SAS rushed in to guard our streets as Al Qaeda warns 'you're next'

If all you lot who are upset at the SAS helping out the cops knew they regularly worked the wards in various hospitals I wonder if that would upset you too? They do it to get their medic skills up.

You're talking about really fit, highly skilled men here, not Hollywood action heroes. You'd probably stand less chance of one of these guys shooting you than an armed response cop purely because of their training.

To me, they're just my old school friend's dad's. Normal blokes who join in footy in the park, burn chicken legs on the bbq and put their kecks on one leg at a time.

Bit of perspective here, eh?

a reply to: TDawgRex

NONE TAKEN at ALL.
Discriminative conflict is a surgical art. I only know how to destroy and kill as tools for combat,even if accurate.
To train elite troops is EXPENSIVE and requires indiviuals who are olympic capable athletes as well as have the UTMOST discipline. Less that 1% of all armed forces on earth can do it. SAS was before us and as such has superiority based on pror existance...and always will.
AND ah SAS are AIRFORCE aren't they?

a reply to: cavtrooper7
Army mate.

a reply to: OtherSideOfTheCoin

From what I understand of the situation at the moment, the SAS would be the best lot to send in to deal with any potential threat. If there is any advanced warning or intel which comes through, which might lead the security services to a certain address or location BEFORE an incident occurs, then having the most efficient triggermen on the face of the planet on hand to deal with it would be the best way to make use of that intel.

Also, the SAS have a pretty sterling record all things considered, when dealing with circumstances such as those which prevailed in France over the last week. The police in this country do not have the sole jurisdiction over preventing and combating terrorism. That is, in fact, the job of MI5. MI5 can, and have called upon a whole plethora of resources, military and logistical in order to achieve their goal, which is to secure the nation against threats to its national security and its citizenry.

If they think calling in the Hereford boys to get them embedded pre-emptively will shave even a second off the amount of time it takes to resolve a serious situation, or add even a single percentage point to the possibility of a reduction in fatalities as a result of impending terrorist assault, then they HAVE to do it. If they do not, it would be a matter of less than an hour before someone shouted out "where the bloody hell are the SAS when you need them", by which point, God alone knows how many could have perished.

While I share your concerns about the SAS being placed in amongst the police, and the military presence on our streets, no matter how covert, my attitude to this, is that given the prevailing circumstances, I am not at all surprised by this, nor outraged. I am apprehensive, but I can summon little by way of anything else emotionally about the topic. Having SAS on the ground early need not infringe the rights of citizens, after all. They will be unwilling to involve themselves in regular policing affairs in any case, since their focus will be on the pure counter terror aspects of securing the nation.

I do not like it, but I would agree that to do otherwise would be lax on the part of the government, and the intelligence and security services.

a reply to: TrueBrit

It CERTAINLY indicates they are serious about the mission if they announce it openly like that.
To commit Tier 1 operators means the gloves are off.
As far as running AWAY from such expert protection as some have said ,I find that very funny.
WE of course have SWAT teams and US gun owners standing by...MOST of which are superior to terrorist personel.

originally posted by: caladonea
a reply to: OtherSideOfTheCoin

Here is some info about terror alerts world wide...www.steningsimpson.com.au...

I strongly feel that we all need to stock up on extra supplies (enough for at least 2 weeks)...watch our backs at all times...look out for our neighbors...and pray.

What you should do is be prepared. Be ready to leave at a moments notice. Have somewhere ready to go to where you'll be safe for an extended period. Have several exit routes planned and memorized. One isn't enough, you need more then one just in case the others are blocked or impassable for whatever reason. You need a way to protect your self and your family and friends(or whoever you are with). Guns, machetes, knives, etc.

You know how some people wait till their car is almost out of fuel and the warning light comes on before they go and fill up? I always keep my cars fuel no less then half. Partly because of my job, but partly because I think if I need to get out quickly, the last thing I want to do is line up a service station, and partly because I don't want to run out of fuel any day of the week and be stuck on the side of the road waiting.

But having said all that, while you should always be prepared and have plans in place, you should also not let it consume your life. You should go about your life like you would if peace stability and life was guaranteed for you.
Enjoy your life and make the most of it.

You know the SAS went to the WACO siege, not as an operational team, as observers, to keep current on threats and tactics and provide valuable opinion, even in the Ianian Embassy the police were in control and SAS provided the police with a tool.

I think that CT teams will operate alongside police, if the teams are needed in action then they will have the latest 1st hand information on the situation from one of their own.

It doesn't bother me in the slightest they wear a police uniform to remain inconspicuous, special forces, especially SAS in UK are a big terrorist target and victory.

Having seen the slightly botched French police raid on the Supermarket and the Australian Lindt siege killing a hostage with indirect fire, the SAS would have probably been a much more effective tip of the Speer.

Our military is not like others, they have cut their teeth operating in Northern Island have the history and Operating Procedures to be a very effective tool for the Police whom they mainly were supporting the RUC police a terrorist insurgency, which they did very very well.

