Soldiers of Boat Troop are tasked with the job of waterborne insertion techniques. Boat Troop's main role is insertion. The soldiers first have to master diving. Diving is taught with open and closed (bubbles) circuit breathing devices. The men learn how to approach a ship that is underway, and attach limpet mines. The new troop members will spend a great deal of time sitting at the bottom of Poole Harbor with some member's of the Troop's "Sister" unit the Special Boat Squadron (SBS).
Once proficient with those skills, the new trooper will learn methods of infiltration. One of the main forms of transportation is the Klepper folding kayak. The Klepper was deisgned during WWII for used by the SAS and the Royal Marine Commandos. It has been in service ever since, and will probably remain that way for a long time. They will also learn how to handle numerous types of other craft. Fast patrol boats have a fibreglass hull with an inflatable lip over the top to increase it's buotancy and allow for better maneuverability. "Rigid Raider" boats have also been around for a long time. These are large boats often used to help carry larger amounts of people or cargo to the shore. Also in use if the Gemini inflatable boat. It is used primarili for getting small amounts of troops ashore undetected.
Locking out of submarines is also taught. This is avery dangerous task, as at certain depths, the pressure, lack of oxygen, and the dark can kill a man. While the SAS would probably never be called upon to assault an oil rig, or take down a ship, these tasks are still practiced. When performing these exercises, the men usually wear drysuits so that they do not come down with hypothermia. The point man in the group will normally carry an MP5 SD to take out any sentries that may be standing guard. Long, rope type ladders (commonly referred to as "Jacob's Ladders"), are attached to a ship or oil rig using a telescopic pole. The assault team will then use the ladders to gain entry. Snipers are usually put on smaller boats near the target (usually smaller ships to hide among regular sea traffic), or they may be left in the boats to provide security. Assaults like these are normally carried out by the SBS.
Demolitons is also a big part of diving. The soldiers must be able to stop a ship, or blow up a bridge. Navigations underwater is also taught. All navigation is done using a compass. Being lost underwater, in hostile territory is not a good day. The men also practice heliborne entry into the water. A helicopter, some 50 feet above the water will go into the hover, and the men will simply jump out. Parachute drops into the wayer are also very common. The soldiers have to seal their weapons to avoid them getting jammed with water. Thiis is normally done with either a "dry bag" or using a condom to roll down over the barrel. This has proven to be an effective way of stopping the weapon from jamming. |
