British Intelligence Officers’ “Shooting Leave” during the Great Game

Exploring the Historical Practice of Covert Assistance

During the era known as the Great Game, British intelligence officers would often take what was known as “shooting leave.” This unique practice involved covertly assisting minor Khanates in either defending themselves or invading their neighboring regions. While this practice has faded away in the West, it continues to be employed by countries like Iran and Russia.

Ryan Reynolds, a renowned historian, recently shed light on this intriguing aspect of history in a tweet on December 23, 2023. He shared a captivating image and expressed his fascination with the fact that Western countries no longer engage in such covert assistance, while Iran and Russia still actively practice it.

The Great Game: A Brief Background

The Great Game refers to the intense geopolitical rivalry between the British Empire and the Russian Empire in Central Asia during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was characterized by strategic maneuvering, espionage, and proxy wars. Both empires sought to expand their influence and control over the region, leading to a complex web of alliances and conflicts.

Shooting Leave: A Secretive Practice

Shooting leave was a term coined to describe the covert operations carried out by British intelligence officers during the Great Game. These officers would take a break from their regular duties and offer discreet assistance to minor Khanates, either to help them defend their territories or to aid in their conquest of neighboring regions.

The assistance provided during shooting leave varied depending on the specific circumstances and objectives. It could involve sharing intelligence, providing weapons and supplies, training local forces, or even participating directly in military operations. This clandestine support allowed the British to gain influence and further their strategic interests in the region.

A Contrast in Contemporary Practices

Ryan Reynolds’ observation highlights a significant shift in the approach of Western countries compared to Iran and Russia. While the Great Game is firmly entrenched in history, Iran and Russia continue to engage in similar covert activities.

Iran, for instance, is known for its support of various Shia militias and armed groups across the Middle East. This support includes both military assistance and political backing, furthering Iran’s influence in the region. Similarly, Russia has been involved in covert operations in Ukraine and other neighboring countries, aiming to expand its sphere of influence.

The Abandonment of “Shooting Leave”

There are several reasons why Western countries, particularly the United Kingdom, no longer employ the practice of shooting leave. The evolution of international norms and the establishment of international organizations and treaties have placed restrictions on such covert actions.

Furthermore, the focus of Western intelligence agencies has shifted towards counter-terrorism efforts and cybersecurity in the modern era. The nature of global conflicts has changed, and the emphasis is now on combating non-state actors and addressing emerging threats.

Conclusion

The practice of shooting leave during the Great Game offers a fascinating glimpse into the covert operations carried out by British intelligence officers. While this practice has become a relic of the past in Western countries, it continues to be employed by nations like Iran and Russia. Ryan Reynolds’ tweet sparks a reflection on the evolving nature of intelligence activities and the contrasting approaches of nations in the modern geopolitical landscape.

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At the height of the Great Game British intel officers would go on “shooting leave” where they’d covertly assist some minor Khan to either defend or invade their neighbours

It seems interesting to me that the west doesn’t do this anymore, but Iran and Russia do it all the time pic.twitter.com/EzEDsKQq0l

— Ryan Reynolds (@reynoldsrd) December 23, 2023

Source

@reynoldsrd said At the height of the Great Game British intel officers would go on “shooting leave” where they’d covertly assist some minor Khan to either defend or invade their neighbours It seems interesting to me that the west doesn’t do this anymore, but Iran and Russia do it all the time