The SBS was first formed during WWII as a unit under Royal Marines. Until today
has the unit been know under many different names, but it's has been know as Special Boat Squadron since 1977. SBS has never been known as "Special Boat Service", and shouldn't be confused with the amphibious troop of 22nd SAS, know as Boat Troop. The members of the SBS are recruits from the Royal Marines. The SBS soldiers were the usual Roayl Marine uniform, but where the RMs have their "LC" (landing craft) badge, have the SBS a "SC" badge for swimmer/canoeist.
The SBS's mission consist of beach reccoinnaissance, demolition and sabotage, but their skills and acitivity extend beyond that. It is commonly know that the SBS handle all operations from the high-tide mark to 12 miles inland, and SAS all others.
The Royal Marines has managed to keep SBS put of the public eye to greater extend than the army has SAS. Due to this, do the SBS' exploits tagged as SAS, when it hit the news. SBS has seen action in Borneo and Oman, and fought a long the SAS during the Falklands Conflict. During the Gulf War, staged the SBS diversionary raids along the coast of Kuwait, drawing the Iraqis away from the main land attack.
There is a rumor that the SBS is going to be disbanded soon, and merge with the SAS, as a new Boat Troop. But it's belived that the SBS will still be made up of Royal Marines. The HQ in Poole is most likely to be moved to Hereford. Still this is only a rumor!!
Stationed: HQ: Poole, England. Units deployed with RMs units throughout the world. Weapons: H&K MP-5 family, M16A2 and verious others. Picture: A SBS member wades ashore with a waterproof bag. The weapon is a M16 assualt rifle.
The Special Boat Service (SBS) is a naval special forces group. They are a branch of Great Britain's Royal Marines; and are considered one of the best naval special forces teams in the world. There is a minimum requirement of two years service in the Royal Marines before being eligable for SBS service. Like many other teams, the SBS are proficient at demolitions, diving, and parachuting; unlike other teams, much of the above is done with the two-man Klepper canoe (one of the training events is a timed five mile run with a disassembled canoe, with each operator carrying about a 60 pound load).
The SBS are organized into at least three groups; C, M, and S Squadron. C Squadron is responsible for swimmer/canoe operations. M Squadron is the antiterrorist and shipboard operations. Within M Squadron is the small Black Group--the counter-terrorist team that uses heliborne assaults. S Squadron specializes in small water borne craft and minibsub insertions and operations.
The SBS use many weapons in their daily operations; many are common in other teams. Assault rifles include the Heckler and Koch MP-5 family and the M-16A2.
