Josh S. Education And Training Officer

Thanks for your question. I suppose the question is whether you want to join the Regular or Reserve Special Forces.

If you want to go to the Reserves, then I would recommend messaging them directly (21 SAS email SFTC-UKSF-RESERVE-RECRUITING@mod.gov.uk & 23 SAS email SFTC-UKSF-RESERVE-RECRUITING@mod.gov.uk) as you can join directly from being a civilian. They can advise you as to the steps and preparation required to start your application.

If you want to join the Regular Special Forces then you will need some time in another role before you can apply for selection. Applicants often come from infantry backgrounds, particularly the airborne forces, so perhaps consider that if you want to go on to the SAS later in your career.

Either way, you'll need to be very fit and determined to pass the selection, but people do all the time, so it is certainly possible and the Special Forces always need good people to join so give it a go!

Good luck.

Josh

30 January, 2026 10:57