on the question of the alleged "shoot-to-kill" policy itself (described perhaps more precisely by tom king, then secretary of state for northern ireland, as allegations of a policy to "shoot on sight, or without proper warning, or without observing the correct procedures for the use of force"), the programme was elliptical. what it did represent was a "particular" sas-style training exercise undertaken by the ruc special support unit, emphasising its mantra of "firepower, speed, aggression", with a briefing to the participants about what they should and shouldn't do: "1. don't stop to think about it. take out the terrorists before they can take out the hostages. 2. no warnings. when did you see the ira hold up a yellow card? 3. go for the trunk. double tap. your aim is to eliminate the threat completely. now take those bastards out of action."