Special Operation Boat Unit

A SOBU-Operator works in a 4-man boat-crew. That crew is responsible to operate their boat in difficult maritime conditions within a wide and complex range of tactical situations.

The Boat Crew team will need to ensure mission success while constantly adapting to the tactical and undeniable natural threats.

Keeping their boat and passengers operational and safe in those harsh conditions is a vital SOBU task, in order for the Special Forces Group to be a relevant player in the domain of Maritime Special Operations.

Main tasks:
Insertion and extraction SF teams
Maritime Patrols & Special Reconnaissance
Opposed Boarding Operations
Small Vessel Interceptions
Secure/ Overwatch / Fire Support / FAC-JTAC
Support Diving Operations
Maritime Counter Terrorism
CASEVAC
Transfert Pers & Gear

Selection:
After having succeeded the SOF Basic Course and the qualification of A Para and A Commando, you start a period of 10 months of the SOBU selection and course. Aside from technical skills and military knowledge, candidates must meet high standards regarding initiative and motivation.

An extensive physical test week focused on Maritime Enviroment. It consists of 3 phases : Physical tests, Orientation skills, and Technical Military Skills.

After successful selection the SOBU Operators Course follows,
allowing to instruct on all aspects of the SOBU Operators job.

After the SOBU course, candidates will follow additional courses on other assets than FRISC, in order to become a Small Boat Specialist in a Maritime Special Operations Environment. During this phase, candidates are taught all boat navigation skills necessary.