Squadron Structure A Squadron : 1 ( Boat ) Troop – 2 ( Air ) Troop – 3 ( Mobility ) Troop – 4 ( Mountain ) Troop B Squadron : 6 ( Boat ) Troop – 7 ( Air ) Troop – 8 ( Mobility ) Troop – 9 ( Mountain ) Troop D Squadron : 16 ( Air ) Troop – 17 ( Boat ) Troop – 18 ( Mobility ) Troop – 19 ( Mountain ) Troop G Squadron : 21 ( Mobility ) Troop – 22 ( Mountain ) Troop – 23 ( Boat ) Troop – 24 ( Air ) Troop The special projects team is the official name for the Special Air Service anti – hijacking counter – terrorism team . It is trained in Close Quarter Battle ( CQB ) , sniper techniques and specialises in hostage rescue in buildings or on public transport . The team was formed in the early 1970s after Prime Minister Edward Heath asked the Ministry of Defence to prepare for any possible terrorist attack similar to the massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics therefore ordering that the SAS Counter Revolutionary Warfare ( CRW ) wing be raised
massacre
Munich massacre
Special Air Service