Following the events at
the 1972 at the Munich Olympic Games, where eleven Israeli
athletes were murdered by Palestinian terrorists,
governments from around the world became determined to
combat this new breed of terrorism. The following year, the
heads of state at the G7 talks, agreed to establish forces
capable of dealing with any terrorist situation. In Britain,
the SAS were tasked with with training and equipping for
their new role. This became known as a variety of terms
including the anti-terrorist team, SP Team (Special Patrol)
and the Pagoda Team.
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SAS, making entry
with a 'Hooligan Bar'. |
Today the SAS
anti-terrorist team is housed in a purpose-built building
which is manned by two teams, Red and Blue 24 hours a day.
Each member is issued with an alert device and his movements
are restricted to allow for a quick response. On call out,
the vehicles are loaded with a vast array of weapons and
equipment. The team will only move into positions when
requested to do so by the Home Office. The Red and Blue
teams can operate independantly or together, depending on
the situation. The Regiment's counter-terrorist team is
regarded as the best in the world by its peers.
Assault Teams focus
mainly on assault entry, concentrating on methods of
entering planes, busses, trains and buildings, and dealing
with the enemy. They work in pairs, so if one is shot, the
other will immediately replace him. All members of the SAS
spend hours in the 'Killing House' where drills and
shooting techniques a practiced to perfection.
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Specially adapted
Range Rover. |
As well as the assault
element, the SP teams have twp sniper
All assault team members
wear a black, one-piece fire-retardant suit, on top of which
they carry body armour and weapons. This is usually the
H&K MP5 sub-machine gun, which is harnessed across the
chest. Also, team members carry a pistol, which used to be
the Browning Hi-Power 9mm, and mags however,
presently it is more likely to be a Sig Sauer P226 or
the more compact P228. The Respirator can be carried
in a case attached to the trooper's back, but would more
likely be attached to the arm for immediate use.
teams which can work
jointly or independently. They work in pairs, and are the
first to be deployed to a situation, usually relaying
intelligence and suspect movements to the command centre.
Snipers dress is a suit
known as the Gillie Suit. which provides foliage type
camouflage, but they frequently dress in the same black
overalls as the assault team. Snipers also undergo training
as assaulters.
Each sniper will have two
rifles, one for use in the daytime, and one for use at night
with a night site attached. The main weapon used for long
range work is the Accuracy International PM, and the H&K
G3 series of high-precision rifles.