Special Reaction Team

A Special Reaction Team (SRT) is a specialized team or element within a military police unit that has been tasked with a level response to a high risk situation within a military base or compound. SRT is found within law enforcement units of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The teams are military equivalents of civilan police department SWAT teams.Commanders must provide an installation SRT capable of providing an enhanced response to developed threats in their area of responsibility within two hours of initial notification. This is in anticipation of possible terrorist attacks against Army, Marine Corps and Navy installations. The teams respond to situations as varied as hostage rescue, counter-sniper actions, VIP protection, and counterterrorism.

Some situations requiring SRT employment may include, but are not limited to:

*Barricaded subjects.

*Hostage situations.

*Sniper incidents.

*Counterterrorist operations.

*VIP protection (as a response force).

*Threatened suicide incidents.

*Apprehension assistance during joint operations.

Barricaded, mentally disturbed persons. During hostilities, SRTs may be required to perform similar missions in a combat environment.

SRT priorities during an incident are:

*Protecting lives, to include hostages, law enforcement personnel, bystanders, and suspects.

*Securing the safe release of hostages.

*Isolating/containing the incident.

*Gathering information/intelligence. This is an ongoing responsibility from the beginning of an incident until its resolution.

*Protecting property/equipment. Preventing escape.

*Apprehending offenders. [ [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/19-10/Ch21.htm FM 19-10 Chptr 21 Special Reaction Team ] ]

Conducting an assault (only if all other alternatives have been exhausted, no other assistance is expected, and a threat to human life exists).

A Special Reaction Team is composed of seasoned Military Police who have received training for high-risk situations (high risk warrants, hostage situations, barricaded suspects). They are a Department of Defense equivalent to a SWAT and often attend the same schools for training.

Training

Many SRT candidates from all branches attend training at the US Army Military Police School at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. SRT Course Phase 1 is for all team members, teaching the basics of tactical operatins. SRT Course Phase 2 is for those candidates that will serve as marksmen/observers.

References

External links

* [http://www.snipersparadise.com/articles/srt.htm Sniper Paradise SRT]
* [http://www.specwarnet.net/taclink/MPTeams/usarmy_srt.htm U.S. Army SRT information]
* [http://www.specwarnet.net/taclink/MPTeams/usmc_srt.htm U.S. Marine Corps SRT information]
* [http://www.specwarnet.net/americas/usaf_est.htm U.S. Air Force SRT information]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/19-10/Ch21.htm U.S. Army Field Manual 19-10, Chapter 21 "Special Reaction Team"] .
* [http://www.specialoperations.com/USMC/SRT/Default.htm Special Operations information page]