MILITARY POLICE SPECIAL REACTION TEAMS
| US Army MILITARY POLICE SPECIAL REACTION TEAMS |
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Thoughout the last few decades of the Twentieth Century a wave of violent protest and viscous terrorist attacks swept across the Western world. Many of the these incidents were specifically directed at US Army personnel and installations. These attacks, coupled with the increased amount of violent crimes being encountered by Army Military Police (MP) personnel, caused great concern amongst senior Army law enforcement officials.
As a result, the Dept. of the Army mandated that Army Military Police (MP) units form specially trained units to respond to any potential crisis situation. As a result, of this directive, all major Army posts now maintain the ability to deploy a MP Special Reaction Team, or SRT. SRTs are the Army's version of a civilian SWAT team.
SRT's are deployed in the event a situation develops that is beyond the scope of the regular MP units assigned to that installation. Possible scenarios include: hostage situations, terrorist incidents, responding to a barricaded suspect, sniper attacks, VIP protection duties, and high risk searches. In the event that a SRT was deployed,the teams primary focus would be to save the lives of all parties involved.
Potential SRT members are selected from the ranks of experienced MPs. After passing an initial selection, candidates attend a two week long SRT 1 course at the US Army Military Police School. The course provides 160 hours of instruction on various techniques. Students receive instruction in selective firing, physical training, rappelling, breaching techniques, and tactics. Students must successfully complete eight scenarios, including some conducted at night, to graduate. SRT marksman-observers (snipers) attend a separate one week long SRT 2 course. Team members receive additional training at USArmy, civilian, and military training courses.
A standard SRT consists of 9-10 men led by a team leader. 5-6 men compromise the entry team, with the remaining four men making up two 2-man sniper teams. The teams are outfitted with standard Army BDUs, black kevlar helmets, tactical thigh holsters, and tactical vests with built in radios. Weapons available for employment by team members include the M-9 Barretta pistol, M-16 and M-4 rifles, HK MP-5 submachine guns, Remington 870 shotguns, and M-24 sniper rifles (modified Remington 700s).
READ Special Reaction -Originally printed in Soldiers Magazine