Rapid Response Teams
Starfleet and the Federation prefer to resolve conflicts peacefully whenever possible. However, they also recognize there are times when a peaceful solution is not possible. Those are the times when Starfleet calls upon its Rapid Response Teams.
History
Throughout its history, Starfleet has been an organization devoted to exploration and expanding the frontiers of knowledge. Its military functions are primarily defensive. However, events in recent years have highlighted the need for personnel trained in small-unit tactics for ground and station operations. Cardassian raids on Federation colonies, along with the Borg invasion of 2367, showed that a few well-placed and highly trained personnel could make the difference between a successful defense and a terrible defeat. In response to these needs, Starfleet initiated the Rapid Response Team program. Security personnel were formed into small, highly mobile teams, and trained in traditional military tactics.
The program proved a complete success. On the occasions when Starfleet has been forced to use the Rapid Response Teams-such as the attempt by Bolian separatists to capture and hold Starbase 214 for ransom in 2369, or the riots on the Korba IV penal colony-the use of the teams resulted in a quick resolution of the situation with minimal loss of life.
During the Dominion War, the Response Team program was expanded as the Federation's need for trained and capable soldiers became extreme. A large number of Response Team members died fighting Jem'Hadar troops while holding or retaking vital Federation outposts, and the RRT personnel were honored with Starfleet commendations for valor and bravery.
Following the end of the Dominion War, Starfleet took steps to maintain the remaining Rapid Response Teams at pre-war levels, despite demands from more militant factions of Starfleet Command to continue expanding the program. The Federation, and Starfleet, wishes to return to the business of peace as soon as possible, but the Rapid Response Teams always stand ready for the call to action to protect the values the Federation holds most dear, with their lives, if necessary.
Organization
The Rapid Response Team is based around a squad-level of organization, a small 5 or 6 person ground consisting of a commanding officer of Lieutenant rank or higher, a medic, and 3 or 4 security/operations officers. The members of the squad train together on a regular basis to hone their skills and function efficiently as a team.
The Superintendent of the Rapid Response Teams answers directly to the Chief of Starfleet Security, making the teams a special branch of the Office of Starfleet Security. Teams are mobilized in times of need. Otherwise, they are assigned to starships and starbases as ordinary security officers, with some additional training requirements, available for duty when Starfleet calls.
Operations
Rapid Response Team operations include assaulting, capturing, and maintaining tactical positions in times of crisis or war. Starfleet has worked to expand the functions of the Response Teams to include more peacetime functions, particularly counter-terrorist actions, strikes against pirates and raiders, aid and assistance to planetary authorities in times of crisis, search-and-rescue operations, and liberation of illegally held territory. The aim is to use the RRTs in a "surgical" manner-cutting with precision to remove unhealthy elements while leaving the rest of the body intact and healthy.