Young, disciplined, dedicated and deadly

China's elite Special Operations Force undergo very intense training so they are ready for a wide range of difficult challenges

A special operations force under a brigade of the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison comprises highly trained, strong-in-mind-and-body young people dedicated to service. They are well-trained for specialized missions, such as anti-terrorist exercises and emergency rescues. In addition to mastering such skills as unarmed combat, shooting, swimming in full battle gear, concealment and reconnaissance, soldiers from the Special Forces in Hong Kong must also know how to conduct basic conversations in English and Cantonese - an important requirement for adapting to the city.

Training usually lasts from morning to afternoon. Sometimes the soldiers have night drills to develop their nocturnal combat skills. Harsh conditions such as heavy rain, intense heat and the rigors of coming under fire are recreated along with other tough challenges.

The painstaking drills have cultivated a truly elite team. For example, every Special Forces soldier has to identify a hostile target and shoot in two seconds.

During the past open days at their barracks, the Special Forces have displayed their skills to the people of Hong Kong, who are impressed by the soldiers' range of abilities and toughness.

willa@chinadailyhk.com

Soldiers from the Special Operations Force in the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison drills with Air Force troops. Photos provided to China Daily

The special forces provide cover for a helicopter.

(HK Edition 06/21/2017 page7)