FBI Tactical Training Now Includes Meditation and Mindfulness

According to the FBI’s website, Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG) exists to assist with child abduction, crisis management, hostage negotiation, criminal investigative analysis, and special weapons and tactics (SWAT). The FBI established CIRG in 1994 as a response to public outrage over the Ruby Ridge standoff and Waco siege. Currently, CIRG is comprised of Surveillance and Aviation Section, Strategic Information and Operation Center, and the Tactical Section.

For the lay person, CIRG is the high speed, low drag, door-kicking, flash bang throwing, cool guy operator image we all know from pop culture. After all, the FBI’s vaunted Hostage Rescue Team falls within CIRG’s purview. Therefore, most Americans may be surprised to learn how the FBI’s elite tactical personnel are spending their time practicing mindfulness and meditation rather than honing their marksmanship. That is, when they aren’t raiding a former President’s residence in search of documents requested by the National Archives.

On December 11, 2023, the FBI’s unclassified intranet featured an article entitled, Being the Calm Eye of the Hurricane (a copy of which is at the end of this article). The story details how Chad McGehee, the first director of mediation training in major college sports and president of Inner Edge Meditation, is imparting his knowledge on mindfulness and meditation to FBI employees within the Tactical Section. During training sessions, McGehee lectured about sensory practices he entitled “4-5-6 breathing,” “Mindfulness walking,” and “Feet, seat, and jaw.” McGehee’s message for the FBI tactical operators was to “let your thoughts happen and pay attention to your body as they occur.”

Following the sensory practices, McGehee taught participants attention practices he labeled “attention skills-building” and “body scan.” He told the FBI employees to “try to balance being relaxed with being alert.”

Later, McGehee shifted to topical practices during which practitioners “anchor their thoughts to themes related to their relationships with others.” The operators practiced appreciation for coworkers, compassion, and visualizing their purpose.

McGehee pointed out the training is intended to create a stable, present, and resilient mind. He concluded that mindfulness and meditation, “isn’t just about how you perform at work… It’s about being better in your life: a better family member, a better friend, a better neighbor.”

These are the “brave men and women” of the FBI in 2023. Perhaps the American taxpayers can expect a bulk request for votive candles, yoga mats, and incense in the FBI’s next budget request.


Steve Friend is an FBI whistleblower - follow him on Twitter/X @RealStevefriend

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