The “Specials” were the Royal Irish Constabulary Reserve Forces and the Auxiliary Division, better known as the Black & Tans. The RIC Reserve Forces were recruited as a stopgap measure.  Because of the short notice, their uniforms were a combination of khaki from the British Army and black (actually, very dark green) from the RIC.  Hence the term, Black & Tans.  This force was known for its brutality and attacks on civilians, quickly becoming the face of British oppression and injustice.