Government Security Bureau Concludes Inaugural Counter Assault Team Academy
The Government Security Bureau is happy to announce the successful completion of the first training academy for the Counter Assault Team. This achievement marks the official activation of the Bureau’s newest and most advanced tactical element, built to provide full-spectrum support during high-risk protection missions, hostile engagements, and statewide emergency incidents. Members of the Counter Assault Team are selected from the most capable agents of the Government Security Bureau and held to an elevated standard modelled after counterassault doctrine, emphasising precision, coordination, rapid threat neutralisation, and disciplined decision-making under pressure.
Academy Leadership and Structure
The academy was directed by three senior leaders from the Government Security Bureau Special Operations.
Special Agent Johnnie Ravenhill
Agent in Charge of the Counter Assault Team and lead instructor for breaching, clearing, and advanced tactical movement. Ravenhill taught modules reflecting CQB methodology with a focus on threshold dominance, deep corner recognition, cross-coverage discipline, and adaptive entry techniques for deliberate and crisis entries.
Lead Agent Lue Washington
Assistant Agent in Charge of Special Operations and creator of the Counter Assault Team program. Washington provided introductory instruction covering doctrine, operational theory, protective operations integration, and the tactical philosophy that guides counterassault work.
Deputy Director Tristan Murphy
Agent in Charge of Special Operations and overseer of evaluations, performance reviews, and candidate progression. Murphy ensured the academy maintained high standards, emphasising accountability, stress inoculation, and operational safety.
Training opened with an in-depth briefing on new weapon certifications available to Counter Assault Team personnel. Instruction covered Special Carbines, including the G36C, heavy sniper systems, and the Overwatch Security Unit certification, qualifying agents for long-range reconnaissance, overwatch support, and precision engagement duties. Candidates trained in ballistic behaviour, positional shooting, spotting responsibilities, counter-sniper awareness, and deconfliction with ground teams.
Candidates received updates on deployment policies, mission guidelines, and Bureau values. The academy also introduced tactical uniforms, carrier systems, and specialised equipment, including low-visibility gear, protective operations loadouts, and breaching tools.
Training Conducted at Fort Zancudo
With the Counter Assault Team headquarters at Fort Zancudo under construction, the Los Santos County Sheriff’s Department Special Enforcement Bureau granted full access to their headquarters, killhouse, and weapons range.
The Government Security Bureau extends special thanks to Captain Cliff Derringer, Commanding Officer of Special Enforcement, for authorising access to these facilities. Counter Assault Team personnel assisted Special Enforcement staff in cleaning and restoring the training areas upon completion.
Tactical Drills and Performance Testing
Once at Fort Zancudo, candidates began intensive field training to evaluate their technical capabilities under both controlled and stressful conditions.
Shoot, Cover, Advance Drills
Two-person teams alternated between engaging targets and advancing under coordinated cover fire. This drill reinforced communication economy, synchronised movement, sector accountability, and emergency action procedures.
Advanced Breaching and Clearing
Inside the Special Enforcement killhouse, candidates conducted individual and team-based CQB runs, focusing on
• Threshold assessment and dominance
• Centre-fed vs. corner-fed room strategies
• Stairwell problem solving
• Hallway compression and expansion
• Coordinated stack movement for two to four-person teams
• Target discrimination and threat prioritisation
• Communication protocols under white light and low light conditions
SEB’s varied floor plans created dynamic engagements, exposing candidates to realistic interior structures and unpredictable threat angles.
Final Scenario Evaluation
The academy concluded with a high-intensity evaluation using rubber rounds. Four role players acted as armed assailants, and one live hostage occupied a multi-room, multi-threat structure. Candidates were required to
• Conduct a rapid yet safe threat assessment
• Identify primary and secondary entry points
• Assign roles within the team
• Execute a coordinated entry under fire
• Maintain sector discipline
• Neutralise threats with controlled fire
• Locate, secure, and extract the hostage
Stressors included auditory disorientation, time pressure, low visibility, and unpredictable, hostile behaviour. This scenario was made possible with the support of Legal Services and Department Secretary Ren Sanchez.
Graduates proved their discipline, tactical understanding, and operational capability. These agents now form the first generation of the Counter Assault Team and stand ready to support high-risk missions throughout the State of San Andreas. The Government Security Bureau looks ahead to further developing the Counter Assault Team and strengthening support for partner agencies across the state.
CAT Academy Class #1
Denji Deveel
Arcus Thorne
Conrad Fredrico
Driscoll Morgan
Eoghan Sterling
Reina Moraine
Nelson Riggs
Arcus Thorne
Conrad Fredrico
Driscoll Morgan
Eoghan Sterling
Reina Moraine
Nelson Riggs
Dan Endo
Director | Public Relations Bureau
San Andreas State Government
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[email protected]
- Lue Washington
Lead Agent | Government Security Bureau
Assistant Agent-In-Charge | Special Operations
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[email protected]