Yes, the SAS (Special Air Service) wears a beret, famously the sand-colored beret, which signifies their qualification and heritage, though they've also worn maroon (with airborne forces) and black berets in certain situations, but the sand beret with the winged dagger badge is their iconic headwear.
Worn by the Special Air Service (SAS) of the British Army, this beige/sand Beret is made from 100% wool with a genuine leather banded trim and silk lining.
The SASR was modelled after the British SAS. The SAS had previously worn a red beret (indicating them as a Parachute Company) with the Infantry Corps Cap Badge. In 1966, the SAS was given permission to change over to the beige (sand) beret.
Upon its inception, the SAS wore white berets, these were then changed shortly after to tan, ostensibly for cleanliness reasons but rumored because they started fights.
The SAS is a secret organisation. Its members often do not tell anyone except close family that they are in it.
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.
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.
Command / HQ Element
Officially known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, Delta Force is America's most elite counter-terrorism and hostage rescue unit. Their missions are top secret—and always successful.
U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) black beret
Their black headgear symbolizes their expert abilities to control the battlefield. TACPs were authorized to wear the black beret in 1979, though their unit crest wasn't finalized and approved for wear on it until 1985.
Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), Australian special forces unit that exists within Australia's Special Operations Command. The unit was formed in July 1957 as the 1st Special Air Service Company, Royal Australian Infantry, and it was modeled on the British Special Air Service.
In the Australian Army, a signaller is often referred to as a Chook (Australian Slang for Chicken) by soldiers outside the Signal Corps, because the Morse code used by Signallers has been likened to the chirping of chickens.
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 ...
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.
The Gurkhas are a unique unit in the Army with a reputation of being amongst the finest and most feared soldiers in the world. The Royal Gurkha Rifles are Infantry are manned by Nepali soldiers and officers; and British officers, it is this blend of cultures that makes the RGR unique.
Formed at the height of the Second World War, the Special Boat Service is the Royal Navy's answer to the SAS. They are among the most elite and capable soldiers in the entire British military.
The Navy SEALs (Sea, Air, and Land Teams) are famously known for their rigorous training process, which includes a six-month long Basic Underwater Demolition/SEALs (BUD/S) training program. The dropout rate often exceeds 75% to 80%.
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.
The SASR and Australian Commandos are sometimes referred to as 'Tier 1' Special Forces (SF) units because they are the units usually tasked with direct action.
Paddy Mayne's reputation in the SAS: how his legend was born
Paddy Mayne went on to lead a series of successful desert raids in Africa, helping to build the SAS's reputation as an ever-present threat to the enemy's tail, while becoming an inspiration to the tough ex-commandos serving under him.
The Australian SAS operated closely with the New Zealand SAS and New Zealand SAS soldiers were attached to each Australian squadron. Australian military advisors had been serving in Vietnam since 1962.
An Australian SAS soldier (Special Forces Operator) earns a competitive salary, with new recruits receiving paid training and, upon completion, earning a base salary starting around $103,000+ per year, plus significant benefits like housing assistance, excellent superannuation (16.4%), and free healthcare, with earnings increasing with rank, experience, and allowances.
Applying for the SAS
Applicants must be no older than 47 years 6 months when applying to join the Army Reserve (AR). They will then be sponsored out to their recommended local AR unit to complete basic initial trade training, then gain experience before being allowed to attempt SAS Reserves Selection.