Special Boat Service

Insigne_Special_Boat_Service_(SBS)

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British_Special_Forces_in_the_Aegean,_1944_E29095

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Special Boat Service
File:Special Boat Service badge.png Cap badge of the Special Boat Service
Active	1940–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Navy
Type	Special forces
Role	Special operations
Size	Classified
Part of	United Kingdom Special Forces
Garrison/HQ	Poole, Dorset, England
Nickname(s)	SBS
Motto(s)	By Strength and Guile
Engagements	World War II, Falklands War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Iraq War

The Special Boat Service (SBS) is the special forces unit of the Royal Navy. The SBS is part of the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) group, alongside the Special Air Service (SAS), the Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR), and the Special Forces Support Group (SFSG). The SBS is primarily tasked with conducting amphibious warfare, counter-terrorism, and covert reconnaissance.

History

The SBS was formed during World War II in 1940 as the Special Boat Section and was initially part of the British Army's Commandos. The unit was involved in numerous operations during the war, including Operation Frankton, which targeted German shipping in the port of Bordeaux.

After the war, the SBS was integrated into the Royal Marines and continued to develop its expertise in maritime special operations. The unit saw action in various conflicts, including the Falklands War, where it played a crucial role in reconnaissance and direct action missions.

Roles and Responsibilities

The primary roles of the SBS include:

• Amphibious warfare: Conducting operations from the sea, including beach reconnaissance and raids.
• Counter-terrorism: Responding to terrorist threats, particularly those involving maritime environments.
• Covert reconnaissance: Gathering intelligence in hostile or denied areas.
• Direct action: Conducting offensive operations against high-value targets.

Selection and Training

Selection for the SBS is known to be extremely rigorous and is open to members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. The selection process includes physical endurance tests, navigation exercises, and survival skills. Successful candidates undergo further specialized training in diving, parachuting, and small boat handling.

Equipment

The SBS uses a variety of specialized equipment tailored to its maritime role. This includes:

• Diving equipment: For underwater operations.
• Inflatable boats: For rapid insertion and extraction.
• Specialized weapons: Including suppressed firearms and sniper rifles.

Notable Operations

The SBS has been involved in several high-profile operations, including:

• Operation Barras: The rescue of hostages in Sierra Leone in 2000.
• Operation Marlborough: Counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan.
• Operation Telic: The British military operation in Iraq.

See Also

• Special Air Service
• Royal Marines
• United Kingdom Special Forces
• Amphibious warfare
• Counter-terrorism
• Covert reconnaissance

External links

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