When would they be used?

With so many terror-fighting units at the U.S. disposal, how do they determine what unit to use?

For example, I know all domestic hostage situations are dealt with by the F.B.I. Hostage Rescue Team. But is there ever a time where, let's say, Los Angeles Police Department D-Platoon (SWAT) would handle the situation? I also know military units cannot be used in domestic crises unless there is presidential authorization. However, if an American cruise liner was taken hostage in American waters, would DevGru handle the situation?

Finally, there is Delta Force. Being more of a counter-terrorist unit than an anti-terrorist unit, is it used mostly to premptively destroy terrorists? Under what conditions would it be used in a hostage situation?

You answered your own question, it wouldnt basically because when delta force is used, two opposing sides go in with civilians in between, one comes out with half that amount of civilians left.

you do the math...

Army Rangers usually take down and secure airports.

Not really. I mean, in a domestic hostage situation, would they use HRT or the local SWAT team like D-Platoon? And what would they use in a ship hostage situation? HRT or DevGru?

If it was UK it would b SBS, but those guys are Bad Ass, thatz y no1 ever tries to hijack an Oil rig or anything, dunno bout ur US things tho

Army Rangers:

Usually operate in groups in excess of 20. Used primarily for large scale high profile operations.

Army Green Berets:

Usually operate in groups in excess of 2 but no larger than 15. Used primarily for covert operations overseas in areas not accessible by traditional means.

Army Delta Force:

Usually operate in groups in excess of 2 but no larger than 15. Used primarily for counter-terrorism and hostage situations.

Marine Force Recon:

Usually operate in groups in excess of 2 but no larger than 20. Used primarily for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering missions.

Navy SEALs

Usually operate in groups in excess of 2 but no larger than 20. Used for maritime missions and other situations, depending on the unit.


Navy EOD

Usually operate in groups in excess of 2 but no larger than 6. Used to disarm and dismantle explosives, and plant and set explosives.

Navy Divers

Usually operate in groups of 2. Used to conduct salvaging operations, recoveries, and mining/de-mining operations.


Air Force CC's

Usually operate in groups in excess of 2 but no larger than 6. Used to direct air traffic in combat zones and conduct recon.

Air Force PJ's

Usually operate in groups in excess of 2 but no larger than 6. Used to rescue downed pilots and on occasion, POW's.

That about sums it up for the military, although there are a few specialized units I did not mention. It depends on the mission situation. If a particular situation fits one group better than another, then they go in. That's pretty much how it's done. It's the same way with civilians.

Mr. M

There are Marines trained as boarding parties and deployed in the fleet.

Whoa, so not what I was asking. Geez, the question is pretty clear!

I was not talking about special operations in general, I was talking about SPECIALIZED U.S. counter/anti-terrorist forces. When would each of the U.S. counter/anti-terrorist forces be used?

So in the case where an American civilian ship is taken hostage in American waters, you're saying the Marine Fleet Anti-Terrorist Team (FAST) would be the ones who conduct the rescue?

in urbanized warfare here in America, National Gaurd if large enough, if smaller, the SWAT of the local police department.

If dealing with terrorists that have no hostage and the mission is go in a kill, then Counter Terrorists will be used.

Depends on the cituation.

ShatteredSkies,

So let's say in Los Angeles, a violent domestic gang takes an entertainment center hostage. LAPD SWAT would be used, right?

Next, assume al Jihad terrorists took a corporate building hostage. FBI HRT would be used, right?

Finally, a Royal Caribbean cruiser liner is taken hostage in New York Harbor. Would Marine Special Reaction Units or DevGru be used?