OVERVIEW: The SBS Commando is a maritime special operations force specializing in reconnaissance, sabotage, counter-terrorism, and amphibious warfare. It is a classified, multi-role unit under United Kingdom Special Forces, primarily operating in sea, air, and land environments with covert insertion capability.

DETAILS: The name SBS stands for Special Boat Service. It originated in 1940 as the Special Boat Section, focused on raiding Axis coastal positions using folding boats. It was restructured several times, eventually becoming the Special Boat Service in 1987 under the UKSF command structure. Its main roles include maritime counter-terrorism, beach reconnaissance, direct action, and strategic sabotage behind enemy lines. It recruits mainly from the Royal Marines, with all candidates required to pass UKSF selection and undergo specialist maritime warfare training.

FUNCTION: The SBS conducts operations via sea, air, or sub-surface insertion using swimmer delivery vehicles, submarines, fast boats, or HALO parachuting. It is designed for stealthy penetration of hostile or denied areas, including ship interdictions, oil platform seizures, amphibious raids, and special reconnaissance.

NOTE:
IOC: 1940 (Special Boat Section), 1987 (Special Boat Service, modern formation)
Operators: United Kingdom
Structure: Four Sabre Squadrons (C, X, M, Z); UKSF Task Groups; maritime counter-terrorism troop; HQ and support elements
Conflict used in: Falklands War (1982), Kosovo (1999), Afghanistan (2001–2021), Iraq (2003–2009), Libya (2011), Syria (2015–), Yemen (2021–), classified global operations

SOURCE:
UK Ministry of Defence: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence ; Royal Navy Official Site: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk ; House of Commons Defence Committee Reports ; National Archives (UK): https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk ; Jane’s Special Forces Recognition Guide ; GlobalSecurity.org: https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/royal-marines-sbs.htm