I welcome it although as previous posters point out, I doubt it is anything new, probable standard operating procedure since the troubles, further honed during the Olympics, royal wedding, jubilee etc.

And people complain the Americans are arrogant and up them selves. Wow.

originally posted by: Forensick
Having seen the slightly botched French police raid on the Supermarket and the Australian Lindt siege killing a hostage with indirect fire, the SAS would have probably been a much more effective tip of the Speer.

So you're suggesting that the British SAS should have been called to deploy to the otherside of the world, Australia, to deal with the Martin Place siege in Sydney?
And what makes you think Australia's military counter terror units weren't activated during the siege? One such unit is actually based in Sydney.
Each state and territories police counter terrorist and specialist units are highly trained, and quite a few members from across the country have seen action in Iraq and Afghanistan..connect the dots, it's not hard. Even officers who aren't part of these police tactical groups were over in Iraq and Afghanistan attached to special ops teams and units.

And a major FYI for you, the special units of each Australian state and territory's police forces receive training from the Australian SAS.

The British SAS were involved in attempts to capture Bin Laden in Afghanistan. Failed attempts might I add. So spare us the bulldust about how great and perfect the SAS is, because all special forces and counter terror units have had successes and failures. The British SAS is no different.

Our military is not like others, they have cut their teeth operating in Northern Island have the history and Operating Procedures to be a very effective tool for the Police whom they mainly were supporting the RUC police a terrorist insurgency, which they did very very well.

I think you mean Northern Ireland. Which ended when exactly?
There's more recent examples you can use. Iraq, Afghanistan, the Syrian conflict...to name a few.
But oh wait, the Americans and Australians also had special forces in combat roles in those theaters.

I welcome it although as previous posters point out, I doubt it is anything new, probable standard operating procedure since the troubles, further honed during the Olympics, royal wedding, jubilee etc.

Because no other country in the world has held a major event since the war on terror began.

a reply to: mortex
The thing is, lots of folks expect any hostage rescue situation to be like Princes Gate, from my point of view, the Aussies and French did alright. I doubt there'd have been massive differences between hrt ops from any one of half a dozen nations.

Some folks expect perfection :-) Don't take it to heart.

a reply to: angelchemuel

And this is where I step in and give my thoughts.

I am in full agreement with your sentiment throughout this thread, and clearly you understand WHY they are being put in police uniforms. You stated the first reason, which is that psychologically the populace will be less worried if they don't see the SAS in army fatigues on street corners; secondly, the jihadi scumbags might think twice if they become aware that the bobby on the beat might be carrying a concealed weapon, and not only that, but is permitted to shoot to kill without seeking overwatch if there's an emergency situation involving threat to civilian life.

As a few people have said, it's not like we're becoming a police state - it's just enhanced capability. Besides which, we all need to take a chill pill and realise there's not a demon behind every tree. These fanatics thrive on fear - so we don't buckle.

And regardless of the shenanigans which led to their ascendance (yes, something seems awry) - I hold out hope that there remains a threshold beyond which those in charge will not allow these animals to pass.

a reply to: SprocketUK

Do you recall the footage of the Australian siege? They kept replaying a snippet a few seconds long in which the gunman sidles past a window, then like a crab scuttles back in the same way. Slowly.

I was screaming at the TV, where's the f@£$*Ing sniper?

If that opportunity was presented, that far into the siege, on UK soil, they wouldn't have been showing the footage - it would just be a scene of relief as the team moved in to bring out his cold, dead body. The SAS don't mess around.

I also believe they would have handled the French situation better too, but perhaps that's personal bias. Perhaps not.

a reply to: FlyInTheOintment
Doesn't matter if you're sas or any other regiment. You aren't pulling any trigger unless you have a go order and while the camera picked up the guy, that's not to say that a marksman could have had a clear shot.
Only so many places are suitable for a sniper and his mate to set up.

originally posted by: FlyInTheOintment
a reply to: SprocketUK

Do you recall the footage of the Australian siege? They kept replaying a snippet a few seconds long in which the gunman sidles past a window, then like a crab scuttles back in the same way. Slowly.

I was screaming at the TV, where's the f@£$*Ing sniper?

If that opportunity was presented, that far into the siege, on UK soil, they wouldn't have been showing the footage - it would just be a scene of relief as the team moved in to bring out his cold, dead body. The SAS don't mess around.

I also believe they would have handled the French situation better too, but perhaps that's personal bias. Perhaps not.

This is ignorance beyond belief. Commenting on something you obviously don't have all the facts on.

There was a sniper positioned right across from the cafe.
The reason they did not take him out with a sniper is because they were worried about explosives.
I'm not going to pretend to know what was going on and all that, because I wasn't there, I'm not one of those people involved in those situations, and neither are you.

But what we do know, is what has been stated. And one of those things stated is that they were concerned there may be explosives involved.

Secondly, it's a moving target, with hostages involved. Possible explosives.

