The 1st Special Service Brigade was formed around the nucleus of the Special Air Service and operated primarily as a long-range commando force. During the Warsaw Pact offensive in 1998, elements of the unit staged several raids on Soviet Army and Front Headquarters, severely disrupting operations. Because of the growing chaos in the United Kingdom, the brigade was redeployed there in late 1998. In late 2000, the brigade was stood down, and the personnel were redeployed to other duties.