Effing newspapers!

[Hitcher]

Hmmmm, that very question demonstrates a mimimal understanding of the SAS.

If I knew the answer I would have asked the question. Instead of being a smartarse, how about shedding some light on the matter for us ignorami?

[wbks]

1. The NZ Herald and other kiwi media didn't take the photograph.

2. Presumably other international media are running it -- it's a good photo after all.

3. It's no secret that the NZ SAS is deployed in Afganistan.

4. Presumably they have NZ flags emblazoned on their fatigues, so not much detective work would be required to join the dots.

5. Only one trooper is recognisable from this photo. I guess a VC makes him too cool to wear a helmet and shades?

6. Why aren't they packing Steyrs, that's what I want to know.

If I knew the answer I would have asked the question. Instead of being a smartarse, how about shedding some light on the matter for us ignorami?

Not being a smartass, but I'm pretty sure it's because (and I've been told this by several army dudes) the SAS is under direction of UKSF, so run pretty much the same equipment. Either that or they have a larger budget because of their smaller numbers but higher importance. And in case you were wondering, they probably aren't the regular Colt M4's you see around, more likely Diemaco C8's ,which the UK special forces also use. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if they either had no identification on their uniforms, or another flag i.e Australian or US. I mean, they are there "covertly" so it would be pretty stupid to brand them with a flag, and I was told by the same people as above that they are un branded. As for the "too cool for a helmet and shades" thing, he's obviously too badass for that, I'd imagine the sand keeps its distance from his eyes and the UV rays wouldn't even think about it! Not like I've ever been to the middle east but a lot of them seem to ditch their helmets/sunnies. Maybe too hot and the glasses are a distraction when you're trying to put someone in your sights?

[Fatjim]

Special forces are like Aprilia riders. Special.

[Usarka]

Actually if you look closely at the pic he isn't SAS. The label on his chest reads SSA (or S5A) and his mate is SSB.

You all got sucked in big time.

[EJK]

They have guns and tools but don't they have any razor blades and shaving foam? Scissors? Clippers?

[LBD]

They have guns and tools but don't they have any razor blades and shaving foam? Scissors? Clippers?

Normally clean shaven, whiskers are cammo. So if pics are published, they can have a shave when they get home and be unrecogniseable....

And its winter up this part of the world and gets freakin cold...whiskers keep the chin warm.....

And out of uniform they blend in better....

[Conquiztador]

I am sure the girls want less uniform...

[2_SL0]

Short answer, they dont use the Steyr because its not that great. (It was purchased/chosen due to a political decsion rather than a military decision)
Logistically they will be using similar to the US as that is who I believe they will be serving with and therfore it makes more sense for supply requirments.

A large amount of the SAS equipment is based upon the individual's preference, it has been that way for a long time. You are just as likely to see them using AK's out in the field.

Their appearance is often related to the type of task they are involved in, obviously Willie’s appearance does mask who he is quite well, but also gives him the appearance of being a local. As you may well find at times the roll will require him to be dressed and to give the appearance of just another Afgan.

The other individual is lucky as it appears he is on communications hence the helmet.

[Okey Dokey]

Our SAS have a difficult job to do without the added stress from an inept media. I feel sorry for the soldier exposed in this way. It has been a convention for years that the SAS forces are not exposed in the media. Mistakes happen, but this is a pretty big one.

[Swoop]

6. Why aren't they packing Steyrs, that's what I want to know.

Quite true Hitch. A bloody cheese eating surrender monkey took the photograph, and knowing the morals of the froggies he would have been straight around to whoever would pay the highest for the shot.

The Steyr... Quite simply, they are crap. Noisy (due to hollow plastic construction), limited in the sights that can be fitted on top (standard scope is inappropriate for urban work), and other "issues". When introduced into NZ they had to do mandatory inspections of over eighty areas of each rifle.
A similar start to operational life as the British SA-80 rifle... which is also still crap.

[2_SL0]

Quite true Hitch. A bloody cheese eating surrender monkey took the photograph, and knowing the morals of the froggies he would have been straight around to whoever would pay the highest for the shot.

The Steyr... Quite simply, they are crap. Noisy (due to hollow plastic construction), limited in the sights that can be fitted on top (standard scope is inappropriate for urban work), and other "issues". When introduced into NZ they had to do mandatory inspections of over eighty areas of each rifle.
A similar start to operational life as the British SA-80 rifle... which is also still crap.

Mate I was being polite, but I completely agree.

Just to expand on this:

The first batch of steyr were from Austria, they were perfectly fine. However the following two batches came in from Australia and the quality was lower, these had the problems.

Steyrs, like other Bullpups have the firing mechanism closer to the ear therefore will give the appearance of being louder from a firing point of view.

[Oscar]

Er - the Army has a photo of him on its website.
Are we assuming that terrorists read the Herald but don't surf the web?

[firefighter]

Short answer, they dont use the Steyr because its not that great. (It was purchased/chosen due to a political decsion rather than a military decision)

The Steyr... Quite simply, they are crap. .

Actually, it's the 7th best assault rifle in the world, according to a top 10 list on Discovery.

[eelracing]

Actually, it's the 7th best assault rifle in the world, according to a top 10 list on Discovery.

Is that the same channel that did the top ten Motorcycles??? if so I would'nt give it much credence

The Steyr is a great weapon if you like to mince around with pop guns.

[firefighter]

Is that the same channel that did the top ten Motorcycles??? if so I would'nt give it much credence

The Steyr is a great weapon if you like to mince around with pop guns.

Actually it was a pretty good one, I think it was the show with the ex Navy Seal.

The Vietnam Vets said the same thing about the "plastic piece of shit" M16's they were issued. I'm pretty sure that "pop gun" would happily put you down.