Use some god damn common sense.
The real world is not a god damn hollywood movie. You obviously don't have a grasp of reality and fiction hence why you were screaming at your television.

originally posted by: mortex
And people complain the Americans are arrogant and up them selves. Wow.

originally posted by: Forensick

Having seen the slightly botched French police raid on the Supermarket and the Australian Lindt siege killing a hostage with indirect fire, the SAS would have probably been a much more effective tip of the Speer.

So you're suggesting that the British SAS should have been called to deploy to the otherside of the world, Australia, to deal with the Martin Place siege in Sydney?

And what makes you think Australia's military counter terror units weren't activated during the siege? One such unit is actually based in Sydney.

Each state and territories police counter terrorist and specialist units are highly trained, and quite a few members from across the country have seen action in Iraq and Afghanistan..connect the dots, it's not hard. Even officers who aren't part of these police tactical groups were over in Iraq and Afghanistan attached to special ops teams and units.



And a major FYI for you, the special units of each Australian state and territory's police forces receive training from the Australian SAS.



The British SAS were involved in attempts to capture Bin Laden in Afghanistan. Failed attempts might I add. So spare us the bulldust about how great and perfect the SAS is, because all special forces and counter terror units have had successes and failures. The British SAS is no different.

Our military is not like others, they have cut their teeth operating in Northern Island have the history and Operating Procedures to be a very effective tool for the Police whom they mainly were supporting the RUC police a terrorist insurgency, which they did very very well.

I think you mean Northern Ireland. Which ended when exactly?

There's more recent examples you can use. Iraq, Afghanistan, the Syrian conflict...to name a few.

But oh wait, the Americans and Australians also had special forces in combat roles in those theaters.

I welcome it although as previous posters point out, I doubt it is anything new, probable standard operating procedure since the troubles, further honed during the Olympics, royal wedding, jubilee etc.

Because no other country in the world has held a major event since the war on terror began.

Sorry, I didnt mean the SAS should deploy to France or Australia, absolutely not, I re-read it and it did come across like that but no, I honestly dont and I dont think they are better than the Australian SAS, or Delta or any other number of highly skilled Armed Forces of other countries.

I meant that in the UK, it would not bother me if the Police used very well trained Special Forces to be the lead team in a situation like in Sydney and France but in the UK.

As far as the rest of you drivel, wind your neck in pal - I never once sold them as the best in the world, or that any other country doesnt have effective teams, this thread is about the SAS working with the Police in the UK, comparisons were made from American subscribers who were terrified of their soldiers being on the streets, I pointed out that our Forces, all of our forces worked for the PSNI during the troubles.

As far as WACO i never mentioned that other special forces werent there, because I was commenting on the thread, the SAS.

So whilst you want to beleive that I am sat here bigging up the SAS - you have taken some massive assumptions with my intent and calling me Arrogant and Up myself - get a grip you angry little man.

originally posted by: mortex

originally posted by: FlyInTheOintment

a reply to: SprocketUK



Do you recall the footage of the Australian siege? They kept replaying a snippet a few seconds long in which the gunman sidles past a window, then like a crab scuttles back in the same way. Slowly.



I was screaming at the TV, where's the f@£$*Ing sniper?



If that opportunity was presented, that far into the siege, on UK soil, they wouldn't have been showing the footage - it would just be a scene of relief as the team moved in to bring out his cold, dead body. The SAS don't mess around.



I also believe they would have handled the French situation better too, but perhaps that's personal bias. Perhaps not.

This is ignorance beyond belief. Commenting on something you obviously don't have all the facts on.



There was a sniper positioned right across from the cafe.

The reason they did not take him out with a sniper is because they were worried about explosives.

I'm not going to pretend to know what was going on and all that, because I wasn't there, I'm not one of those people involved in those situations, and neither are you.



But what we do know, is what has been stated. And one of those things stated is that they were concerned there may be explosives involved.



Secondly, it's a moving target, with hostages involved. Possible explosives.



Use some god damn common sense.

The real world is not a god damn hollywood movie. You obviously don't have a grasp of reality and fiction hence why you were screaming at your television.

You seem to like calling people arrogant and your ignorance is beyond beleive dont you Angry Little Man.

And yet you come across as very arrogant and rude and very angry which I usually relate to size deficiencies hence from now forth you are ALM.

Lets face it, on the face of the Lindt seige, the police were sat on their ass, the gunman had fallen asleep, he was rushed by a brave hostage who was killed before the police got in who then inadvertantly shot another hostage. A failed operation in my opinion and yes I would hope the Britain would do better.

The French on I think is also a fail,they are stood their waiting for the roller door to open like they are waiting for the bloody Boxing Day sales to start, Im not military strategist but I thought it might be a good idea to have a sniper or two looking as the door opened so the rufhing terrorist who may have had explosives could get in amongst the group of police.

As this is a thread about the British SAS and it really seems to rile you ALM, I think they would have done better in both situations.