R.A.I.D., which stands for Recherche, Assistance, Intervention, Dissuasion, is the elite police unit of the National Police in France. They are the official counter partner of the GIGN unit of French Gendarmerie. RAID is called in for more than 400 missions a year.

They are trained for various situations, such as hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, and the arrestation of high profile criminals in organized crime.

Motto: "Servir, sans Faillir"
Translation To serve without failing

Established in: "1985"

To join RAID, one must be a French Citizen, have to have spend 3 years within the National Police, have a high school diploma (BAC), and be younger than 35 years of age at the beginning of the selection course. In order to join pre-selection, one must be recommended by their superior. Usually, in the end, only 10% of the people who started Selection will be considered members of RAID.

Pre-Selection Process RAID

The Pre-Screening test changes from year to year. Therefore the exercises listed here might have only been valid for one year. However, certain exercises seem to remain part of the testing program, such as the cooper test, pullups, and pushups. The physical testing portion is performed within the first days of a 1-week selection process. The limits are set by the staff, and it can be also assumed that it changes every year. The numbers listed here are an assumption. The only known factual requirements are the minimum required for the cooper test, which is that the candidate needs to cover 2800 meters within 12 minutes, and the rope climb.

French RAID FNIP Selection

During the next phase, the candidates are closely monitored by psychologists, who are trying to determine if the candidates possess the traits needed for the unit. Hesitation, lack of confidence, or inability to control stress will most likely result in being kicked off the course. The second day starts with a 45-minute run early and bright in the morning, followed by a 10-meter tower jump into the water with some water instructions. The next event will test the candidates fear of heights, and memory skills. They have to climb a very tall ladder, find a weapon, look at the serial number, remember it, and recite the number when reaching the ground. This is followed by running upstairs with a 15KG ruck, a jump from one building to another in 20 meters of height, and a 30-meter jump into a well, without knowing how safe it is. This is followed by a test of extreme pressure. The candidates are tasked with remembering 3 names, are blindfolded, and have to hold onto a cord, which they have to follow in order to pass this event. During this event, while blindfolded, they will be jumped by dogs, hear gunshots at close range, be attacked by staff members, have objects thrown in their directions, and be constantly exposed to deafening noises. If they let go of the cord, or won't be able to remember the names at the end of this event, they will not pass the event. This is followed by a boxing matchup with a current Raid member, a 30 KM night match, and a final interview in front of current RAID members.

Attributes of a RAID Operator:

In order to be a good RAID Operator, one must be completely devoted to this unit. One must have perfect psychological and physical attributes, and can never hesitate or fall back during a mission (intervention). Since the operators will face daring challenges, they have to be able to be cold-blooded and be able to adapt to any type of situation.

They also need to prove patience in delicate situations, be an excellent psychologist in hostage situations, and come with a team mindset. The operators need to be able to rely on each other and have to have excellent communication skills.