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.
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 QRFs, with a main mission of security and reconnaissance.[2][3]
A quick reaction force belongs directly to the commander of the unit it is created from and is typically held in the reserve.[4]
A rapid deployment force (RDF) is a military formation that is capable of fast deployment outside their country's borders. They typically consist of well-trained military units (special forces, paratroopers, marines, etc.) that can be deployed fairly quickly or on short notice, usually from other major assets and without requiring a large organized support force immediately. [citation needed]
The concept of a United Nations rapid reaction force was proposed in the mid-1990s by several commentators and officials, including Secretary-GeneralBoutros Boutros-Ghali. The UN rapid reaction force would consist of personnel stationed in their home countries, but they would have the same training, equipment, and procedures, and would conduct joint exercises. The force would remain at high readiness at all times so as to quickly deploy them where necessary.[5]
The Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) is a NATO rapid reaction force, established in 1992. A successor to the British Army's I Corps, the ARRC is capable of rapidly deploying a NATO headquarters for operations and crisis response.[6]
The European Rapid Operational Force (EUROFOR) was a European rapid reaction force under the European Union and Western European Union, established in 1995 and composed of military units from Italy, France, Portugal, and Spain. EUROFOR was tasked with performing duties outlined in the Petersberg Tasks. EUROFOR deployed to Kosovo from 2000 to 2001, and North Macedonia as part of EUFOR Concordia in 2003. After being converted into an EU Battlegroup, EUROFOR was dissolved in 2012.
The European Rapid Reaction Force (ERRF) was the intended result of the Helsinki Headline Goal. Though many media reports suggested the ERRF would be a European Union army, the Helsinki Headline Goal was little more than headquarters arrangements and a list of theoretically available national forces for a rapid reaction force.
The NATO Response Force (NRF) is a NATO rapid reaction force, established in 2003. Distinct from the ARRC, the NRF comprises land, sea, air, and special forces units that can be deployed quickly.
The Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) is divided into two types. The first is the airborne force responsible for the 31st Infantry Regiment, King Bhumibol's Guard. The second is infantry battalions designated as RDF, each Army Area has one RDF battalion including The 3rd Infantry Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment of the 9th Infantry Division was designated the RDF of the First Army Area. • The 1st Infantry Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment of the 6th Infantry Division was designated the RDF of the Second Army Area. • The 1st Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment of the 7th Infantry Division was designated the RDF of the Third Army Area. • The 2nd Infantry Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment of the 5th Infantry Division was designated the RDF of the Fouth Army Area.