Concept of Operations.
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42. The British Forces Hong Kong Concept of Operations is predicated
on a threat assessment that indicates that the security forces must be prepared to face the possibility of simultaneous threats both to the internal security and territorial integrity of Hong Kong. Failure to deal speedily and effectively with threats to internal security
might lead to a situation whereby the PRC in turn threatens to intervene militarily to protect its perceived vital interests;
therefore the concept recognises that internal security operations are initially likely to have pre-eminence. Ultimately however, security forces must be prepared to carry out both tasks simultaneously.
The
43. The RHKP will lead in the maintenance of internal security.
Garrison's land forces are largely kept as mobile reserves ready to
react to support the RHKP in internal security operations, and to deploy to the border to demonstrate HMG's resolve to maintain the
sovereignty of Hong Kong. To allow the military to be kept intact and in reserve, only the minimum number of troops are tied to static tasks such as guarding Key Points (KPs). The cornerstone of the concept
relies upon the maintenance of reserves with the mobility and
flexibility of command and control needed to react swiftly to
operational tasks as they
they arise. This concept is supported by
reinforcements which would be assimilated into the existing command
structure upon arrival.
44.
It is envisaged that the overall concept of operations will remain largely unchanged, and that the retention of flexibility will remain the basis of the concept. By maintaining the land forces in
reserve, the RHKP will be allowed to demonstrate their ability to
maintain internal security without military assistance, yet military forces will be available should they be needed. As the RHKP expand and hopefully become more able to deal with any threats to internal
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