Special Reconnaissance Regiment
Sky:
A new Special Forces regiment will be created with specific responsibility to fight terrorism. The Special Reconnaissance Regiment will provide support for overseas operations - particularly operations to counter international terrorism, said Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon. He said: "The creation of the Special Reconnaissance Regiment demonstrates our commitment to shaping our Armed Forces to meet the ongoing challenge of tackling international terrorism. The new regiment will help to meet the growing need for special reconnaissance capability."
It has drawn its recruits from all three services, with some posts open to women. The SRR will be deployed in a variety of military operations, supporting both existing Special Forces units and conventional forces. It is distinct from the tri-service "ranger" unit, which is to be formed from the 1st Battalion The Parachute Regiment to support Special Forces operations.
The need for a special reconnaissance capability was first identified in the Strategic Defence Review "new chapter" in July 2002. The Ministry of Defence said "special reconnaissance" covered "a wide range of specialist skills and activities related to covert surveillance".
It will come under the command of Director Special Forces and be a part of the UK Special Forces group based at Hereford.