No, SAS and SBS training is not the same; they share the same gruelling UK Joint Special Forces Selection pipeline initially, but the SBS undergoes further specialized training focusing heavily on maritime, diving, and amphibious skills, while the SAS focuses more on land/air operations, though roles increasingly overlap, making them highly similar Tier 1 forces with different core specializations.
The operational capabilities of the SBS and the SAS are broadly similar. However, the SBS (being the principal Royal Navy contribution to UKSF) has the additional training and equipment required to lead in the maritime, amphibious and riverine environments.
Neither SAS nor SBS is definitively "more elite"; they are equally elite but specialized, with the SAS focusing on land/air and the SBS on maritime/amphibious roles, both part of the UK's UK Special Forces (UKSF) and sharing the same rigorous Joint Special Forces Selection process, with SBS adding extra maritime training like swimmer-canoeist skills. Think of them as the Army's and Navy's top-tier counterparts within the same elite special forces framework.
Today, SBS recruits share the same gruelling selection process as the Special Air Service (SAS) and develop similar skills. But they acquire additional specialisms in underwater reconnaissance and demolition, canoeing and diving.
What were Jason Fox's army years like? After about a decade as a Marine, Jason worked hard to meet the prerequisites of joining the UK Special Forces. He became part of the Special Boat Service (SBS), the Royal Navy's special forces unit. To call Foxy's stint in the SBS eventful would be putting it mildly.
Mark “Billy”Billingham, 60, served 27 years in the forces, starting as a cadet, then in the Parachute Regiment before joining the SAS. He served in Afghanistan, Iraq, South America and Africa, leading high-profile hostage negotiations and was the SAS Ground Commander during the 2005 London terror attacks.
He also experienced sickness on the show before making his quick exit. John has now disclosed that his illness was triggered by being obliged to consume 'vile tofu', as it was the only food available at the camp.
The SAS is a secret organisation. Its members often do not tell anyone except close family that they are in it.
The selection process for entry into the SBS, along with the SAS, is undoubtedly the toughest of any of the worldwide Special Forces. What makes it so tough is the fact that it tests both one's physical and mental stamina over a prolonged period of time.
BEAR GRYLLS OBE, has become known worldwide as one of the most recognized faces of survival and outdoor adventure. Trained from a young age in martial arts, Grylls went on to spend three years as a soldier in the British Special Forces, as part of 21 SAS Regiment.
Commando Green (Commando Forces/Royal Marines) The Commando Green Beret is famously worn by the Royal Marines and Members of the Special Boat Squadron SBS however it is also worn by attached ranks to 3 Commando Brigade, Only those attached ranks who have passed the elite All Arms Commando Course are entitled to wear ...
We enlisted 15 of the best of the best Special Forces around the world.
With the SBS (until recently) drawing its ranks from the Royal Marines, it is suggested that an SBS operator has a greater level of experience of soldiering than many of their SAS counterparts. The demands of working in the water demands a higher level of fitness and mental toughness than the SAS.
A powerful mindset to carry is the Navy SEALs 40% Rule: When your mind says you're done, you're only actuallly about 40% done. Physical injuries aside, our bodies are often far stronger than we think - the mind usually quits first, acting as a protective barrier rather than reflecting true limits.
Regulations stipulate that personnel in uniform should only salute officers if they are wearing military headdress e.g beret, ceremonial dress hat, forage caps etc. If not wearing a headdress, they should come to attention instead.
While "most respected" is subjective, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Blair "Paddy" Mayne is widely considered a legendary and highly respected figure in the SAS for his incredible bravery, four Distinguished Service Orders (DSOs), and pivotal leadership in World War II, establishing the unit's success alongside founders like David Stirling, while figures like John McAleese and Andy McNab also hold legendary status for later operations like the Iranian Embassy siege.
In 1959, at the age of eighteen, Wiseman became the youngest person ever to pass selection for the SAS, joining from the Parachute Regiment, which he had joined a year earlier. He went on to serve in the SAS for 26 years, rising to the rank of Warrant Officer.
On completion of training they are considered to be ready in most respects to deploy to any trouble spot the World over. Amphibious specialists. Extreme Cold Weather Warfare specialists. 43% of the 'badged' manpower in the UK's SF (SAS, SBS & SRR) belong to the Royal Marines.
In October 2018, recruitment policy changed to allow women to become members of the SAS for the first time. In August 2021, two women became the first to pass the pre-selection course, making them eligible for the full course.
Pay & benefits
On successful completion of Selection, the starting daily rate for an SAS Trooper is £134.89, plus all the usual Army Reserve service incentives, which includes an annual tax-free bounty, paid leave and pension.
SAS training is far harder. SEALs are absolutely some of the best Special Operations troops in the world. That said, the real comparison is SAS / SBS and Delta / DEVGRU — SEAL Team 6. SEAL enlisted and officers can go to BUDs after their initial training.
Katie Price was reportedly paid £120,000 for her appearance on the show in 2020, Matt Hancock was said to be paid £45,000 to take part in the show back in 2023 and last year, despite being in the show for less than 24 hours John Barrowman was reportedly paid £30,000.
John Barrowman says he will personally apologise to anyone who was offended by his behaviour after he was accused of flashing on the sets of Doctor Who and Torchwood.
Marnie Simpson quit Celeb SAS just 32 mins into show – saying she 'wasn't ready' MARNIE Simpson has today admitted that she “wasn't ready” to do Celeb SAS: Who Dares Wins just 10 months after giving birth. The Geordie Shore star, 32, is part of the line-up of stars taking part in the new series.