The Army Special Operations Brigade, previously called the Specialised Infantry Group, is a formation of the British Army, initially created as a result of the Army 2020 Refine reorganisation, intended to train foreign forces.[2][3] Its name and role was adapted after the Defence in a Competitive Age reforms, to a unit that not only trains partner nations, but also fights alongside them in "complex high-threat environments".[4][5]
| Army Special Operations Brigade | |
|---|---|
 Brigade flash | |
| Active | 2021 – present |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Type | Special operations-capable[1] |
| Role | Special Operations Unconventional Warfare Security Force Assistance Foreign internal defence Counterinsurgency |
| Size | Brigade |
| Part of | 6th (United Kingdom) Division |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Brigadier Rob Hedderwick |
History
Specialised Infantry Group
The group was formed to work alongside partner forces,[3] a role which has similarities to that of the US Army Security Force Assistance Brigades.[6][7] Initially formed in October 2017 with the 4th Battalion, The Rifles (4 Rifles) and Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 Scots).[8][9][10][2][3] in July 2018, the 2nd Battalion, Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment was added to the Group.[8][9][10][3] and in January 2019, a fourth battalion, the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, was added and this was followed by the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles in 2020.[9][11][10][12][3][13]
In February 2018, 4 Rifles deployed for the first time to Kuwait to work with the Kuwait Army and Kuwait National Guard.[14] R Company, It also trained the Afghan Army and forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.[15] In July 2018, C Company from the 2 PWRR was dispatched to Nigeria, where 1 Scots also trained the Nigerian Army for their fight against Boko Haram.[16]
Army Special Operations Brigade
In August 2021 the group was re-designated as the Army Special Operations Brigade,[17] with the four battalions of the newly created Ranger Regiment and two reinforcement companies of the Royal Gurkha Rifles along with 255 Signal Squadron under command,[18] and 1 Squadron Honourable Artillery Company attached to provide long-range surveillance patrols.[19][20]
The mentoring and training role that was previously undertaken by the Specialised Infantry Group, will be taken on by a new brigade, formed through the conversion of 11th Infantry Brigade, into the 11th Security Force Assistance Brigade.[4][21][22]
The inaugural Brigade Commander was Brigadier Angus Fair DSO* OBE who formerly commanded the Specialised Infantry Group.[23][24][25]
Structure
Former Structure (2021)
The structure of the Specialised Infantry Group in March 2021 was as follows:
- Group Headquarters at Saint Omer Barracks, Aldershot Garrison[26]
- Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 SCOTS), at Palace Barracks, Belfast[27]
- 2nd Battalion, Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (2 PWRR), at Keogh Barracks, Mytchett[28][29][30][31]
- 2nd Battalion, Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (2 LANCS), at Elizabeth Barracks, Pirbright Camp[32][29][30][33]
- 4th Battalion, The Rifles (4 RIFLES), at Normandy Barracks, Aldershot Garrison[29][34][35]
- 3rd Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles (3 RGR), at Aldershot Garrison[36]
Future Structure (2030)
The future structure of the brigade (by 2030) will be:[37][5][38]
- Brigade Headquarters at Saint Omer Barracks, Aldershot Garrison[4][39][3]
- 255 Signal Squadron, Royal Corps of Signals, at Swinton Barracks, Perham Down (Aldershot from 2027)[18]
- 1st Battalion, Ranger Regiment (1 RANGER), at Palace Barracks, Belfast[40]
- 2nd Battalion, Ranger Regiment (2 RANGER), at Keogh Barracks, Mytchett[41][42][30][31]
- F (Falklands) Company, The Royal Gurkha Rifles[43]
- 3rd Battalion, Ranger Regiment (3 RANGER), at Elizabeth Barracks, Pirbright Camp[32][42][30][33]
- 4th Battalion, Ranger Regiment (4 RANGER), at Normandy Barracks, Aldershot Garrison[42][44][35]
- G (Coriano) Company, The Royal Gurkha Rifles[45]
- Joint Counter Terrorist Training and Advisory Team, at Risborough Barracks, Shorncliffe Army Camp[46]
- 1 Squadron, Honourable Artillery Company will provide Special Patrols to the Brigade.[47]
See also
- United States Army Special Forces – United States Army equivalent
- 11th Security Force Assistance Brigade – British Army formation taking on the role of the former Spec Inf Gp.
- Security Force Assistance Brigade – American equivalent to 11th Security Force Assistance Brigade.