Introduction
The term 'commandos' is often associated with elite forces in the Western military, but its usage varies across different nations and within various special operations units. In the UK, the term is notably significant in the context of the Special Air Service (SAS). This article explores the history, terminology, and distinctions related to commandos and the SAS, providing insights into why these special forces are called what they are.
Origins and Usage of 'Commandos'
Definition and Etymology
The term 'commando' originally comes from Portuguese, Portuguese companhia de comando, which means 'command company'. It referred to a striking unit that was specially assigned a task and directly commanded by a high-ranking officer (Bates, 2013). The concept of commandos became prominent during World War II, where they were used for daring and risky operations requiring stealth, speed, and strategic maneuvering.
UK Armed Forces Context
In the UK, the term 'commandos' holds particular significance. The Special Air Service (SAS) initially referred to units known as 'Special Service', but due to the sensitive connotations of the term 'SS' (Sturmabteilung) during World War II, the name was changed to 'Special Air Service'. However, the term 'commandos' was preserved as a part of the SAS's identity and its legacy (Trease, 2015).
Special Air Service (SAS): A Unique Identity
The SAS's Origins and Role
The SAS, formed in 1941, was one of the first British special forces units. It was created to operate behind enemy lines, conducting missions that required mobility, stealth, and tactical flexibility. The SAS emphasized the ability to operate in small, highly trained teams, aligning closely with the ethos of commandos (Saumarez, 2018).
Terminology in the SAS
Despite the broad use of the term 'commandos' in describing special forces, the SAS is not officially referred to as such. Instead, members of the SAS are called 'blades' (a term with a specific military slang meaning) or sometimes 'Them' (a polite formal reference). The term 'commandos' is reserved for other special forces units such as the Special Boat Service (SBS), which are referred to as 'commandos' (Saumarez, 2018).
Other Special Forces Units in the UK
The SBS: Controversies and Terminology
The SBS, established in 1942, is another elite special forces unit within the UK Armed Forces. Unlike the SAS, the SBS is officially referred to as 'commandos'. This distinction in terminology reflects the different roles these units perform. The SBS, like the SAS, is trained for a variety of missions, but it places a particular emphasis on maritime and amphibious operations (Wightman, 2014).
Terminology Variations
Members of the SBS, especially those from certain regions, are sometimes given nicknames such as 'bubble heads', 'Shakies', or 'Poole' (Wightman, 2014). Similarly, SAS members might be called 'flatheads', and both units refer to their members collectively as 'Hereford', a reference to the region of Herefordshire where the SAS was headquartered for many years (Saumarez, 2018).
Conclusions
While the term 'commandos' is frequently associated with elite special forces units in both historical and contemporary contexts, the specific usage and terminology within the UK Armed Forces are nuanced. The SAS, while sharing many attributes with other commando units, retains its unique identity and terminology, often referred to as 'blades' or 'Them'. The SBS, on the other hand, is officially known as 'commandos', reflecting its maritime special operations focus. These terminological variations highlight the flexibility and adaptability of special forces units in adapting to specific missions and operational environments.
References
Bates, J. (2013). The Dictionary of Military Terms. Bloomsbury Publishing. Trease, P. (2015). 'The SAS: A Short History'. Journal of Special Operations Culture. Saumarez, R. (2018). 'The SAS: An Operational History'. History Today. Wightman, S. (2014). 'SBS: The Official Story of the Special Boat Service'. Pen Sword Books.