After passing selection, soldiers lose any previous rank and become troopers (equivalent to private). They then have to work their way up again from the lowest rank, but revert to their original rank (with promotion for length of service) if they ever leave the SAS. Officers, who hold a minimum rank of captain, do not lose their rank but may only serve a three-year tour with the SAS. However, they are allowed to do a second three-year tour providing they can pass selection a second time.

Specialist Training

Specialist training can include:

• First Aid, to a fairly high level, with shifts in busy hospitals, including a week spent in a mortuary
• Signals
• HALO (High Altitude, Low Opening)
• HAHO (High Altitude, High Opening)
• Sniping - all SAS snipers are trained by the Royal Marines at the Sniper course at the Commando Training Centre, Royal Marines
• Languages
• Vehicle Operating Skills
• CRW Training
• Explosive Method of Entry (EMOE)

When they pass selection, they are first sent to one of four troops with different capabilities and specialities.

Mountain Troop

This group specialises in, obviously, mountain climbing. Not much is known, so there is not much to be heard.

Continue to Air Troop