HRT question

[usaf_03]

Will the FBI provide all necessary training for HRT members, or is it preferred that you have prior SWAT/CT training? I ask because I doubt my current career path (Air Force Officer) will provide me with any such training, and I've always been interested in the FBI, specifically the HRT. Thanks.

Cadet Matt Tull
AFROTC Det. 330, University of Maryland

"America is the home of the free because it is the home of the brave."

[SSMV]

No you do not need prior CT experience, however, you do need at least 3 years field experience with the Bureau and then you submit your name and try out like everyone else. The selection process is very grueling and they look for the best of the best of course.

[usaf_03]

SSMV,

Thanks for the info. Are/Were you on HRT? It's fairly difficult to find info on them, and they're much less publicized than the military SOFs.

What exactly does their training entail, other than the obvious (firearms training, CQB, hostage rescue)? Many selection processes are rigorous in different ways. Does HRT look for the physical strength or the mental acumen (I'd imagine at least a little of both)? What I'm trying to ask is what exactly they look for in an operator. I'm familiar with the selection processes for military SOFs but I would think that the FBI is different.

Sorry if the questions are vague or convoluded, I just haven't found much on the unit besides the basics. I'm very interested in the FBI and just want to know as much as I can.

Matt

[Gunpoint]

I'm an FBI Agent. I'm on SWAT, not HRT, but we train with them regularly.

Here's info I cut and pasted from the FBI web site regarding HRT. It's all open source and available to anyone who actually does some research:

Servare Vitas - "To Save Lives"
The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), part of the Tactical Support Branch of CIRG (Critical Incident Response Group), is a full time, national-level tactical team, headquarted in Quantico, Virginia. The mission of the HRT is to be prepared to deploy to any location within four hours of notification by the Director of the FBI or his designated representative, and conduct a successful rescue of United States persons and others who may be held illegally by a hostile force, either terrorist or criminal in nature. The HRT is also prepared to deploy to any location and perform other law enforcement activities as directed by appropriate authorities.

The HRT operationally deploys in support of FBI field divisions and performs a number of law enforcement tactical functions in all environments and under a variety of conditions. In its 17 year history, the team, or components of the team, have deployed on over 200 occasions in support of FBI terrorism, violent criminal, foreign counter-intelligence and other investigations. HRT has performed missions involving hostage rescue, barricaded subjects, high-risk arrest and warrant service (raids), and dive search. Additionally, the HRT has performed traditional law enforcement roles during hurricane relief operations, dignitary protection missions, tactical surveys, and on occasion, pre-positions in support of special events such as the Olympic Games, presidential inaugurations, and political conventions.

Past and Present
In 1982, a decision was made at the highest levels of the U.S. Department of Justice to create a special counterterrorist unit within law enforcement to offer a tactical option for any extraordinary hostage crisis occurring within the United States. The decision was made to create this unit within the FBI. As a result, the Attorney General authorized the formation of the HRT, comprised of carefully selected, highly motivated and experienced Agents. After several months of intensive training, and the procurement of special equipment necessary for such a group, the team was activated in 1983 and assigned to the Washington Metropolitan Field Office. The team was originally allocated 50 Agent positions.

Today, as part of the FBI's Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG) located at the FBI Academy in Quantico, the team is authorized 91 Special Agents. The HRT is structured to deploy with part, or all of its personnel and resources, depending upon the magnitude of a crisis, and can be augmented by other CIRG entities with specialists trained in areas of negotiation, behavioral science, and communications.

Training
Assignment to the HRT is voluntary, and is open to all Special Agents of the FBI. HRT operators are selected based upon their background and experience, as well as their demonstrated performance during a rigorous two week selection course. Once selected, operators undergo a four month initial training program.

When not operationally deployed, the HRT conducts full-time training at sites across the United States, including Quantico. The HRT trains for a wide variety of missions, and in all climates found within the United States and its territories. This training consists of highly specialized, tactical law enforcement operations including, among others:

hostage rescue and barricaded subjects;
high risk arrest/searches;
mobile assaults;
manhunt and rural operations;
maritime operations;
helicopter operations;
weapons of mass destruction; and,
cold weather operations.

[usaf_03]

1811,

Thanks for the information, although as I said, it's the same very broad, public-relations-friendly information I've found all over the net.

I was curious as to what exactly the "rigorous two week selection process" entails - perhaps they just don't want me to know http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/wink.gif

How do you like your job on FBI SWAT? Do you face regular reassignments like other special agents? Overall, how do you enjoy life in the Bureau?

Again, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I honestly do appreciate it. These message boards are a much more valuable source of information than most websites.

Matt

[Gunpoint]

What is publicly available is all you will get out of me re: HRT. If you can, order a copy of an A&E Special on HRT. It shows some operators shooting, moving, etc.

As far as my job, I love it. SWAT where I am is 25% of my time, which, according to the International Assosc. of Chiefs of Police (IACP) is a full-time team. However, I have investigative responsibilities as well, so typically we train 50 hours a month and catch hell from our supervisors for being gone so much.

[SSMV]

No, I am not even in the FBI, I just know one of the original members of HRT. From what I understand the indoctrination consists of mental/physical tasks taken from a variety of selection courses, such as, BUDs, Army's SF and SFOD-D, etc.

And yes, 1811 is an excellent source for any info regarding the Bureau.