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!”