Police Nationale RAID (France)
Affectionately nicknamed “the Black Panthers” for their distinctive black uniforms, the RAID was established in 1985 to combat violent criminals and terrorists.
This elite squad of only 60 members is on duty when foreign dignitaries arrive in Paris – ensuring that important visitors can safely enjoy their stay.
Only the fittest and most experienced candidates with a minimum of five years on the force are chosen. Of the annual (on average) 600 applicants, an average of 10 will successfully make it through to join this elite squad.
For nine months, trainees undergo six hours of grueling daily physical training. Martial arts, tactics, and sharpshooting become second nature to the RAID as they learn how to board planes, trains, and buses; rescue hostages; perform attacks from helicopters; outdrive their opponents with reckless abandon, and even parachute.
Once they have mastered the basics, many proceed to elite military units while remaining on call, to further hone their skills.
Royal Mounted Police (Canada)
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), also known as “the Mounties”, is one of the most iconic law enforcement agencies in Canada. Established in 1873, the organization has become synonymous with safety, security, and justice.
As a federal police force, the RCMP’s duties include protecting federal property, ensuring the safety of national leaders, and enforcing federal laws.
The RCMP has a rigorous training program that recruits must pass before becoming Mounties. Applicants must go through physical strength tests to ensure they can perform the duties of an officer, including high-speed pursuits, combat training, and first aid.
In terms of equipment, Mounties carry firearms such as Glock 17s and Sig Sauer P226 pistols, along with various non-lethal weapons like stun guns, batons, and pepper spray.
On average, only 10-15% of applicants make it through the training program and become RCMP officers. Those who do are proud to serve their country, upholding justice and protecting the people of Canada.
Today, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police continue to be a symbol of law and order across Canada, proudly protecting and serving their country.
SWAT (United States)
A SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team is a highly trained law enforcement unit designed for special operations. They are typically tasked with managing large-scale and high-risk events, such as hostage situations, riots, or active shooters.
The Los Angeles Police Department formed the first official SWAT team in 1967 in the aftermath of the Watts Riots.
The training requirements of a SWAT team are rigorous and require specialized skills such as marksmanship, tactical driving, hostage negotiation, breaching techniques, and urban assault operations.
Members must also pass physical fitness tests, psychological evaluations, and firearms tests. To complete the grueling demands of SWAT training, true dedication is essential. Only 10-15% of those undertaking this endeavor prevail.
SWAT teams have accomplished several impressive feats, including arresting the notorious serial killer Ted Bundy.
They have also responded to terrorist attacks in Paris and London, helped stop an active shooter at a shopping mall in Oregon, and successfully diffused a hostage situation at an elementary school in Connecticut. SWAT’s specialized training allows them to keep order even in moments of chaos, making them an invaluable asset during times of crisis.
The Yamam (Israel)
Following the tragic Ma’alot massacre of 1974 in which 21 children were killed, the Israeli Border Police’s Yamam unit was formed. Intended to help prevent any similar crisis from arising again and provide an effective response should it occur, this special police force quickly gained a reputation as a highly-skilled counterterrorism outfit.
As expected, they are well-armed; however, one of their favorite tools is an armored bulldozer with which they can quickly demolish structures suspected of housing terrorists.
Yamam’s operations remain shrouded in secrecy. However, we know that its 200 officers must undergo a rigorous training program.
Israel is renowned for its superior security standards, leading to these stringent procedures being enforced.
To be eligible for the Yamam, applicants must have served in the military for at least three years and possess an outstanding service record.
Some Yamam candidates even come from elite special forces units. Their training period lasts six months and culminates in a “hell week” that’s one of the most grueling training experiences in the world.
GSG 9 (Germany)
During the Munich Olympics of 1972, 11 Israelis were murdered in a terrorist attack that would later become known as “The Munich Massacre”.
In response to this unspeakable crime and Germany’s lack of readiness, GSG 9 was founded – a special counter-terrorism unit dedicated to ensuring that nothing like that would ever happen again.
The GSG 9 is trained to respond quickly and effectively to situations ranging from hostage rescue to counter-terrorism operations.
Operatives are highly trained in the field of hand-to-hand combat, counterterrorism tactics, and firearms/explosives expertise. They have access to some of the most advanced weapons – from assault rifles to sniper rifles or even helicopters at their disposal.
Not only have they taken part in a multitude of raids and operations against potential terrorists all over Europe, but they also provide other police forces with comprehensive training on counterterrorism tactics.
To join the prestigious GSG 9 unit, officers must have two years of service and pass a demanding medical and psychological assessment. This selection process consists of an arduous sixteen-week basic training followed by nine weeks of specialized classes that require applicants to demonstrate their commitment.
Only a small percentage (1-2%) of applicants succeed in making it through the program.