Hanford Patrol Tactical and Special Response Forces
The Department of Energy (DOE) recognized that a successful attack on any nuclear facility could have devastating consequences for national security. As a result, an "elite force" patterned after the U.S. military's Special Forces was developed to protect sites that house Special Nuclear Material (SNM). The TRF is comprised of two full-time elements, these being the Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Special Response Team (SRT). Although trained in barricaded subject, vehicle assault, hostage rescue and other tactical techniques, the primary mission of the TRF is to deny adversary access to SNM. If necessary, the TRF is also trained and equipped to recover SNM that is under unauthorized control.
The TRF is an "all environment" force capable of operating effectively under any lighting and weather conditions. Most of the weapons employed by the TRF are similar to those found on traditional SWAT teams. These include: CQB equipped M4 rifles, semi-auto handguns, shotguns (Tactical Breaching); and accurized bolt guns (precision rifle operations). Team entry equipment is fairly standard and includes ballistic shields, diversionary devices and various breaching tools. In addition, the SNM protection mission requires the employment of special "heavy" weapons typical to military applications.
A dedicated training team allows TRF members to attend 300+ hours of training annually. Training is conducted at the Patrol Training Academy (PTA). The PTA houses numerous classroom facilities, an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC), a gymnasium, and a running track. The ten live fire ranges located at the PTA include a 360 degree live-fire-shoot house, a known-distance range and several others designed for special weapons. TRF members must qualify semi-annually on all assigned weapons systems (approximately 17 courses) above the 90 percentile.
To stay abreast of current trends, all instructors for Hanford Patrol attend the National Training Center Special Response Team and Firearms Instructor Courses. In addition, TRF Instructors have also graduated from at least one of the following, Washington State Tactical Officers Association SWAT course, LAPD SWAT Instructor Training, Special Operations Training Group (SOTG) Close Quarters Battle (CQB) Instructor, Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance, Target Analysis and Exploitation Techniques Course (SFARTAETC) and many other related courses. The TRF also maintains a reciprocal training relationship with elements of the DOD Special Operations Community.
