FBI Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) Operator | SWAT & FBI Agent | Bicycle Bandit | Greg Shaffer
About This Episode
Today we have a Combat Story first with Greg Shaffer, who spent a career in the FBI as an Agent, SWAT member, and Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) operator. He also started his career leading a patrol boat team in the Coast Guard before moving over to the Bureau.
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In this episode, we talk about the selection and entry process to both the FBI and HRT, the origins and mission of the HRT - which numbers fewer than 500 members since its inception in the early 1980s, one of the most successful surveillance and bust operations you’ll ever hear against the Bicycle Bandit, Operation Black Widow, border security, taking down targets and the hunting the deck of cards in Iraq with Delta Force and more.
Greg now runs Shaffer Security Group that provides executive protection, active shooter response, investigations, firearms training and more. He also wrote Stay Safe: Security Secrets for Today’s Dangerous World, which provides practical lessons on mindset, situational awareness, and self-defense.
It took us too long to have our first Bureau agent and HRT operator on the show and we’ll absolutely be looking to have more. With that, please enjoy this hilarious but inspiring discussion with former FBI Agent and HRT operator Greg Shaffer.
Shaffer Security Group - https://shaffersecuritygroup.com/our-founder/ Stay Safe: Security Secrets for Today’s Dangerous World https://www.amazon.com/Stay-Safe-Security-Secrets-Dangerous/dp/1948484579
Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes:
Greg is a former FBI agent, SWAT team member, and HRT operator. Discover the intensity of his career, including in-depth insights into high-stakes operations such as the Bicycle Bandit and DC Sniper cases. Greg discusses the complexities of HRT selection, major national security concerns, especially regarding border security, and the adrenaline-fueled world of elite FBI missions. Learn about his background, transition from the Coast Guard to the FBI, and the indispensable qualities required in law enforcement. This narrative provides a compelling look at true crime, FBI operations, and military strategies.
Greg Shaffer
Chapters
- 00:00Intro
- 00:46Guest Intro: Greg Schaefer's Journey from Coast Guard to FBI
- 02:27The Threat Landscape: Border Security and National Safety
- 05:14The Significance of a Special Painting: HRT Brotherhood
- 08:10Choosing a Career in Law Enforcement: It's in the Blood
- 08:57From the Coast Guard to FBI: A Path of Service
- 16:00The Rigorous FBI Selection Process
- 28:34First Steps and Early Successes in the FBI
- 40:10The Dynamics of SWAT Operations
- 45:10The Mental Toll of Law Enforcement Work
- 45:49Undercover Challenges and Mental Separation
- 46:35Comparing Military and Law Enforcement Stress
- 47:17The Importance of Mental Resilience
- 48:19Transitioning to HRT and Selection Process Insights
- 48:44Sponsor Break: Mint Mobile's Offer
- 49:58HRT Selection: A Grueling Process
- 54:26Tactical Training and Surveillance in HRT
- 55:36The Origins and Mission of HRT
- 01:01:14Challenges and Operations with HRT
- 01:13:12Public Perception of Law Enforcement
- 01:16:36Writing a Book on Active Shooter Survival
- 01:26:37Reflections and Advice for Future Generations
