How The SAS Actually Works - Authorized Account Insider

Krishna Thapa is a former Special Air Service troop leader, Gurkha, and record-breaking mountaineer. Thapa began his military career in 1996 with the Gurkhas before passing the notoriously grueling SAS selection in 2003.

Over the next 16 years, he was deployed across global conflict zones including Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan, ultimately leading the SAS's Mountain Troop. During his service, Thapa became the first active-duty warrant officer to summit both Everest and K2. 

Thapa speaks to Business Insider about the most intense phases of SAS training, such as jungle survival and the escape and evasion test. He explains the regiment’s values, hierarchy, weapons systems, and the meaning behind its "Who Dares Wins" motto. 

Since retiring in 2022, Thapa has built a career in leadership coaching and motivational speaking. He's a frequent guest on TV and podcasts, and he cofounded a resilience initiative supporting veterans through the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

Dang, a Gurkha and an SAS. This gentleman is built different.