Director Special Forces: Leading the United Kingdom's Elite Units
The Director Special Forces (DSF) is the senior British Armed Forces officer tasked with the leadership and management of the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF). Operating as a critical senior role within the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the DSF is responsible for providing specialized capabilities to the MoD and maintains operational command over discrete special forces missions.
Due to the sensitive nature of their work, the DSF is accountable only to the Defence Secretary and the Prime Minister. This high level of oversight allows UKSF to operate in strategic locations where the United Kingdom may not formally acknowledge a military presence.
Key Facts
- Role: Senior officer responsible for UK Special Forces capability and operational command.
- Reporting Line: Reports to the Chief of the Defence Staff.
- Appointment: Nominated by the Secretary of State for Defence and appointed by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- Rank: Upgraded from Brigadier to Major General in 2008.
- Typical Tenure: Usually 3 to 4 years.
Evolution of the Command
The structure of special forces leadership has evolved significantly since the mid-20th century to meet changing global security demands.
From Colonel SAS to Director SAS
The lineage began in 1964 with the creation of the post of Colonel SAS (Special Air Service). By 1969, this evolved into the role of Director SAS, who commanded the SAS corps.
The Formation of Director Special Forces
In March 1987, the role was expanded and renamed Director Special Forces. This new structure brought several elite units under a single command, including the Army's Special Air Service, the Royal Navy's Special Boat Service (SBS), and the Army's 14 Intelligence Company. At that time, the DSF held the rank of brigadier and was supported by a colonel as deputy.
Modern Expansion and Structural Shifts
During the 2000s, the directorate grew to include the Special Forces Support Group and the Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing. Following the September 11 attacks and the subsequent 2002 Strategic Defence Review, the 14 Intelligence Company was renamed the Special Reconnaissance Regiment to enhance special reconnaissance capabilities.
The role of reservists has also seen fluctuations. In September 2014, 21 and 23 SAS were removed from the UKSF order of battle and placed under the 1st Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Brigade due to gaps in capability and equipment. However, this was partially reversed in 2019, with these units returning as integrated parts of the UKSF group.
A major administrative shift occurred in 2008 when the rank of the DSF was upgraded to Major General. This transformed the directorate into an independent, operational-level component command, placing it alongside Land, Navy, and Air elements within the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) and the deployable Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ).
Administrative Overview
The appointment process for the DSF involves multiple levels of government and royal approval to ensure the highest level of strategic alignment.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nominator | Secretary of State for Defence |
| Appointer | The Monarch (via Prime Minister's advice and King-in-Council approval) |
| Reports To | Chief of the Defence Staff |
| Current Rank | Major General |
| Term Length | Typically 3–4 years (not fixed) |
Chronology of Commanders
The leadership of the UK's special forces has been held by distinguished officers across various regiments.
Colonel SAS (1964–1969)
- Colonel John Waddy (1964–1967)
- Colonel Mike Wingate Gray (1967–1969)
Director SAS (1969–1986)
- Brigadier Fergie Semple (1969–1972)
- Brigadier John Simpson (1972–1975)
- Brigadier John Watts (1975–1979)
- Brigadier Peter de la Billière (1979–1983)
- Brigadier John Foley (1983–1985)
Director Special Forces (1986–Present)
The role transitioned to Brigadier rank initially, then to Major General in 2008. Notable commanders include:
- Brigadier Michael Wilkes (1986–1988)
- Brigadier Jeremy Phipps (1989–1993)
- Brigadier Jonathan Shaw (2003–2006)
- Major General Jacko Page (2009–2012)
- Major General Mark Carleton-Smith (2012–2015)
- Major General James Chiswell (2015–2018)
- Major General Roland Walker (2018–2021)
- Major General Gwyn Jenkins (2021–2022)
- Major General Nick Perry (2022–2024)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does the Director Special Forces report to?
The DSF reports to the Chief of the Defence Staff and is held accountable by the Defence Secretary and the Prime Minister.
When did the rank of the DSF change to Major General?
The rank was upgraded from brigadier to major-general in 2008, making the directorate an independent operational-level component command.
Which units fall under the command of the DSF?
The DSF oversees the United Kingdom Special Forces, which has historically included the Special Air Service (SAS), the Special Boat Service (SBS), the Special Reconnaissance Regiment, the Special Forces Support Group, and the Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing.
How is the Director Special Forces appointed?
The Secretary of State for Defence nominates the candidate, and the Monarch makes the appointment based on the advice of the Prime Minister, subject to formal approval by the King-in-Council.
What happened to the SAS Reserve units in 2014?
On September 1, 2014, 21 and 23 SAS were removed from the UKSF order of battle and placed under the command of the 1st Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Brigade, though they returned to the UKSF group in 2019.