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UKSF 18 Signal Regiment

The Interception of Enemy Communications Networks

18 (UKSF) Signal Regiment (18 (UKSF) SIG REGT)

Formed around existing Special Forces Signal Squadrons and Troops, including Royal Marine signallers in support of SBS, 18 (UKSF) Signal Regiment was formed in 2005 in order that high quality communications expertise could be made available to all units within the United Kingdom Special Forces ORBAT.

18 (UKSF) Signal Regiment consists of the following units:

• 264 (SAS) Signal Squadron

264 Signal Squadron is dedicated to 22 Special Air Service Regiment

• 267 (SRR) Signal Squadron

267 (SRR) Signal Squadron is dedicated to The Special Reconnaissance Regiment

• 268 (SFSG) Signal Squadron

268 (SFSG) Signal Squadron is dedicated to The Special Forces Support Group

• SBS Signal Squadron

The SBS Signal Squadron is staffed by The Royal Marines and is dedicated to The Special Boat Service

• 63 (SAS) Signal Squadron (V)

63 (SAS) Signal Squadron (V) are a Royal Signals Territorial Army unit dedicated to both SAS Reserve Regiments, 21 and 23 Special Air Service Regiments. Squadron personnel are also used to augment the other Squadrons within 18 (UKSF) Signal Regiment.

18 (UKSF) Signal Regiment is responsible for providing the following support to UKSF units:

• Secure communications for all UKSF operations on a worldwide basis.
• Signals Intelligence (SIGINT): The interception and monitoring of enemy communications networks – including Mobile phone and radio transmissions.
• Computer Information Technology (IT) support.
• Electronic Intelligence (ELINT): Analysis and location tracking of enemy communications.

Members of the Royal Signals who volunteer to serve with 18 (UKSF) Signal Regiment attend a five day induction course in order to be made fully aware of what is expected of them, especially that they may be expected to accompany UKSF Units on operations. Those who wish to continue with the Selection process must then attend the Special Forces Communicators (SFC) Course. It goes without saying that candidates wishing to serve with 18 Sigs must be highly motivated both as a tradesman and soldier, self disciplined, and capable of attaining a high standard of fitness. Candidates must be trade proficient to Class 2 standard, have served at least a full year in a ‘working’ unit and have at least three years left to serve in the Regular Army.

The following are taught as part of the Special Forces Communicator (SFC) Course:

• Technical Trade Assessment: 1 Week.
• General Support Communications: 6 Weeks.
• Close Support Communications: 5 Weeks.
• Physical Aptitude: 5 Weeks.
• Military Training: 3 Weeks.
• Conduct After Capture/E&E: 2 Weeks.
• All Arms Basic Parachute Course: 3 Weeks.

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The following units come under the control of UKSF. See the following sections for more details on each unit and what they specialise in:

The Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment

The Special Boat Service (SBS)

The Special Reconnaissance Regiment

The Special Forces Support Group

18 (UKSF) Signal Regiment (18 (UKSF) SIG REGT)

United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) Aviation