SAS - Reserve

Before you attempt the selection course you must first complete the Basic Military Training and Initial Trade Training courses, as well as gain experience before being allowed to attempt selection.

There are five steps in the SAS Reserve selection process:

Step 1 - Briefing Course
This is an arduous six-day assessment that briefs on the qualities and standards required for service within UKSF and conducts an initial assessment of the candidate’s suitability for continued progression onto one of the selection pathways. If successful, the candidate can choose which pathway they want to attempt, regular or reserve.

Step 2 - Aptitude Phase
This is conducted over a three-week continuous period. This assessment consists of a series of progressive marches against the clock, culminating with a testing endurance march over arduous terrain. Its purpose is twofold: it allows a candidate to demonstrate their physical and mental resilience under challenging conditions, while providing the Directing Staff (DS) an insight into the applicant’s motivation for wanting to serve in UK Special Forces Reserve.

Step 3 - Standard Operating Procedures and Tactics Course
On passing the Aptitude Phase, applicants will undertake a further period of consolidated training on the Standard Operating Procedures and Tactics Course. This is an intensive period of instruction and assessment on Special Forces tactics, techniques and procedures; military skills form a major part of the programme. This is a demanding phase of an SAS Reservist's training, with the emphasis on individuals quickly learning new skills while under physical and mental pressure. Only on successful completion of this stage will candidates go on to the next phase of training.

Step 4 - Surveillance Reconnaissance & SERE
The next phase is a 5-week touch point for all UKSF selection pathways and includes Surveillance Reconnaissance, Signals and SERE (Survive, Evade, Resist, Extract) training.

Step 5 - Continuation Training
The final phase of selection is Continuation Training which equips the SAS Reserve soldier with all the core skills required to be considered fully deployable.

When you join your Squadron you will learn new skills and knowledge that will reinforce your earlier military training. You will also develop an in-depth knowledge of Special Forces operational procedures and skills.

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.

More about Reserve benefits