During the 2000s , the size of the directorate increased substantially with the inclusion of the Special Forces Support Group , Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing and the Special Reconnaissance Regiment ( formerly 14th Intelligence Company ) . This was to meet a demand for a special reconnaissance capability identified in the '' Strategic Defence Review : A New Chapter '' published in 2002 in response to the 2001 September 11 attacks . . However there was a reduction in the scope of UK Special forces when , following a review , it was found that the SAS Reserve lacked a clearly defined role , and also stated that the reservists lacked the capability , equipment , and skills to serve alongside the regular special forces . As an outcome of this review , on 1 September 2014 , 21 and 23 SAS were removed from the UKSF order of battle and placed with the HAC under the command of 1st Intelligence , Surveillance and Reconnaissance Brigade
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Director Special Forces