Mission Ready

Grit and Guts: On the Mark (Part 2)

Home Team

SPF

19 October 2022

We bring you a rare glimpse into how the elite Special Tactics and Rescue (STAR) unit from the Special Operations Command of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) conduct their trainings to stay in tip-top shape.

Police SWAT team members in tactical gear aiming weapons in a training exercise.

GRAPHIC: Joash Tan. PHOTOS: Alvin Loh and Joash Tan

In this two-parter, we went behind the scenes to check out the gruelling training that STAR units undergo, to maintain their exceptional operational agility and precision. Check out Part 1 here.

On the day of our visit, the team of STAR operators were busy preparing their training for two scenarios: explosive method of entry and covert vehicle arrest.

Explosive Method of Entry

A few armed and dangerous men were holed up within an unused warehouse, planning their next nefarious activity.

To neutralise the threat swiftly, the STAR operators would be employing explosives to gain entry.

This method affords officers an element of surprise and speed, compared to ramming down the door, to avoid a shootout and endangering the lives of officers should the door not yield on first try.

Split image: Officers aiming weapons; one holds shield labeled "POLICE." Buildings in the background.

STAR operators performing tactical reconnaissance.

Police officers in tactical gear during training exercise. One uses a shield labeled "POLICE."

A STAR operator preparing the charge, for detonation and entry. The rest of the operators and snipers provide coverage in case of enemy intrusion.

Rifle scope view; two figures in black tactical gear aim toward a building where a tactical team moves in.

Snipers watching over the team as it conducts the preparation for explosive entry.

SWAT team enters a white building after an explosion at a window.

Operators took cover as the wall charge was detonated.

Within seconds, STAR operators stormed the stronghold.

Two photos, top: SWAT team entering door. Bottom: SWAT team entering window. All are holding rifles.

Operators on guard against enemy fire upon entering.

SWAT team in camouflage enters room with rifles, training on target figures down hallway.

STAR operators located the paper targets within the unit. Mission accomplished!

Catch the action on TikTok here!

Covert Vehicle Arrest

In this scenario, after a high-speed car chase not unlike those in Hollywood movies, STAR operators intercepted the target vehicle and carried out the arrest with their Tactical K-9 on standby.

Three police officers in tactical gear seated inside an armored vehicle.

STAR Operators all geared up and ready to strike after the vehicle interception.

Police tactical team in action, officers with firearms, Hyundai van on standby.

Operators swiftly alighted, surrounding the target vehicle and commanded the suspect to surrender.

Two panels: Armed police in tactical gear surround cars during a training exercise with a dog.

Operators forced open the vehicle door and secured the suspect.

SWAT officer in tactical gear with a canine partner. Van in background.

A Tactical K-9 on standby in case the suspect manages to give operators the slip.

SWAT team arrests person on ground. Officer aims gun, "POLICE" on vest.

Suspect successfully subdued!

Watch the TikTok video here!

Read Grit and Guts: On the Mark (Part 1).

About the STAR Unit
The STAR Unit, one of the units under the Special Operations Command, provides the SPF with the highest level of tactical armed-response capability. It is a unit equipped with formidable firepower and tactics to deal with highly dangerous criminals.