E-Squadron: The Real Life James Bond Experience

James Bond, an icon of espionage and high-octane adventure, continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his stylish suits, sophisticated gadgets, advanced combat skills, and intriguing pseudonyms. But have you ever wondered if such individuals exist in reality? In this article, we delve into the enigmatic world of the E-Squadron, the British Special Forces’ elite unit, rumored to undertake operations that mirror 007’s audacious exploits. It’s the closest one could possibly get to meeting a real-life Bond. Let’s uncover the shadowy activities and profound history of this secretive group.

History of the E-Squadron

The British military has long been at the forefront of modern special operations forces, having established the first contemporary units during World War II. Since then, the British Special Operations units have been pioneering in creating doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures adopted globally, including the United States. The Special Air Service (SAS), Special Boat Service (SBS), and Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR) represent the three primary Tier One units in the British military, paralleling the U.S.’s Delta Force and SEAL Team Six.

These British units collaborate closely with their U.S. counterparts, even exchanging operators, and are chiefly engaged in direct action, counterterrorism, and hostage rescue operations. In addition, the SRR specializes in gathering human intelligence, signals intelligence, and operational battlefield preparation.

However, there are instances where intelligence agencies need the distinct skills and training of commandos. This is where the E-Squadron enters the picture. The British Intelligence Organization comprises three agencies: the Secret Information Service (SIS or MI6), equivalent to the CIA, focuses on overseas intelligence collection and covert action; the Security Service, popularly known as MI5, is akin to the FBI, specializing in domestic counter-intelligence; and the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), a counterpart to the NSA, excels in signals intelligence.

Now that we’ve laid the historical groundwork, let’s delve into the specifics of the E-Squadron. In 2003, mainstream news first reported the existence of a concealed SAS division known as ‘The Increment.’ Comparable to characters plucked straight from a James Bond novel, this team was said to perform sanctioned assassinations and risky, elusive missions, such as eliminating political leaders or terrorists.

Throughout the early 2010s, official reports surfaced of a new SAS elite branch. Initially, a loosely organized group of SAS members supported MI6 activities. This unit, named the Revolutionary Warfare Wing (RWW), encompassed the Increment. It was eventually formalized and named the E-Squadron, marking the Increment’s most recent organizational evolution.

What Does the E-Squadron Do?

The E-Squadron, one of the most enigmatic British Special Forces units, is a small contingent of UKSF operatives handpicked to work with MI6. The unit, considered to be a contemporary incarnation of the long-rumored MI6 UKSF unit, ‘The Increment,’ is manned by veterans from the SAS, SBS, and SRR. They may also receive support from specialized units like the 18 Signals Regiment and Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing (JSFAW), with assets like the RAF 7 Squadron Chinook helicopters at their disposal as needed.

The primary role of the E-Squadron is to conduct covert operations for MI6, creating and managing agents, forming alliances with various factions within foreign countries, and collecting intelligence from multiple sources. Since the September 11th terrorist attacks, these operations in more hostile regions have become a necessity, thereby making special forces escorts, like the E-Squadron, essential for MI6 missions.

E-Squadron operatives, handpicked from other Special Forces units, are considered the elite among the elite. This unit conducts clandestine military operations for the Secret Intelligence Service worldwide. At this point, the extent to which the E-Squadron might be used offensively remains unknown.

Famous SAS figure Andy McNabb served with the unit for three years from 1991 to 1993. He claimed the unit is the closest to what James Bond does among any British secret service. The unit, initially known as the Revolutionary Warfare Wing (RWW), was later referred to by MI6 spies as the ‘Increment’. According to McNabb, the unit’s work was so secretive that even after 30 years, details remain classified.

The Increment supported Libyan rebels in overthrowing Colonel Gaddafi. Originally, the Increment consisted of only six to eight men, mostly sergeants or above, handpicked from the SAS. Former members recalled moving in and out of countries on different passports, always undercover, and always on the move. They likened their operations to ‘James Bond stuff.’

While the tasks of the E-Squadron are classified, open-source evidence suggests that the unit supports MI6 missions globally. They provide close protection details and exfiltration of assets from hostile locations, as well as perform special reconnaissance in restricted areas such as Russia, Iran, China, or North Korea.

The E-Squadron Selection Process

The E-Squadron recruits mainly from Tier One units in the British military, such as the SAS, SBS, and SRR. A candidate’s ethnic origin plays a significant role in the selection process, hinting at the UK’s colonial heritage and the fact that individuals from nations like Fiji, Malta, or Jamaica can join the British armed services.

The recruits need to exhibit stellar performance in demanding environments, complete several overseas deployments, and excel beyond the direct action and counter-terrorism aspects of their roles. They would then undergo an additional selection process and rigorous training that emphasizes intelligence tradecraft over other special operations skills.

As a former SBS commando explained, very little is known about the E-Squadron. There is a cloak of secrecy, and men who wind up there seem to vanish. It’s not unusual for comrades to disappear for assignments without their whereabouts or tasks being disclosed. It’s part of the job, but with the E-Squadron, it’s on an entirely different level.

In conclusion, the E-Squadron embodies the real-life James Bond experience within the United Kingdom’s special forces. Its operatives live in the shadows, engaging in high-stakes covert operations that could influence global events. Next time you’re in a crowd, remember that you might be standing next to an E-Squadron agent. If you enjoyed this deep dive into the world of the E-Squadron, don’t forget to share it with others who might find it fascinating. Who knows, the next James Bond story could be unfolding right now in the shadows of our world.