Anyone from Civvy Street can apply to join the SAS or SBS Reserves as long as they pass the training.
It comes as commanders fear low manning levels will hit their ability to participate in future covert operations.
The SAS and SBS usually rely on crack troops from the Paras or Royal Marines to provide most of their recruits.
But Armed Forces shortages have left the elite units just 65 per cent full – levels not seen since they were formed during the Second World War.
The crisis in recruitment comes with the need for their services across the Middle East, Africa and in Europe growing.
To combat this, adverts for reservists appeared in various military magazines last week.
This story is from the April 28, 2024 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 28, 2024 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
JOHANN'S GRAAN TURNAROUND
Bath 43 Northampton 12
TIGER: I'VE PLENTY TO WORK ON
GOLF: US PGA Championship, Valhalla
POCH CAN'T FIND TIME TO PLAY
MAURICIO POCHETTINO won't book his summer holidays until his Chelsea future is sorted.
Fears Paris Olympics can't cope with threat of hostile drone attack
FRANCE will struggle to prevent drones from disrupting this summer's Olympics and Paralympics, experts warn.
School vaping behind new wave of bullying
UNDERAGE vaping in schools is leading to an epidemic of bullying and absence.
Eva's glamorous as Cannes be
EVA Longoria brings a touch of golden-age Hollywood elegance to the Cannes red carpet in a revealing beaded gown.
RAF shortages hit D-Day ceremony
A SPECTACULAR parachute drop into Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day has been drastically cut due to a shortage of RAF transport planes.
Nigella: Yes I love my air fryer...but I don't use it to fry things!
NIGELLA Lawson says she has embraced air fryers as a modern alternative to an AGA.
Hospital scare for brave Anne battling cancer
TV PRESENTER Anne Diamond has revealed that she was rushed to hospital with dangerously high blood pressure, as she continues her battle with breast cancer.
Baby Reindeer sees calls soar to stalking hotline
CALLS to a national stalking hotline jumped by 26 per cent when the controversial TV drama Baby Reindeer was streamed.