Born in California to German-American parents, Jack Bauer trained and worked in various capacities as a government agent, including SWAT team, Delta Force, CIA and finally the Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) Los Angeles. He is a key member of CTU who has prevented major terrorist attacks on the United States, saving both civilians and government leaders. He has done so at great personal expense, as those he has thwarted have come after him and his loved ones many times.