The Crisis Response Unit functioned as a military arm of the Galactic Republic. They were active during the period known as the Cold War. Stationed on Belsavis, a prison planet, these highly skilled members of the Republic Military had the duty of suppressing any revolts attempted by the incarcerated. Ellis Ruger held command during this period, tasked with maintaining order among the prisoner population. As the Galactic War unfolded, the Crisis Response Unit found themselves in combat when Imperial troops successfully liberated inmates from Republic Prison Block South.