SELECTION AND TRAINING

        A demanding programme of individual and sub unit training in the Macedonian mountains was undertaken during the harsh winter of 2001/2002. Entry to the unit or continued membership of the unit has become based upon passing a tough selection test and being submitted to regular re-testing and evaluation – a process of “creeping excellence” used to reduce the unit size down to a compact and effective intervention unit.

          New candidates for the unit have to fulfil basic academic requirements before being accepted onto the selection course. The course is similar to those in Western special forces units and is based upon evaluating the self discipline, fitness, determination and team spirit of the individual police officer. Candidates who pass initial selection then proceed to continuation and specialised training, which is a minimum of 12 months. The intensity of the training is particularly important as the unit faces continual alerts and deployments to the North and West of Macedonia to face terrorist and public order threats.

           The unit is being equipped with new weapons and extensive weapons training has been carried out by the unit. The spring “cycle” of training for 2002 was completed by a week long exercise and demonstration attack, involving the whole RIF, upon simulated fortified terrorist positions. The exercise involved the coordination of fire support, suppression of enemy positions and an “infantry” style assault by the First and Second battalions.