ASU wants you

THE Airport Security Unit will hold a selection for sergeants and constables to join the unit in October this year - the last selection to be held for some time as it is expected that ASU will reach the increased Chek Lap Kok establishment from this recruitment exercise. ¡@Afterwards, commitments to the training for Chek Lap Kok and the logistics of moving the entire Unit, will mean that the next selection may not be until late 1998/1999.

¡@The recruitment process is introduced in a one-day pre-selection which will be held after applications close later this month. The selection itself is a three-day process where officers must display good team co-operation, natural leadership, confidence with weapons, intelligence and a basic level of fitness. ¡@The amount of fitness testing during ASU selection is very limited as once an officer is recruited into the Unit, a professional and progressive approach to fitness development is adopted. This approach has meant that the Unit has earned a reputation for being one of the fittest in the Force yet the standard that is accepted in new recruits is barely above average. Any officer who demonstrates some potential for fitness will be closely considered on the basis of other merits. ¡@More importantly, officers showing the ability to be an active part of a team or to lead a team, along with possessing the intelligence and determination to tackle problems under pressure are likely to succeed in the selection. ¡@Most officers can be taught to shoot well, but it depends on whether an officer has confidence with weapons. The level of weapons confidence will be tested during the selection process. ¡@Before an officer joins the ASU he will undergo a challenging eight-week Basic Training Course which combines all of the expertise of the SDU, VIP PU, EOD, Key Points and Search, Police Negotiation Cadre, Auxiliary Medical Service as well as the ASU itself. ¡@After the course, the new ASU officer will join the Unit full-time continuing to progress by undergoing training once a week with physical and tactical training every day. As ASU officers become more experienced, they can expect to go on full-time specialist courses. ¡@A normal posting will be for two years, moving to Chek Lap Kok in the middle of 1998, although the Unit has found that several high achievers have remained in ASU for three or more years. ¡@The Unit is particularly keen on officers who are nearing their promotion bracket as not only do such officers give the level of commitment ASU requires but ASU can offer support and preparation for promotion. ¡@Applications should be routed through Formation and Major Formation Commanders addressed to DC APDIST, to arrive before 22 September 1997. Additionally, it will assist the administration of pre-selection and selection if applicants fax their application form to DC APDIST (Attn: OC ASU) on 2363-3015. The full recruitment procedure is detailed on HQO No.95 of 1997 Part V. ¡@This will be the last chance to join ASU for some time.