Quick reaction force
Encyclopedia
Quick Reaction Force or (QRF) is a military unit, generally platoon
-sized in the United States Marine Corps
, that is capable of rapid response to developing situations. They are to have equipment ready, to respond to any type of emergency, typically within ten minutes or less, although this is based on unit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Cavalry
Army units are frequently postured as quick reaction forces, with a main mission of security and reconnaissance
.
The QRF is a modern military reserve
, and belongs directly to the commander of the unit it is created from. Depending on the unit size and protocols, the commander may be the only person authorized to control the QRF force, or he may delegate this responsibility to one or more additional people. QRF forces are commonly found in Maneuver Battalion
–level Task Forces and above, in addition to many Operating Bases having their own dedicated QRF to react to threats on or immediately around the base.
The readiness level of the QRF is based on unit SOPs. Since maintaining a split-second level of readiness is draining on equipment, fuel and personnel, the QRF is postured based on the likelihood of being called up. During high-intensity conflict, the QRF may be forced to maintain that split-second level of readiness, and have all members in their vehicles with the motors running. However, during low-intensity conflict, where deployment is less likely and may be more readily predicted, the command establishes how fast the QRF must be able to react, which can range from trucks and personnel in a central location with the troops rotating out of the trucks to the vehicles simply staged close to a unit area, with all personnel staying close enough for rapid recall. The speed at which a QRF is expected to react is defined by its Readiness Condition, or REDCON
, level.
The mission of a QRF can vary widely, as they are used to respond to any threat the commander chooses to employ them for. A US Army QRF consists of a variable number of trucks, generally a mix of M1151 Up-Armored HMMWVs
and, since their introduction, MRAPs
. Depending on the mission requirement, additional units can be attached to an organic platoon to expand their capabilities. Examples include attaching Explosive Ordnance Disposal
(EOD) teams to a QRF responding to bombs or similar threats, and vehicle recovery assets to a QRF expected to recover damaged trucks.
Platoon
A platoon is a military unit typically composed of two to four sections or squads and containing 16 to 50 soldiers. Platoons are organized into a company, which typically consists of three, four or five platoons. A platoon is typically the smallest military unit led by a commissioned officer—the...
-sized in the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
, that is capable of rapid response to developing situations. They are to have equipment ready, to respond to any type of emergency, typically within ten minutes or less, although this is based on unit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Cavalry
Cavalry
Cavalry or horsemen were soldiers or warriors who fought mounted on horseback. Cavalry were historically the third oldest and the most mobile of the combat arms...
Army units are frequently postured as quick reaction forces, with a main mission of security and reconnaissance
Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance is the military term for exploring beyond the area occupied by friendly forces to gain information about enemy forces or features of the environment....
.
The QRF is a modern military reserve
Military reserve
A military reserve, tactical reserve, or strategic reserve is a group of military personnel or units which are initially not committed to a battle by their commander so that they are available to address unforeseen situations or exploit suddenly developing...
, and belongs directly to the commander of the unit it is created from. Depending on the unit size and protocols, the commander may be the only person authorized to control the QRF force, or he may delegate this responsibility to one or more additional people. QRF forces are commonly found in Maneuver Battalion
Battalion
A battalion is a military unit of around 300–1,200 soldiers usually consisting of between two and seven companies and typically commanded by either a Lieutenant Colonel or a Colonel...
–level Task Forces and above, in addition to many Operating Bases having their own dedicated QRF to react to threats on or immediately around the base.
The readiness level of the QRF is based on unit SOPs. Since maintaining a split-second level of readiness is draining on equipment, fuel and personnel, the QRF is postured based on the likelihood of being called up. During high-intensity conflict, the QRF may be forced to maintain that split-second level of readiness, and have all members in their vehicles with the motors running. However, during low-intensity conflict, where deployment is less likely and may be more readily predicted, the command establishes how fast the QRF must be able to react, which can range from trucks and personnel in a central location with the troops rotating out of the trucks to the vehicles simply staged close to a unit area, with all personnel staying close enough for rapid recall. The speed at which a QRF is expected to react is defined by its Readiness Condition, or REDCON
REDCON
In the U.S. military, the term REDCON is short for Readiness Condition and is used to refer to a unit's readiness to respond to and engage in combat operations. There are five REDCON levels, as described below in this excerpt from Army Field Manual 71-1....
, level.
The mission of a QRF can vary widely, as they are used to respond to any threat the commander chooses to employ them for. A US Army QRF consists of a variable number of trucks, generally a mix of M1151 Up-Armored HMMWVs
M1151
The M1151 Enhanced Armament Carrier is an improved version of the standard Humvee designed to replace the M1025A2 used by the United States Armed Forces as a response to United States Central Command requirements....
and, since their introduction, MRAPs
MRAP (armored vehicle)
A Mine Resistant Ambush Protected is a family of armored fighting vehicles design led by the United States Marine Corps in use by the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations Forces with the goal of surviving IED attacks and ambushes - prompted by US deaths in Iraq...
. Depending on the mission requirement, additional units can be attached to an organic platoon to expand their capabilities. Examples include attaching Explosive Ordnance Disposal
Bomb disposal
Bomb disposal is the process by which hazardous explosive devices are rendered safe. Bomb disposal is an all encompassing term to describe the separate, but interrelated functions in the following fields:*Military:...
(EOD) teams to a QRF responding to bombs or similar threats, and vehicle recovery assets to a QRF expected to recover damaged trucks.
See also
- Base defense operations centerBase defense operations centerA base defense operations center is a command and control facility established by the base commander to serve as the focal point for base security and defense....
- Force protectionForce protectionForce protection or FP is a term used by the US military to describe preventive measures taken to mitigate hostile actions in specific areas or against a specific populous, usually Department of Defense personnel , resources, facilities, and critical information.-See also:*Pentagon Force Protection...
- Rapid reaction forceRapid reaction forceA rapid reaction force is a military or police unit designed to respond in very short time frames to emergencies. When used in reference to police forces such as SWAT teams, the time frame is minutes, while in military applications, such as with the use of paratroops or other commandos, the time...
- Ready Reaction ForceReady Reaction Force-Combat Theater Base Ready Reaction Force:The Ready Reaction Force is the first response to the military's Quick Reaction Force RRF, generally Platoon-sized unit in the US Army, designed and capable of rapid response to situations that develop in a very short time frame...
RRFReady Reaction Force-Combat Theater Base Ready Reaction Force:The Ready Reaction Force is the first response to the military's Quick Reaction Force RRF, generally Platoon-sized unit in the US Army, designed and capable of rapid response to situations that develop in a very short time frame...