A new elite force has been established to provide back-up for the SAS and SBS, the Defence Secretary confirmed today.
The Special Forces Support Group (SFSG) will consist of highly trained troops from other regiments, John Reid said.
It will be based at St Athan military base near Cardiff, and support Special Forces operations across the world, for example by launching diversionary attacks or providing fire support.
Every soldier in the SFSG unit has been given specialist training to fit specific roles in the force, which will focus on counter-terrorist operations
All the soldiers have also passed either the Royal Marines Commando course, the Airborne Forces Selection course run by the Parachute Regiment or the RAF Pre-Parachute Selection course.
They will wear the new SFSG insignia which is a dagger, like that worn by Special Forces, run through by a lightning flash.
They will also retain the cap badges of their parent units.
In a statement to the House of Commons today Mr Reid, said: "The new Special Forces Support Group will enhance the capability of the UK Special Forces to operate around the world and will provide the UK with an additional counter-terrorist capability.
"I am pleased to be able to inform the House that the new Special Forces unit stood up, as planned, in St Athan, near Cardiff on April 3." |