The "muscle car" team was an ad hoc contingent drawn from special agents working at a local Secret Service office, as opposed to those regularly assigned to protective duties.

[5][6][7] In 1979, the Secret Service formalized the counter-assault team program with permanently assigned, specially trained operators.

[5][6][7] Following the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan in 1981, a CAT that came to be designated "Hawkeye" was assigned to full-time presidential escort duty.

Upon selection, CAT operators undergo an additional seven weeks of specialized training, including in counter-ambush tactics and close quarters combat.

Applications to join the team are competitive, and physical requirements for entry include the demonstrated ability to do three pull-ups wearing a 45-pound (20 kg) weighted vest and to complete a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) run in under nine minutes.