Rapid reaction force

A rapid reaction force / rapid response force (RRF), quick reaction force / quick response force (QRF), immediate reaction force (IRF), rapid deployment force (RDF) or quick maneuver force (QMF) is a military or police unit capable of responding to emergencies in a very short time frame.

When used in reference to law enforcement and security forces, such as police tactical units, the time frame is usually minutes, while in military applications, such as paratroopers or commandos, the time frame can be minutes, hours or days. Rapid reaction forces are designed to intervene quickly as a spearhead to gain and hold ground in quickly unfolding combat or low-intensity conflicts, such as uprisings that necessitate the evacuation of foreign embassies.

They are usually transported by air. Rapid reaction forces are usually lightly armed—limited to small arms and light crew-served weapons, and lacking vehicles, armor, and heavy equipment—but are often very well-trained to compensate.