I AM THE SAS, I AM 82 YEARS OLD THIS YEAR

Bob Shepherd’s smocks, beret, belt and fighting knife.

My old Regiment 22 SAS Regiment is 82 years old later this year. However, I am only 69 years old later this year.

I served in the Regiment through the 1970s, 1980s and into the 1990s…a small part of the Regiment’s lifespan so far.

It has been disbanded once after WW2, it has been close to disbandment since, historically there has been periodic distain between the army’s senior officers and the SAS. Choppy waters along the way, and that’s without going on operations and facing the enemy.

However it’s always bounced back. And those ranks within have continued to dig out and get on, with the backing or not, with the kit, or not, with the numbers, or not.

1994 was the year that I walked out of the front gate of the old Stirling Lines (formally Bradbury Lines) and walked home with a para bag over my shoulders crying like a baby.

It was my choice to leave…I had approached my 40th birthday and done my 23 years service, and I was always keen to leave at that age and pass the baton to those younger that could take the Regiment forward. I thought that it may take a year or so to wean myself away…however, even today I still miss it like crazy!

I’ve been in positions to view the Regiment on the ground in theatres around the world as I’ve worked as a civilian after my service. I was proud to watch them, young lads doing what I did for almost 20 years.

I’ve always believed that the Trooper changes every 12-15 years…he’s a different breed, and moving forward with different kit and technology. And of course that can only be a good thing for the Regiment to continue to survive with so many seniors in the military against what they stand for.

I AM THE SAS, I AM 82 YEARS OLD THIS YEAR.

Well, here’s to another 82 years at least. No matter future tech, past and present conflicts have shown, you ALWAYS require the “Mark 1 eyeball” on the ground.