There’s growing controversy over the Ministry of Defence (MoD) revealing detailed information about the physical and mental tests required to join the UK’s elite Special Forces.
Veterans of the Special Forces are angry at the disclosure, arguing that it not only breaches tradition but could put recruits and active personnel at risk.
For decades, the Special Forces, including the renowned Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS), have operated under a veil of secrecy to ensure their effectiveness and security.
However, the MoD’s recent decision to publish the entry requirements in the British Army’s official journal, Soldier Magazine, has stirred strong reactions.
Details of the Special Forces Selection Process
In an effort to boost recruitment and encourage more personnel to apply for the Special Forces, the Soldier Magazine article listed the demanding physical tests required for candidates.
These include marching nearly eight miles with a 33lb weight, jumping from a height of nearly 10ft into water, swimming 200 meters within a time limit, and completing a series of physical and cognitive challenges.
The publication positioned these as the “first step” for anyone wishing to join the Special Forces, presenting the process as a prestigious milestone in military service.
Veterans Warn of Risks and Breach of Secrecy
Veterans, however, have strongly criticized the MoD for violating the code of silence that has protected the Special Forces for years.
One former Special Forces sergeant labeled the disclosure as a “disgraceful breach” that could provide adversaries with valuable insight into the selection process.
“If they were interrogating a captured soldier suspected of being in Special Forces, they would use these details to get inside their head,” he explained.
While the article did not disclose sensitive operational tactics or the full selection course, veterans fear it could be a step too far in eroding the secrecy that has kept the Special Forces one of the most effective military units in the world.
MoD Defends the Decision
MoD officials have responded by acknowledging the break from tradition but maintained that the article was not intended to expose operational tactics.
They insisted that the details shared are no different from what’s been available in the public domain and that no ministers were involved in the decision to publish.
The article, they claim, was simply an attempt to clarify misconceptions about the recruitment process and encourage qualified service members to apply.
Political Fallout and Public Reaction
The decision has drawn criticism, especially from figures like former Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, who expressed astonishment that ministers weren’t consulted on such a sensitive matter.
“This departure from tradition shows a worrying lack of ministerial oversight,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ongoing popularity of the BBC series SAS Rogue Heroes, which dramatizes the regiment’s exploits during World War II, has led to increased interest in joining the SAS, making the recruitment disclosure even more contentious.
Ongoing Concerns and Investigations
This controversy comes at a time when Special Forces personnel are already under intense scrutiny due to allegations raised at a public inquiry.
Some reports suggest that certain Special Forces units may have taken matters into their own hands during operations in Afghanistan, potentially committing unlawful killings.
These revelations, along with the current recruitment controversy, add to the mounting pressure on the MoD to handle Special Forces matters with increased caution and transparency.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn