My First Experience Firing a Submachine Gun with SPF’s Emergency Response Team

The feeling of holding a gun for the first time is one that’s hard to forget. For many, it’s an intense combination of power and danger, and that’s exactly what I felt when gripping the MP5 submachine gun for the first time during a demonstration with the Singapore Police Force’s (SPF) Special Operations Command.

On March 6, the media was invited to observe the SPF’s Emergency Response Teams (ERT) in action ahead of Exercise Northstar XI, scheduled for March 22 on Jurong Island. This multi-agency counter-terrorism exercise aims to showcase Singapore’s capabilities in handling major crises and potential threats.

The Emergency Response Teams
The ERTs were created in June 2016 in response to growing global terrorism threats, such as the Paris and Jakarta attacks in 2015 and 2016, respectively. These officers are specially trained to neutralize threats swiftly, with the goal of minimizing casualties.

Given the extreme pressure and risks involved, ERT officers undergo rigorous training to build physical fitness, mental resilience, and sharp marksmanship. One notable recent deployment of the ERT was on January 9, 2023, during a knifepoint standoff in Yishun.

Live-Firing Experience
As part of the demonstration, reporters were invited to participate in live-firing exercises. Even though we were firing blanks, the weight of the 3kg gun and the sound of the shots—muffled by ear protection—was enough to set my heart racing. Before we got our turn, we watched trained officers fire live rounds with precision, hitting their targets flawlessly from 15 meters away.

When it was my turn, I donned 8kg of ballistic gear, which added to the intensity. With the gun’s red dot scope trained on a target just 5 meters away, I fired off 10 rounds. The recoil, although mild compared to live rounds, still caught me off guard. But thankfully, I completed the task without embarrassing myself and happily left the shooting to the professionals.

Tactical Demonstrations
Next, we were shown tactical formations in simulated scenarios, including an HDB-style setting. In one scene, a gunman was pursued and swiftly neutralized by ERT officers within seconds. Another scenario involved a hostage situation where the ERT demonstrated their quick response and precise decision-making. The gunman was subdued after attempting to flee, and the hostage was rescued safely.

Watching these scenarios unfold, I couldn’t help but hope that these situations remain rare in real life. However, seeing the professionalism and preparedness of the ERT gave me confidence that Singapore is ready for any challenge that may arise.

In conclusion, the experience was eye-opening and gave me a deeper appreciation for the incredible work the Emergency Response Teams do to keep us safe.