Training Pipeline

The PNP Special Action Force’s mission is so multifarious that it requires a very different and distinct training requirement. These operational deployment ranges from Internal Security Operations, Counter-Terrorism, Anti-Criminality, Special Maritime Operations, Hostage Rescue, Search and Rescue Operations, High Risk Arrest and Interdiction, Unconventional Warfare and Mobile Training Teams just to name a few. For these unique and various operational requirements, it is the Foundation Course (SAF Commando Course, Philippine Army Scout Ranger Course, Philippine Army Special Forces Operation Course and the Philippine Marine Force Recon Course) where every Special Action Force trooper starts.

Normal police recruits, after undergoing their Basic Police Recruit Course are given unit orientation that last one day to a week. Those who are recruited for the PNP Intelligence Group wait for a time to undergo Police Intelligence Course and for those recruited by PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group follows that of PNP Intelligence Group before taking up Criminal Investigation and Detection Course. Basically, normal police after their recruit course are immediately fielded. For PNP Special Action Force, they immediately undergo the Pre-Foundation Course that last for a month and then the Foundation Course proper (SAF Commando Course, Philippine Army Special Forces Operation Course or Scout Ranger Course, and Philippine Marine Force Recon Course). Successful SAF recruits after hurdling their Foundation Course are recognized SAF Trooper and now reassigned to the different PNP SAF operational units. They are likewise has the option to undergo specialization courses some of which are unique to PNP Special Action Force.

There are three operational units organic to PNP Special Action Force that requires a SAF trooper to undergo specialization if they wanted to operate with that SAF unit. These are; Crisis Response Group (CRG), Seaborne Company and the Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition Reconnaissance Company (ISTAR). It is mandatory for the would be CRG operator to be graduates of Urban Counter Revolutionary Warfare and excel in the competitive selection for an operational slot that is given once a year. In like manner, those who desires to be operators with Seaborne Company, they should undergo the Special Maritime Operation Course. ISTAR is a provisional intelligence company under the Force Intelligence and Investigation Office. Operators of ISTAR are screened and triple volunteers. After their Foundation Course, it is mandatory for them to be graduates of Police Intelligence Course. There is a selection phase before the would be ISTAR operators undergo either Rural Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance Course or the Urban Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance Course.

After the Foundation Course, a full-blooded SAF trooper can avail of training pipeline some of which are career courses and some are unique to PNP Special Action Force only. These training courses however can be to their advantage after their duty with PNP SAF. The training pipeline after the Foundation Course is as follows;

1. Career Courses –

a. Police Officer Basic Course

b. Police Office Advance Course

c. Police Officer’s Senior Executive Course

d. PNCO Junior Leadership Course

e. PNCO Senior Leadership Course

2. Specialization Courses/ Trainings –

a. Police Intelligence Course (Officers/ PNCOs)

b. Criminal Investigation and Detection Course

c. Urban Counter Revolutionary Course

d. Basic Airborne Course

e. Basic SCUBA Course

f. Scout/ Sniper Course

g. Intelligence Operation Planning Course

h. Explosive and Ordnance Demolition Course

i. Combat Life Saver Course

j. Communication and Electronic Course

k. Special Maritime Operation Course

l. Rural Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance Course

m. Urban Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance Course

n. Unconventional Warfare Course

o. K-9 Training and Handling Course

p. Basic Aircraft Pilot Course

The PNP SAF trooper has a five years service contract with PNP Special Action Force after their Foundation Course. It is normal for a SAF trooper to have at least one career and one specialization course/ training before he/ she is rotated out of the PNP Special Action Force.

It is this unique training pipeline that makes the PNP Special Action Force a highly professional and disciplined policeman or woman. It makes each SAF trooper into a highly trained, highly motivated, professional and highly disciplined individual that can be compared to none. “BY SKILLS AND VIRTUE, WE TRIUMPH!”