User:SRT2016/sandbox/US Customs and Border Protection, Special Response Team

US Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Special Response Team (OFO SRT)

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Special Response Team (SRT) is the special operations unit within CBP's Office of Field Operations (OFO). The team was founded in 2007 in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, after agency realization that OFO did not have a unit which was trained to respond to threats which pose an especially high risk to the pubic or other law enforcement personnel.

SRT is comprised of approximately 150 SRT Operators, who are spread out among 20 OFO Field Offices across the United States. The 150 operators are divided into full time or reserve status which is dependent upon their unit assignment or the number of SRT Operators assigned to a field office.

History
SRT traces its origins to the US Border Patrol's elite tactical unit, BORTAC, who provided the initial instruction during early iterations of the SRT Basic Selection Courses (BSC). BORTAC continues to provide training and counseling to SRT at the field office and national level. SRT Operators also receives medical training and support from the US Border Patrol's search and rescue unit, BORSTAR.

Organization Tasking
SRT Operators have three primary missions; responding to national security threats, responding to threats occurring at or outside the ports of entry, and providing advanced instruction to CBP personnel, other law enforcement agencies, and global partners in border security.

SRT Operators are considered to be deployable for threats to national security (terrorist attacks, border security threats, etc.) and have been deployed numerous times during natural disasters, during National Special Security Events, and to aid other law enforcement during joint operations.

Training
Each SRT Operator must pass a rigorous selection process, which is divided into three phases. During Phase I, CBP Officers aspiring to become an SRT Operator must apply during the national recruiting phase, and be approved to apply through a stringent vetting process. Generally, any CBP Officer with a history of unsatisfactory work, conduct unbecoming of a CBP Officer, or letters of reprimand will not be referred to continue with the SRT Selection Process

Phase II is the initial Physical Abilities Test (PAT), Swim Test (SWT), and Structured Panel Interview.

The Physical Abilities Test consists of the following:

1.5 Mile run with a maximum time of 11 minutes 40 Push ups with a maximum time of 1 minute 60 Sit-ups with a maximum time of 2 minutes 7 Pull-ups or Chin-ups 6-Mile ruck march carrying 45 pounds

The Swim Test consists of the following:

45 minute survival float 20 minute water tread 100 meter swim (any stroke)

Candidates who successfully pass the PAT and SWT will be referred for the Structured Panel Interview, which is conducted by SRT Personnel and field office upper management. Candidates that pass the PAT, the SWT and the Structured Panel Interview will continue on to Phase III.

Phase III consists of the SRT Basic Selection Course (BSC), which is a rigorous course lasting approximately 19 days, and will test the SRT Candidate physically and mentally. Concepts of the selection course include leadership, teamwork, integrity, and professionalism. Candidates receive training in many aspects of tactical law enforcement to include but not limited to advanced firearms training with the pistol and M4 Carbine, Close Quarter Combat (CQC), Active Shooter Response, Personal Security, Vehicle Assault, Dismounted Team Tactics, etc. The SRT Basic Selection Course historically has an attrition rate of 65-75% depending on the initial class size, which can vary from approximately 40 - 75 candidates.

Advanced and Continuing Training
Once SRT Candidates graduate the BSC, they are now considered to be a certified member of the OFO Special Response Team. SRT Operators are exposed to some of the most sought after and advanced tactical, medical, and logistical training available, and generally receive advanced training from the CBP Advanced Training Center, US Military Special Operations Units and former military and law enforcement special operations private contractors. SRT Operators are expected to complete a minimum of 280 hours of training and pass the SRT PAT annually to retain certification.

SRT Rank Structure
SRT is organized, developed and guided by SRT Headquarters in Washington DC, and is directed by the SRT Commander. While control of local SRTs are controlled by the field office Director of Field Operations at the local level, the SRT Commander has the ability to deploy SRT Operators from any field office during national emergencies or other operations that require the specific skill set of SRT.

SRT Operators may hold the following positions within OFO:

'''SRT Headquarters ''' SRT Commander (Washington DC) SRT Program Manager (Washington DC)

'''SRT Field Teams ''' SRT Special Operations Chief (SOC) SRT Special Operations Supervisor (SOS) SRT Team Leader SRT Assistant Team Leader SRT Operator (Active or Reserve)