Quick reaction force

A quick reaction force (QRF) is an armed military unit capable of rapidly responding to developing situations, usually to assist allied units in need of assistance. They are equipped to respond to any type of emergency within a short time frame, often only a few minutes, based on unit standard operating procedures (SOPs).[1] Cavalry units are frequently postured as quick reaction forces, with a main mission of security and reconnaissance.[2][3] They are generally platoon-sized in the U.S. military's combat arms.

A United States Army quick reaction force staging area at Camp Buehring, Kuwait in 2005

A QRF is a military reserve unit that belongs directly to the commander of the unit it is created from.[4] Depending on the unit size and protocols, the commander may be the only person authorized to control a QRF, or they may delegate this responsibility to one or more additional people. QRFs 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 a QRF is based on unit SOPs. Since maintaining extremely high levels of readiness is draining on equipment, resources, and personnel, a QRF is postured based on the likelihood of being called up. During a high-intensity conflict, a QRF may be forced to maintain high readiness, with all members waiting in their vehicles to respond. However, during a low-intensity conflict, when deployment is less likely and may be more readily predicted, command establishes how fast a QRF must be able to react, which can range from vehicles and personnel in a central location with the troops rotating regularly, to the vehicles 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 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. Depending on the mission requirement, additional units can be attached to an organic platoon to expand their capabilities. Examples include attaching explosive ordnance disposal teams to a QRF responding to bombs or similar threats, and vehicle recovery assets to a QRF expected to recover damaged trucks.

See also

References
  1. LTC (Retired) Michael T. Chychota and LTC (Retired) Edwin L. Kennedy Jr. (July–September 2014). "Who You Gonna Call? Deciphering the Difference Between Reserve, Quick Reaction, Striking and Tactical Combat Forces". INFANTRY. pp. 16–19. Archived from the original on 15 November 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2021.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: uses authors parameter (link)
  2. "Quick Reaction Force (QRF)". Globalsecurity.org. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
  3. Sgt. Greg Heath, USA. "10th Mountain Division Soldiers Provide Quick Reaction Force". defense.gov. American Forces Press Service. Archived from the original on 26 September 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
  4. Captain Jason C. Mackay. "The CSS Quick Reaction Force". Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2015.


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