Quote Originally Posted by Red Rat View Post
We see the same sort of process happening in some respects. However, as in N Ireland, I suspect that what we will see as Afghanistan enters drawdown is that many of the missions currently undertaken by regular soldiers will be once more undertaken by Special Forces. This is simply because that as 2015 approaches political appetite for risk will sharply decrease.
Simply the problem in using the rotated line regiments for such work is that they are not there long enough to get fed into the type of operations carefully and then to allow them to grow and flourish. Its the 'C' word again (continuity) and it is that which will keep the SAS busy doing basic infantry work or force the Brits to suck in another Para Bn into the 'Black Army'.

Properly trained troops can take on that task, but the added value is in the backroom functions and processes that the SF have. if we resourced and trained everyone to the same level as the SF then we might not need the SF so much, but part of the reason they are so effective is because they are so well resourced and certainly the UK cannot afford to resource everyone the same.
Ah the backroom boys... I have heard a cynic refer to them (not me this time) as being like a baby... self focussed, demands attention, eats a lot, makes a lot of noise, grows fast... and produces piles of shyte in return.

I think you want to research special forces training a little. I would suggest that training on specialist equipment and special drills is first class. I would look into how much standard infantry tactical training a person who joined as a corporal (for example) and who is now a sergeant has had since joining. Do they send people to the Infantry Battle School in Brecon for example?

Maybe its time to be more specific on what their tasks are to be. Strategic stuff at short notice (like targeting in Libya) rather than a standard infantry tasks such as an airborne raid (day or night). Once the relevant tasks have been defined then you force them to share the kit. Might have to fire a few officers to force sanity onto the current situation.

If any of this work is too much for any of the existing regiments I guess it makes the decision on which to disband a lot easier.

As for night ops it - there are advantages and disadvantages to operating at night.
Appreciated, but many of the disadvantages are as a result of legacy issues caused by bad decision making back then.