Special Reaction Team

United States Marine Corps Special Reaction Teams (SRT) are elite specialized units with a capability similar to that of civilian S.W.A.T. units. They are formed from specially-trained Military Police officers of the Marine Corps' Provost Marshall's Office (PMO).

Special Reaction Team - Role

The role of the Special Reaction Team is to respond to a crisis situation at the installation they are stationed. The type of situation that may see the SRT called in include:

• terrorist attack
• hostage situations
• barricaded incidents (with or witout hostages)
• VIP protection (as a response force)

Special Reaction Team - Video

Special Reaction Team - Organization

• Entry Element
  • 1 x Team Leader
  • 1 x Pointman
  • 2 x Defensemen
  • 1 x Rear Security
• Cover Element / 2nd Entry Element
  • 2 x Marksmen
  • 2 x Observers / Recorders

Special Reaction Team - Training

• phase 1 focuses on the skills required of a Special Reaction Team entry team member.
• phase 2 focuses on the skill set employed by a Special Reaction Team marksman/observer

Members of a USMC Special Reaction Team stack up in preparation to enter a room during an exercise. Like civilian S.W.A.T. teams, SRTs use a selection of specialized equipment such as ballistic shields and stun grenades. SRT personnel wear kevlar helmets, fireproof coveralls and body armor. Typical weapons used are M4 Carbines, MP5 sub machine guns, M9 pistols and M1014 shotgun. SRT marksmen use the M40 and M14 DMR sniper rifles.

DoD photo by LCPL SARAH M. HARMAN, USMC

Special Reaction Team Resources

• photos : Special Reaction Team
  
  
  (click thumbnail for fullsize image)
  
  photo gallery : Special Reaction Team

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