During his visit to Hanoi, U.S. President Joe Biden was accompanied by a formidable security team. These soldiers are part of the Counter-Assault Teams (CAT), an elite unit equipped with modern weapons and gear, ready to neutralize and eliminate any threats in the shortest time possible to protect the president.
The primary agency responsible for ensuring the safety of the U.S. President is the United States Secret Service (USSS). Within the USSS, there are several specialized teams, including the Presidential Protective Division (PPD) and the Counter-Assault Teams (CAT).
After the President enters the security vehicle known as The Beast, agents are positioned to shield the door.
This agent is always in a ready stance to respond to any situation.
Images captured from a high vantage point at Noi Bai Airport show two members of the Counter-Assault Team using binoculars and sniper rifles for surveillance.
In another position, two members of this unit are also present. Notably, this high-security team includes female elite operatives.
They are constantly vigilant, tasked with detecting distant attacks.
Members of the CAT can be easily recognized by their tactical backpacks containing various weapons and modern equipment.
Before joining the Counter-Assault Team, these soldiers must have served a period within the United States Secret Service. Once selected, they undergo specialized training that includes ambush tactics and close combat.
Training exercises include competitive and physical challenges, such as wearing three layers of clothing and a 45-pound (20 kg) vest while running 1.5 miles (2.4 km) in under nine minutes.
However, physical fitness alone is not sufficient; CAT soldiers must also possess nerves of steel and mastery of heavy weaponry.
One of the special tests for joining this unit requires them to sprint 400 meters, pick up a firearm, and hit a target, or perform dozens of kettlebell swings before aiming and shooting. Only about 10% of candidates are ultimately selected.
Each member is equipped with specialized weapons.
In the event a VIP vehicle or location is attacked by multiple assailants, the CAT is responsible for diverting and neutralizing the attackers.
At that time, the bodyguards will work to escort the VIP to safety, while the sniper team is tasked with scanning the entire area for hidden enemy shooters.
Members of the CAT are classified as “special forces,” continuously attacking the enemy with heavy fire to create an opportunity for the President to safely enter the armored “Beast” vehicle.
In the motorcade, the CAT is placed in a black van following the “Beast” carrying the President.
Unlike regular agents (PPD) who wear suits and carry handguns, CAT members are always dressed in tactical gear that looks very rugged and intimidating.
Becoming a Secret Service agent protecting the U.S. President is challenging, but being a member of CAT is even more difficult, as these “super agents” are held to extremely high standards of physical and mental fitness.
In addition to the standard requirements from the USSS, CAT has exceptionally strict recruitment regulations. To date, no one, including the world’s top athletes, has been directly recruited into the CAT training program.
Throughout its history, only a few rare women have made it onto the recruitment list of this unit.
An image of a PPD agent in a suit, guarding assigned positions at Noi Bai Airport.
Members of the CAT always meet directly to exchange specific mission details.
They are easily recognizable in photos by their badges on the left lapel, dark sunglasses, and particularly their specialized gear.
When assigned a mission, the leaders of the CAT are responsible for directly briefing the members.
During President Biden’s visit to Vietnam, besides the crucial role of the elite CAT prepared to respond to any attacks on the U.S. President, a fleet of supercars driven by these soldiers was also present.
