The SAS uses a diverse, evolving arsenal, but their primary rifle is often the C8 Carbine (L119A2), a Diemaco/Colt Canada AR-15 variant, complemented by HK MP5s for counter-terrorism, Sig Sauer P226/Glock 17 pistols, and specialized weapons like the HK417 for marksman roles and Remington 870 shotguns for breaching. They also utilize M4 variants (like the UCIW), M72 LAWs, and sniper rifles like the L96A1, adapting weapons to mission needs.
The Australian SAS (Special Air Service Regiment) uses a diverse, evolving arsenal, but key current and recent weapons include the SIG Sauer MCX Rattler (PDW), HK417 (marksman rifle), SR-25, M4/M4A1 carbines, and Browning Hi-Power (pistol, being replaced by the SIG P320/F9), alongside support weapons like Minimi/Maximi LMGs and sniper rifles like the Blaser Tactical 2 or Accuracy International AW50F. Their choices emphasize modularity, reliability, and mission-specific needs for long-range infiltration, sabotage, and direct action.
An SAS trooper will nearly always carry a handgun whilst on operations, either as a backup secondary weapon, or as primary weapon during undercover missions.
The Glock 17 and 19 models are favored for their reliability, ease of use, and concealability. It's a popular choice for both field duty and concealed carry for the SAS.
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.
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.
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.
The SAS is a secret organisation. Its members often do not tell anyone except close family that they are in it.
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.
Abstract. The standard U.S. military rifle (M-16) is substantially more destructive than its Russian counterpart (AK-47) when fired at short range into clay blocks, despite the fact that the AK-47 is of larger caliber and fires a much heavier bullet with a kinetic energy (muzzle) 25% greater when compared to the M-16.
You can become a Sniper within the SAS but it is a long process. You can't join the SAS direct, you have to serve several years within the Army to learn how to become a soldier. From there, you need to apply for SAS selection which only runs twice a year.
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.
Top 10 Most Powerful Weapons of The Australian Military
The Remington 870 pump-action shotgun is used by the SAS during counter-terrorist operations. The SAS use special Hatton rounds to shoot hinges and locks off of locked doors.
The L119A1 carbine was not only adopted by the SAS, SBS and Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR), it has become the standard rifle of the Special Forces Support Group (SFSG) as well a number of specialist Royal Marines teams, The Pathfinders, and military police close protection teams.
The Glock 19 is largely preferred and celebrated by Navy SEALs, in large measure because it performs much better in salt water. The Navy SEALs regularly operate in such environments, and a more durable sidearm greatly enhances the operational capacity and range of missions.
The MG42 was feared due to its terrifyingly high rate of fire (up to 1,500 rounds per minute), creating a distinctive ripping sound like "Hitler's Buzzsaw," which suppressed entire enemy units and inflicted devastating casualties, forcing Allied soldiers to fear the weapon's ability to pin them down and dominate the battlefield with its overwhelming firepower.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This includes providing unique capabilities to support sensitive strategic operations, special recovery operations, training assistance, special reconnaissance and precision strike and direct action. 3 How do I join the Australian SAS? ADF members may volunteer for service with SASR.