''Grupo de Acción Rápida'' (GAR) () is the tier two police tactical unit of the Spanish Civil Guard (). that specialized in quick response to emergencies with SWAT unit tactics.

Mission

The unit's missions primarily involve anti-irregular military, apprehension of armed and dangerous criminals, counterterrorism and hostage rescue crisis management, executive protection, high-risk tactical law enforcement situations, operating in difficult to access terrain, protecting high-level meeting areas, providing security in areas at risk of attack or terrorism, special reconnaissance in difficult to access and dangerous areas, support crowd control and riot control, and tactical special operations.

History

Tracing its origins to the ''Unidad Antiterrorista Rural'' (UAR) formed in April 1978. The ''Grupo Antiterrorista Rural'' was formed in 1982 and later renamed to ''Grupo de Acción Rápida''. It is based in

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. Initially aimed to counter

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(ETA), since 1998 it has re-oriented towards international deployments, taking part in European Union (EU), NATO, and United Nations (UN) missions in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Central African Republic, Haiti, Kosovo, and the Lebanon.

Training

Applicants to GAR have to complete over five months of training with between 25% and 30% completing the course.

Equipment

Firearms used include the Heckler & Koch USP Compact 9×19mm, Heckler & Koch MP5 9×19mm and the Heckler & Koch HK417 7.62×51mm respectively.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Grupo de Acción Rápida Civil Guard (Spain) Police tactical units Gendarmerie units and formations