The Force currently has four specialised units, namely the Special Duties Unit (SDU), (commonly known as the “Flying Tiger Squad”), the Airport Security Unit, the Counter Terrorism Response Unit and the Railway Response Team. A television drama and a reality show featuring the SDU are being aired and have sparked public interest.

Yu Sir joined the SDU in 2003 and is now serving as the head of the assault team and instructor. In the reality show, he assisted artistes to participate in the annual joint specialised units basic selection that lasted for four days and three nights.

Before the selection, candidates have to indicate their preference for the specialised units on the application form. In order to examine the candidates’ competence and potential quality, candidates have to undergo various physical fitness tests and other assessments. After passing the basic selection, candidates who wish to join the SDU will then undergo a week of advanced selection, commonly known as the “hell week”. During the week, candidates receive a substantial amount of overload training and they may get less than 20 hours of sleep throughout the week. Candidates would almost have no time to prepare for the training since most of the training activities are not announced in advance. This aims to provide an environment where candidates can challenge their limits and demonstrate the spirit of never giving up.

Yu Sir recalled his old days as a candidate during the advanced selection. “The instructor asked us to swim for a long distance in the sea, even when the temperature was only around ten degrees Celsius that day. I suffered from hypothermia after the swim, and my hands were so shaky that I accidentally poured a cup of hot water over my hands when the instructor handed it to me. Yet I could not feel any pain.”

After passing the advanced selection, candidates need to attend a three-month basic training course and a six-month advanced counter-terrorism training course. Only candidates with outstanding performance are eligible to join the SDU. Yu Sir added that team members on standby need to remain at their best states by undergoing simulated training exercises which are formulated upon international terrorism intelligence and situation.

Yu Sir further shared that he once fell from a height of five metres during abseiling and was severely injured. Upon his return after being hospitalised for two months, his supervisor immediately arranged an even more challenging abseiling exercise for him. Yu Sir recalled, “My leaving or staying rested on this test. As a SDU team member, I could not dwell on the consequences of failure, instead I must find ways to complete the task by taking precise steps. Eventually, I succeeded in overcoming the trauma after the accident.”

Despite the highly demanding recruitment of the SDU, Yu Sir encouraged competent colleagues to give it a try. He said, “The SDU is one of the frontline teams that performs counter-terrorism duties in the Force. Upon completion of the rigorous training, team members may have the opportunity to serve in marine, land or air operations, which will surely enrich their careers.”