British Army In Historic Visit To Hong Kong
The Army's School of Ceremonial has begun an historic visit to Hong Kong.
It's the first British-run training programme to take place at the Hong Kong Police College in the former Colonial territory.
Located on Hong Kong Island, chief inspectors at the college have flown over the British Army's School of Ceremonial to smarten up the officer's drill.
It's the first time the college has been in a position to host such a visit since the end of Britain's Colonial rule in 1997.
The visit has been coordinated to include three core elements of ceremony - drill, pipes and drums.
Even in winter, Hong Kong has proved hot and a little difficult to get used to for the British troops, though Colour Sergeant Ben Townley said he doesn't mind getting a bit of colour before the winter.
Hong Kong Police Drill Instructor Ka Lok said of the exchange:
"In the past we've had inspectors sent all the way to Catterick to attend the All Arms Drill basic course... but for some of the junior police officers, they do not share this same (experience)".
Lok said that he thought about what could be done to help improve the drill and discipline of the Hong Kong police and recommended that British drill instructors be invited to Hong Kong.
For the recruits with an ambition to become constables, parade is a regular part of their 27-week basic training, a training package that's longer than many infantry training courses.
For those wanting to become inspectors, the training is 36 weeks long.
The police force holds its British-linked traditions dear and that's why they've been so keen to host their UK visitors.
It's a three-week stay for the four-man team in Hong Kong.
They'll interact with hundreds of police officers and recruits passing on their skills to continue a rich ceremonial tradition.
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