SECRECY AND PRIVACY RULES

Upon entry to the regiment, troopers have to abide by strict rules, such as not telling anyone other than close family that they are a member of the SAS. Anonymity is also provided whilst serving in the SAS. Troopers also may not give names and unesescarry information to any police authority whilst co-operating. Troopers have the right to a 24-hour break after any firefight and do not have to give evidence to the police during this period.

If a medal is given to a member of the SAS, such as the Military Cross, the soldier is listed in the media as being in their ex-regiment and not the SAS. If an SAS trooper is killed in action (KIA on casualty lists), and if it can be avoided, the information is not made public, and if it is unavoidable then the ex-regiment is again listed and not the SAS.

After leaving the SAS, ex-members may not give details of unofficial or 'black bag' operations. Ex-members of the regiment often use pseudonyms such as Andy McNab or Chris Ryan. The British Government makes no official announcements concerning the SAS and when reports are given there is no mention of the SAS. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has a standing policy of not discussing the SAS or its operations.