There is no doubt, FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) has received a lot of flak for incidents such as Ruby Ridge but make no mistake, it is the most elite hostage rescue unit in the world. The HRT performs a variety of tactical law enforcement and national security functions, all of them in high risk environments. The unit has also deployed overseas for special missions.
The HRT is comprised of the Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU), field SWAT teams, and the Tactical Helicopter Unit (THU). All the individual units have a strict selection process that involves a 2 week selection course.
The HRT also trains several law enforcement and military units not only in the US but across the world.