Hi guys,
while surfing on the militaryphotos.net I found this picture. For me it is the very first one showing SAS´ DPVs in Afghanistan.

PS: Also this seems to be a prove of SAS using ACMAT VLRA in Afghanistan.

Should you find something similar in your gallery, please share...

Regards

Jiri

A very interesting picture. Can you clarify which vehicle you think is the ACMAT as it's not obvious to me? Thanks

The ACMAT is in the background, just behind the white pick-up...

Frenchy

It is an ACMAT alright!

I believe the SAS used them during the 1st Gulf War too, photos are nearly impossible to find!

However SAS might be using it as a mule, they had short wheelbase versions, similiar to Irish ones used in Somalia as Gunships for convoy escorts in 1993

Great find Jiri

Thanks for that chaps - I have to admit that I'd never even heard of ACMAT before seeing this thread. I certainly didn't realise they were in use by our Army. Judging from the vehicles in the pic, it looks like the Landrover's days are numbered.

I dunno Ken, I'd say there are a few more years left in the landy's yet.
The Acmat is a French manufactured vehicle and is quite dated now but still an amazing work horse, a friend of mine actually own a number of ex-service vehicles and they are very impressive. The BA only bought them in very very small numbers for "special usage".

The Pick ups I'd imagine were purchased locally and were field modified for use. Easier to optain than Landies at short notice, cheaper and I reckon they are quite expendible taking into account the ruged terrain they are used in. I'd be surprised if they were required for the long term. If the SAS left tommorow I'd imagine they leve these vehicles behind or destroy them before taking them back to the UK.

On another note though my French is very Rusty but this appears to be an old article, (correct me if I'm wrong chaps) perhaps 2003? And it contiues to say that the British DOD only released some photos relating to missions in Afghanistan but where and when is unconfirmed etc..

It says something about a reserve SAS unit. Looking closer at the equipment the lads are wearing old US pattern desert gear. Some of the Pick-ups are equiped with Dushka MG's too..

21 and 23 SAS are Territorial Army (TA) units, whereas 22 is Regular Army.

Is it possible that the soldiers wearing US fatigues and manning the pickup trucks are Afghan National Army (ANA)? Just a thought.

Hi guys,

just found out this is an article from RAIDS magazine no. 257, October 2007. May be more pictures are in there. Someone owning the magazine here???

Jiri

You can get a back issue on their website for 6.50 euro. It contains an article about 22SAS in Oman in th '70s as well by the looks of it.

http://raids.histoireetcollections.com/en/publication/1991/raids-257-october-2007.html