James Bonds military background
DanielCraig007
Posts: 588MI6 Agent
What exactly is James bonds military background in the books and the films?
All I know is he was in the Royal Navy and has the rank of Commander.
In the films Connery, Moore and Brosnan can be seen with Royal Navy uniforms.
In CR Vesper implies Bond was in the S.A.S before joining Mi6 but this can just be her guessing or trying to judge his character? She says "former S.A.S types with expensive watches"
Is Craigs Bond a former Royal Navy officer with the rank of Commander?
All I know is he was in the Royal Navy and has the rank of Commander.
In the films Connery, Moore and Brosnan can be seen with Royal Navy uniforms.
In CR Vesper implies Bond was in the S.A.S before joining Mi6 but this can just be her guessing or trying to judge his character? She says "former S.A.S types with expensive watches"
Is Craigs Bond a former Royal Navy officer with the rank of Commander?
Comments
According to the back story of Bond on the official CR and QOS websites, Daniel Craig's Bond is former SBS. SBS used to be a very small elite unit of the Royal Marine Commandos. SBS operates in the same manner as U.S. Navy SEAL's. Today, as I understand it, all branches of the military in the U.K. can apply for selection in the SBS. Today SAS and SBS are trained essentially together. Once selected, a prospective SBS operative first goes through SAS trainng and then goes on to SBS training. SAS has a higher profile in the U.K. However the SBS is smaller and much more elite. The SAS are often credited for SBS operations in the press.
As for Brosnan's parahute wings, SAS and SBS wings were very similar. Although I'm not certain, today they may share the same wings.
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
I don't see Craig's Bond as a Navy officer either. He looks, acts and seems like a Royal Marine nco, or SBS.
http://apbateman.com
I'm sorry but You're wrong. Standards for selection changed in January 1994. Because I'm fascinated by elite forces, the quiet professionals, and the pursuit of mental toughness, Ive done a lot of reading on the subject matter. I've actually read two books on the subject of the SBS. The first was "First Into Action" by Duncan Falconer and the second was "SBS The Inside Story of the Special Boat Sevice" The Epilogue of the Parker book on page 395 of the paperback version actually talks about selection. However if you doubt this, plenty of places on line refer to how selection has been made since 1994. Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia:
"Volunteers for the SBS are now taken from all the British Armed Forces although volunteers still predominantly come from the Royal Marines. Candidates wishing to serve with SBS must have completed two years regular service and will only be accepted into the SBS after completion of the selection process.[38]"
And
"Until recently, the SBS had its own independent selection program in order to qualify as a Swimmer Canoeist but has now been integrated its selection program into a joint UKSF selection alongside candidates for the SAS. All members of the United Kingdom armed forces can be considered for special forces selection,[nb 2] but historically the majority of candidates have an airborne forces background.[40]"
You can view the full Wikipedia link here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Boat_Service
Look under "Recruitment Selection and Training".
How SBS selection is made also exists other places on the net, or you can consult the books I've mentioned.
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
I lasted just over four weeks in selection for the SAS but was returned to unit for active service in Operation Desert Storm. All I can say about my above post was what I was informed of at the time. Susequent injuries, convelescence, postings and detachments never allowed me the opportunity back to resume what I had started. I can't say I wear the T-shirt, but for a month I tried it on for size...
At the time, there was an ex-Royal Marine DS who told me of his route through to the SAS. That is all I was going on. Thing's obviously change, but I don't read that sort of thing, nor take a real interest in it any more.
http://apbateman.com
I'm no expert, and certainly two books does not make me one. I was just pointing out that I did not make up what I wrote and that I could back it up with sources.
Thanks for your service.
I too served but as a civilian mariner. I carried Army unit equipment on USNS Fast Sealift Ships during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operaton Restore Hope/Continue Hope both before and after the "Blackhawk Down" incident. I was also awarded the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal for Desert Shield/Desert Storm by the Maritime Adminstraton.
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.