What do the SAS reserves actually do?
By Deepak Shukla · Historical account and source-led commentary · Updated
The British Army describes 21 SAS and 23 SAS as Special Forces Reserve units. Their members combine demanding military training and potential operational service with civilian careers. I was an applicant, rather than a serving SAS reservist, but even the early preparation showed me how much more was involved than an occasional fitness session.
Service around a job
The Army describes a role requiring continuing military training alongside civilian work, with the possibility of deployment. Even in my early application period, arranging preparation evenings and weekends around work made the point vividly: the commitment doesn't disappear when you leave a training session. The practical strain is part of the question people should ask before applying.
Do the reserves deploy?
Reserve special forces personnel have deployed on operations, but what any individual does, where and when is not something the Army publishes and not something I have first-hand knowledge of. Anyone claiming to give you specifics online should be treated with suspicion. Ask the unit.
Are the reserves respected?
People sometimes ask this as if Reserve service were a lesser version of a difficult job. The Army's published role description tells a different story: demanding training, operational responsibilities and a serious commitment alongside civilian life. I only saw the applicant side of that, so I won't pretend to speak for those who completed the course and served.
Are SAS Reserves respected or less real than regular service?
The relevant distinction is a reserve versus full-time service commitment, not whether someone can call an applicant an operator. The British Army describes 21 and 23 SAS as serving operational requirements alongside civilian careers. I can speak to my own early preparation only; I was never qualified to describe deployment from the inside. For roles and requirements use the Army's published material.
A note on accuracy
Entry criteria, standards and selection dates are set by the Army and change over time. Take anything current from the Army's own UK Special Forces Reserve pages; take everything below as one applicant's experience.
Sources and current requirements
My experience dates from 2014–2016. Eligibility, fitness standards and the selection process change, so for anything current use the Army's own pages:
- British Army Jobs — SAS Reserve role, entry requirements, selection and locations
- British Army — UK Special Forces Reserve overview and recruiting contact
- British Army — 21 and 23 Special Air Service Reserve
- Soldier magazine (October 2025) — SAS Reserve recruiting feature
Rechecked 7 November 2026. The Army Jobs listing and the October 2025 Soldier article use different age wording — ask the recruiting unit rather than picking the convenient figure.
Get my 21 SAS application and preparation guide
What I actually did during Army preparation, what I learned, and a general twelve-week fitness framework informed by endurance sport. It is not a military selection programme; current standards come from the Army.