is why the instructor decided to write to Soldier magazine.
He mentioned that there are probably some great candidates out there who think they can’t make the cut. But he’s urging anyone interested to train up, attend a briefing course, and give it a shot. The cool part? You can try as many times as you want!
He reassured potential recruits that they’ll learn a lot about what the UK Special Forces do and the various roles available. Plus, it’s a chance to discover more about themselves. He said, “Don’t count yourself out; just show up and let us see what you’ve got.”
To get into the SAS, you’ve got to pass a six-day course, which happens eight times a year. It’s open to all troops and reservists from the three services. The tests include a 12.8km march with a 15kg pack, physical and psychological challenges, and even a swim test.
So, if you’ve got what it takes, now’s the time to step up!