The reasons, according to Senior Bomb Disposal Officer, Mr Dominic Brittain, are as varied as the characters in the Cadre itself.

He says that most would agree that it provides the individual with a unique chance to challenge themselves under the most trying of circumstances. "Bomb Disposal Officers (BDOs) are a special breed. They have to welcome ultimate responsibility, they must have an outstanding capacity to rapidly absorb and analyse information and they must be highly motivated,"he said.

"It is a true test of intelligence, stamina and skill. That is why there are so few of them."

Mr Gareth Ho, a BDO Cadre, who was deployed last year to deal with a suspicious object in a shopping plaza, told OffBeat: "Being deployed operationally was nerve wracking but I had complete faith in my training, my colleagues and the equipment. We got in, did the job and got out, that is what I believe being a professional is all about."

Mr Gareth Skinner, a recent addition to the team, said: "The training I received on the Basic Course was intensive, extremely challenging and of the highest professional standard. The major difference between an EOD Cadre position and most of the posts I have held is that the EOD training and philosophy teach you to take responsibility rather than simply be given it."

Ms Suzette Foo, the Force's first female recruit who applied for the Basic Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) Course after seeing the OffBeat article calling for applicants in 2001, has no regrets.

"The competition was very tough, it was however reassuring to know that everybody has to reach exactly the same high standard to pass. Everyone on the course agreed it was the toughest thing they had ever done, but I am now an EOD Operator. That gives me a genuine sense of achievement," she said.

Applications are currently being sought by EOD Bureau from Inspectorate officers who preferably have attended PTU. The Bureau is looking for highly motivated problem solvers who have confidence, and the ability to think while under pressure is also essential.

Applicants will undergo a series of selection tests over three days at the EOD Bureau. Successful candidates will then attend the six-week Basic IEDD course between September 16 and October 30, followed by a 60-hour practical exercise.

Those who pass the course will become members of the EOD Cadre and, after passing a two-week licensing course and meeting the commitment of 12 training days per year, will be licensed as IEDD Operators in Hong Kong.

If you possess the qualities to become a member of the cadre, please ask for an application form, either by sending a PEN message to eod-gr or by telephoning 2860-2506.