Battleground 362. Introducing - Battleground: Special Forces
Jan 14, 2026
Patrick Bishop and Saul David delve into the captivating realm of Special Forces, exploring what makes these elite warriors so intriguing. They dissect the defining qualities of units like the SAS and Delta Force, including their extraordinary training and mental resilience. The discussion touches on iconic operations, such as the daring Entebbe rescue and the infamous Eagle Claw failure. With hints at future tales, the hosts question our societal obsession with these 'supermen' and the myths that surround them.
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Defining Special Forces Type
- Special forces operate using unconventional techniques behind enemy lines and require exceptional fitness and mental fortitude.
- Saul David highlights individual initiative as the key trait distinguishing SF from regular troops.
Modern Operators Are Physically Different
- The physical profile of special operators has changed, with modern SF being more muscular and gym-trained than earlier generations.
- Saul David emphasises continuity in mindset and values despite physical evolution.
Guile Over Brute Force
- The SBS values guile, silence and invention over brute force and spectacle as a cultural inheritance from WWII units.
- Saul David reads the SBS handbook to show how historical bloodlines shape modern ethos.
