SAS - Reserve

To pass the mandatory Briefing Course as part of the UKSF(R) selection:

• 12.8km Assurance March

• UKSF Swim Test

• 2km Aerobic Activity

• Strength and Conditioning Assessment

Standard Reserve Fitness requirements:

• Mid Thigh Pull: 50kg

• Medicine Ball Throw: 2.7 m

• MSFT (beep test): Level 5.8

More information about the fitness test

No formal qualifications needed

• Deploy around the world

• Train on a variety of weapons systems

• Fight as a close-knit section and make friends for life

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.

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

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.

There are SAS reserve units in the following areas

21 SAS

• London & South East

• Wales

• M3/M4 Corridor

• East Anglia

• South West

23 SAS

• Midlands

• Scotland

• North East and North West of England

Email SFTC-UKSF-RESERVE-RECRUITING@MOD.GOV.UK if you're interested in joining.

21 & 23 SAS processes applications from male and female applicants, with no previous military service.

Applicants must be no older than 47 years 6 months for those with no previous military experience when applying to join the Army Reserves (AR).

Applicants will then be sponsored out to their recommended local AR unit to complete basic training and gain experience before being allowed to attempt SAS Reserves Selection.

Ex Regular and Army Reserve applicants must be no older than 48 years 364 days on commencement of the Aptitude phase of UKSF(R) selection.

Email SFTC-UKSF-RESERVE-RECRUITING@MOD.GOV.UK if you're interested in joining.