Operational Support Unit (OSU)

Rising to every challenge

From protecting sensitive Defence sites to responding to major incidents across the country, the Operational Support Unit (OSU) brings a wide range of skills wherever they're needed most.

The OSU sits within the Force Operational Support Capability, giving the MDP a highly trained resource ready to respond to major operations, meet specialist policing needs across the Force, or provide mutual aid to Home Department police forces during a national incident.

A team of specialists

Every OSU officer brings core skills in firearms, search, and public order. But what sets this unit apart is the sheer breadth of capability within it. Officers are also trained in areas such as rope access, protestor removal and protestor removal at heights, counter-drone operations, and disruptive effects.

OSU officers also play a vital role in Defence nuclear security operations, adding a further layer of capability to the unit.

The Unit in action

The OSU's main role is to play a key part in ensuring Defence materials move safely and without interruption across the UK.

Beyond this, officers regularly respond to protest activity at sensitive sites and contribute to national counter-drone efforts. They also help cover regular duties at stations, and stand ready to assist UK policing more widely whenever mutual aid is needed.

Life in OSU

Deployments can often come with little notice. Typically, this might encompass a rapid period of planning and kit preparation, travelling to wherever the job takes them, carrying out the duty, then returning back to their duty station and preparing for another deployment or training.

It's a role that suits people who thrive on variety and don't mind the unpredictable. Long hours and changing conditions are part of the package, and success in OSU depends on strong decision-making, adaptability, and the confidence to operate calmly under pressure.

A career that grows with you

Whilst officers aren't expected to master every specialist skill, they are expected to develop capability across a range of areas to keep the unit operationally resilient. Many go on to specialise further, becoming Drone Tactical Advisors, Police Search Advisors, or CBRN Instructors, before progressing into supervisory and command roles.

The variety and responsibility that come with OSU life also makes for a well-rounded and rewarding career.

Take your career to new heights

The Operational Support Unit offers a genuinely varied career within UK Defence protection, where officers develop a breadth of specialist capability rarely found elsewhere in policing. For those looking for a role that combines firearms, search, public order and specialist skills like rope access and counter-drone operations, the OSU offers a path like no other.

Find out more about joining as an experienced officer from another force, or hear directly from our officers about life in the OSU.