British Special Forces are undertaking an active online recruitment campaign for the first time in a bid to combat falling numbers.
The SAS has posted an advert on a password-protected military job site, which can only be accessed by serving military personnel as they are the only ones eligible to apply.
Colonel Clive Fairweather, who was second-in-command of the SAS during the Iranian Embassy siege in 1980, said the move was a major but necessary shift in the service’s approach to recruitment.
“The problem is they are just not getting enough recruits. In years gone by, a lot of guys would try to get into the SAS to get more action,” he explained. “Now, with the campaign in Afghanistan, most people are getting more than enough action anyway. It is harder for them to come back from a tour and say to the wife that they are off to join the SAS.”
After having filled in the online application form and been accepted, the next step for potential recruits is to go through a month’s physical training in the Welsh mountains, several weeks more in a jungle environment and training in escape, evasion and ‘resistance to interrogation’ activities.
