Sabre squadron, or (in US English) saber squadron, is a military term for a fighting squadron of sub-battalion size, as opposed to a headquarters or support squadron. It is typically used in units descended from or influenced by cavalry such as armored or reconnaissance units. It is named after the sabre used by soldiers on horseback and is the direct equivalent to the term rifle company used by infantry units. Though the term originated and is still in routine use in the British Army, it is now also used in reference to cavalry, armoured, artillery (though the term battery is a more common equivalent) or special forces units in other countries.
The term is also used for operational squadrons of the British Special Air Service. The Australian SAS use the same term for their four squadrons. The term has also been adopted by the United States Army Delta Force.
Famous quotes containing the words sabre and/or squadron:
“Midnight Special on a sabre track movering movering,
first stop Mercy and the last Hallelujah.”
—Robert Earl Hayden (1913–1980)
“Well gentlemen, this is it. This is what we’ve been waiting for. Tonight your target is Tokyo. And you’re gonna play ‘em the Star Spangled Banner with two-ton bombs. All you’ve got to do is to remember what you’ve learned and follow your squadron leaders. They’ll get you in, and they’ll get you out. Any questions? All right that’s all. Good luck to you. Give ‘em hell.”
—Dudley Nichols (1895–1960)