Definition:
"Bravo Two Zero" refers to a callsign used by an eight-member British Special Air Service (SAS) patrol during the First Gulf War in January 1991. The patrol was deployed behind enemy lines in Iraq with the mission of locating and destroying Scud missile launchers and monitoring major supply routes.
Overview:
The Bravo Two Zero patrol was part of Operation Granby, the British military contribution to the coalition forces during the Gulf War. The patrol was inserted into northern Iraq on January 22, 1991. The mission encountered severe difficulties, including harsh weather conditions, compromised position, and enemy engagement. Three members of the patrol were killed, four were captured and subjected to torture while in Iraqi custody, and one—Corporal Chris Ryan—escaped on foot across the border to Syria, covering approximately 300 kilometers, one of the longest escape attempts in SAS history.
The story of Bravo Two Zero gained public attention largely due to a controversial book of the same name, written by SAS Sergeant Andy McNab and published in 1993. A second account, "The One That Got Away," was later published by Chris Ryan in 1995, offering a differing perspective on events. These accounts have sparked debate over the accuracy of mission details, command decisions, and the sequence of events, primarily due to inconsistencies between the two books and lack of independent verification.
Etymology/Origin:
The name "Bravo Two Zero" originates from NATO phonetic alphabet callsign conventions. "Bravo" refers to the patrol’s unit or team designation, while "Two Zero" is the numerical identifier (20). Such callsigns are standard in military operations for clear and secure radio communication.
Characteristics:
- The patrol was tasked with surveillance and interdiction behind enemy lines.
- It operated in extreme winter conditions with inadequate cold-weather gear.
- The mission is noted for its operational failure, significant casualties, and the subsequent public discourse on special forces operations and survival under duress.
- The controversy surrounding the published accounts has raised questions about the reliability of firsthand military narratives and the role of media in shaping public understanding of special operations.
Related Topics:
- Special Air Service (SAS)
- First Gulf War (1990–1991)
- Operation Granby
- Andy McNab
- Chris Ryan
- Military patrols and reconnaissance
- Special forces survival techniques
- War memoirs and military literature
Note: While the core event—the deployment and failure of the SAS patrol—is confirmed, specific details in popular accounts remain contested. Accurate information about internal command decisions and certain operational aspects is not confirmed due to classified nature and conflicting testimonies.