Evolution and Training
FAST agents brought critical skills in case-building, informant recruitment, and international partnership development. But Afghanistan presented unique and dangerous challenges-including IEDs, ambushes, and harsh terrain—that demanded far more than standard law enforcement training. To meet these demands, DEA leadership established advanced tactical training to prepare agents for combat-like conditions.
In partnership with U.S. military forces, DEA launched the FAST Assessment and Indoctrination Course (FAIC)—a grueling seven-week program designed to push even the most seasoned agents to their limits. The course included timed runs, ruck marches, swim tests, firearms qualifications, land navigation, and obstacle courses, often in extreme weather and terrain.
With a pass rate of just 30%, only the most physically and mentally resilient candidates earned a place on FAST teams-ensuring that only the best were entrusted with executing DEA's mission in the world's most dangerous environments.
FAST agents practice training exercises. DEA photo.
A FAST agent trains with DEA’s Tactical Helicopter Squadron. DEA photo.
Those who passed the initial FAIC training progressed to a second phase led by members of the U.S. Army Special Forces, Operational Detachment Alpha (SOCOM), also known as the Green Berets, or the U.S. Navy Naval Special Warfare Sea, Air, and Land group, also known as the Navy SEALs.
FAST agents, in a display of strength and unity, engaged in a continuous training cycle, often conducted with elite SOCOM units. This training, which included close-quarters combat, demolitions, small-unit tactics, tactical combat casualty care, IED identification, evasive driving, land warfare, escape and evasion methods, convoy operations, and counter-narcotic tactical operations, enabled FAST agents to excel in performing alongside other elite military forces.