The postwar SBS distinguished itself from wartime formations that had taken on larger raiding roles. Once a covert team is discovered and forced into a prolonged fight, the enemy can reinforce more easily than the raiders can. The Royal Marines' 3 Commando Brigade already provided the larger formations needed for assaults with greater mass, firepower, and transport. The SBS therefore grounded its identity in Courtney's quiet reconnaissance and sabotage tradition, where a very small elite group was more useful than a commando formation.
Notable Point · 47:19-49:40
The postwar SBS niche: small teams rather than commando mass
Postwar SBS identity rested on tasks requiring a very small elite group, leaving larger commando assaults to Royal Marines formations.