Counter Terrorist Unit

The Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) is a fictional U.S. government agency in the television action series 24. Its headquarters are in Washington, but most of the series focuses on the Los Angeles branch. The nomenclature of the unit is somewhat confusing, as during the show it is referred to alternatingly between "Counter Terrorism Unit" and "Counter Terrorist Unit." The logo, however, clearly states the latter.

Related Topics:
Fictional - U.S. government - 24 - Washington - Los Angeles

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It is stated in Season 1 that the CTU operates under the Central Intelligence Agency, which is fictional in the aspect that the CIA cannot operate within US borders, but bears relevance to the real world because current Director Porter Goss has displayed interest in giving the CIA domestic powers. In Season 4, Secretary of Defense assumes the highest authority, leading some to speculate that CTU falls under the Department of Defense jurisdiction, but the most likely explanation is that the Secretary of Defense is a high-ranking cabinet member, and as he was captured in the season, more consideration would be given to what he said. Another explanation for the argument against CTU being under the jurisdiction of the DoD is that in several episodes, key characters in 24 complain about taking orders from the Secretary of Defense, and even the former director of CTU, Erin Driscoll states that she should not have to take orders from the SECDEF as CTU is not the "property of the DoD."

Related Topics:
Central Intelligence Agency - Porter Goss - Secretary of Defense - Department of Defense

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