Hostage rescue at sea?

Originally Posted by Dangerous Dave

Thank you

You're welcome.

I still want to know...

Originally Posted by Becks

the SBS are not secretive they simply do not talk about things. They are not hounded by the press, wannabes or fanatics and neither do they have a fictional reputation to uphold. They go about a normal life as much as possible.

Spot on old bird, x

Originally Posted by Tiger 55

I still want to know...

The average CT team is eight men; these are the entry methods...

Swimmer Deliver Vehicle (SDV) Our latest SDV's (mini sub's) latch on to the back of submarines or on board surface vessels and can be transported around the world. This is the covert method of attack, from an SDV we can swim to the ship and board.


High Altitude-High Opening (HAHO) We jump from a C130 in full diver gear and oxygen, from high altitude we can travel 35+ miles. This method of entry is ideal if we do not have permission to enter the territory, we can disembark the aircraft from a secure flight path. As said we will be in full diving gear, plus 90kg on our normal jump weight not including weapons and specialist tactical gear. We can then swim to the ship in question, anywhere between 2-10 miles and board.


Rigid Raider This method would be the risky; we will be seen/heard coming and will board the ship under fire. A rigid raider can be deployed from a low or high level C130 pass, a CH47, or from a surface vessel. Two rigid raiders at a minimum would be used, one to draw confusion whilst the others can board and cover.


Rappel This would be the most risky method, us and a heli will be under fire whilst boarding. Quite simple to explain, a CH47 will hover and we will rappel from the rear and side door. We have trained to be on the ropes before the aircraft has reached the target.


Now as this is a hostage situation it requires a little tact, the eight man team will be split in to two patrols (lets say 'A' Alpha and 'B' Bravo)...

Alpha team will be deployed by either HAHO or SDV, prior to the initial assault. Alpha's priority is to secure the hostages. Alpha will board the ship under the cover of darkness, locate the hostages and set up defensive positions. Bravo team will be inserted via Rigid Raider, as Bravo approach the ship Alpha team will begin the assault (notice we do not call them rescues). Alpha will secure the hostages, secure the area and split into two (Alpha and Charlie). Alpha will remain with the hostages; Charlie will begin the assault on the targets as Bravo board the ship. Bravo will secure the deck, and then split (Bravo and Delta). Delta will assault the bridge along with Charlie whilst Bravo ensures the route from hostage point to evac point is secure. Charlie and Delta will give the call as secure, at which point Alpha and Bravo will escort the hostages to the evac point. Delta will carry out a sweep of the ship, whilst Charlie will cover the deck for Alpha and Bravo to evac the hostages. All hostages will be held on the deck, cuffed and processed before departing the ship.

This is assuming all goes well, and by the information provided so far, but in the SBS we always have a back up plan.

Any questions?

Originally Posted by Dangerous Dave

Any questions?

Yeah if i do my SFC course or all arm comando course can i join in sounds fun!! .

And dumb questio nas i kind of already know the answer but what about boat troop from the sabre Sqn's?

Originally Posted by neio79

And dumb questio nas i kind of already know the answer but what about boat troop from the sabre Sqn's?

SAS do not do seaborne counter terrorism, boat troop is not counter terrorism and is for the use of RR's to get up river.

SBS nolonger except SAS or Army, RM's only now as we are have had issues. To join SBS you need two years service, two combat tours, pass SAS selection, pass SBS selection (you can't start that without passing SAS selection), and then pass artic warfare.

SBS nolonger except SAS or Army, RM's only now as we are have had issues

I am not going to say any more on this Neio, I know you are proud to serve in the Army and I have respect for you for that. It is nothing against you personally. Plus I am not in a mood to argue with orgers today.

Originally Posted by Dangerous Dave

SAS do not do seaborne counter terrorism, boat troop is not counter terrorism and is for the use of RR's to get up river.

SBS nolonger except SAS or Army, RM's only now as we are have had issues. To join SBS you need two years service, two combat tours, pass SAS selection, pass SBS selection (you can't start that without passing SAS selection), and then pass artic warfare.


I am not going to say any more on this Neio, I know you are proud to serve in the Army and I have respect for you for that. It is nothing against you personally. Plus I am not in a mood to argue with orgers today.

I htought that was the case mate. Had heard that. I understand when going for SBS if you pass SAS selection they can stop join the SAS or decide to carry on with SBS selection?

If you dont mind me asking where do you get your Scaleys from then. I know the normal RM's have us attached after doing the course. Buti know 18SR dont support the SBS. so do you have your own ones or source them from Scaleys that are attached to RM and put them through SBS.

no need to apologise my friend i know SBS is a different kettle of fish.

SFC is my cealling i think.

[yorkie_chris]

Interesting reading cheers Dave.

[lazymanc]

Originally Posted by Dangerous Dave

Any questions?

I think you missed out the bits where someone pops out of a giant cake and a makeshift microwave bomb is constructed!

I jest, of course. Thanks for that DD, it was a far more complete explanation than I was expecting.

Do any other nations have a specific amphibious special forces unit? (assuming that's the right term to use)

Also, when you're swimming, how do you prevent your weapons from getting wet or doesn't it matter?

Originally Posted by lazymanc

Also, when you're swimming, how do you prevent your weapons from getting wet or doesn't it matter?

I'd imagine that special forces would take weapons/ammo whereby it doesn't matter if it gets wet. Either that or shove a cork in it.

Originally Posted by neio79

I htought that was the case mate. Had heard that. I understand when going for SBS if you pass SAS selection they can stop join the SAS or decide to carry on with SBS selection?

Very true, and for now it is the only option for non-RM.

Originally Posted by neio79

If you dont mind me asking where do you get your Scaleys from then. I know the normal RM's have us attached after doing the course. Buti know 18SR dont support the SBS. so do you have your own ones or source them from Scaleys that are attached to RM and put them through SBS.

After passing the artic warfare we are segregated into a 'profession', we train our own. We are becoming a self sufficient service, although it makes us out casts it does help professionalise our methods.

Originally Posted by neio79

no need to apologise my friend i know SBS is a different kettle of fish.

I’m just a bit pi**ed off at the moment, very poor intel for the past few days which could have compromised safety.

[yorkie_chris]

Doesn't matter with many weapons, just don't fire one with the barrel full of water. You can get primer sealant, but I think issue military ammo is already sealed.