It became clear after the terrorist attack on the Israeli team during the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich that police must develop a new way to organize, equip, and prepare to respond to a terrorist incident, particularly one that involves hostage- taking. A new concept was devised that involved the creation of a unit characterized by flexible command and structure to enable rapid reaction to quickly changing situations; special tactical training compatible with the various terrorist tactics and scenarios; skillful and professional operators with proper personal traits; and the use of special weapon systems and equipment designed specifically for the new tasks. CT units have been created in Europe and the United States, as well as in other parts of the world. The missions of these units are to intervene in extreme terrorist attacks that involve hijacking and kidnapping; to support other security agencies in dealing with severe violent acts, including homicide, extortion, and bomb attacks; and to protect vital national assets, providing VIP protective services to key government personnel and protection of official guests of the state. This article profiles the organizational structure of a CT unit and describes the tactical armory and specialized equipment of such a unit, with attention to the Israeli unit's choice of weaponry. The article concludes with a chronological listing of the major terrorist incidents that occurred throughout the world from 1976 though 1998.