The DHS Office for Bombing Prevention (OBP) is offering "no cost " Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) courses now through September. There are six different types of courses, and roughly 18-20 offerings of each course.
The schedule for these Six Courses can be found at https://cdp.dhs.gov/obp.
The courses provide excellent no-cost general counter-improvised explosive device and security awareness level training to a broad audience (including Private Sector Security personnel) through an on-line virtual training experience with a live instructor. Perfect for participants with time availability constraints, they can be taken as stand-alone courses or serve as prerequisites for many of the instructor-led courses provided by the Office for Bombing Prevention (OBP).
The below six(6) virtual training modules can be accessed through multiple platforms, including computer, tablet, and smartphone. These courses can accommodate 25 participants.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Register on the OBP/CDP Schedule & Registration Page at https://cdp.dhs.gov/obp. A FEMA SID number and Password are required to apply; Obtaining a FEMA SID is very easy, just go to: https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid/register (takes about 2 minutes).
PROCESS FOR THE ON-LINE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM: Approximately 2 business days prior to the course start date, you will receive instructions by email.
EQUIPMENT/MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS: To participate in the training session, you will need a laptop, desktop or mobile device with internet access that is capable of running Adobe Connect. Smart phones and tablets may be able to download the Adobe Connect App from the appropriate App Store. A phone (landline or cellular) will be necessary to call into the Phone Bridge. Participation via the On-Line Virtual Classroom and the Phone Bridge is required in order to receive a certificate of completion.
Below are the six different modules. To register for any of the VILT courses as scheduled, please visit the VILT Scheduling and Registration webpage at https://cdp.dhs.gov/obp.
Homemade Explosive (HME) and Precursor Awareness (AWR-338)- This one-hour awareness course provides a basic understanding on HMEs and common precursor materials. Participants will define HMEs, explain the considerations perpetrators have when evaluating whether or not to use HMEs as the explosive for an attack, and identify common precursor chemicals and materials used to make HMEs. This course is designed for public and private sector individuals who are interested in or required to have a basic awareness of homemade explosives and precursor chemicals. Each session is 75 minutes long. 15 offerings through Sept.
Improvised Explosive Device (IED-CC) Construction and Classification Course (AWR-333)- This one-hour awareness course provides participants with a basic understanding of the function, components, construction, and classification of IEDs. It is designed for public and private sector individuals who are interested in or required to have a basic awareness of IED construction and classification. Each session is 75 minutes long. 22 offerings through Sept.
Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Explosive Effects Mitigation Course (AWR-337)- This one-hour awareness course introduces participants to the effects of detonations and details the difference between blast, thermal/incendiary, and fragmentation effects and the destructive consequences of each on various targets. It also describes security measures and best practices that can help prevent or mitigate explosive effects. This course is designed for public and private sector individuals who are interested in or required to have a basic awareness of how to mitigate the explosive effects of IEDs. Each session is 75 minutes long. 17 offerings through Sept.
Introduction to the Terrorist Attack Cycle Course (AWR-334)-This one-hour awareness course introduces a conceptual model of common steps that terrorists take in planning and executing terrorist attacks. It enhances participants’ awareness and capability to prevent, protect against, respond to, and mitigate attacks that use IEDs against people, critical infrastructure, and other soft targets. This course is designed for public and private sector individuals who have responsibility for critical infrastructure protection as well as those who are interested in or required to have a basic awareness of terrorist operations and bomb prevention. Each session is 105 minutes long. 17 offerings through 28 Feb.
Protective Measures Awareness Course (AWR-340)- This one-hour awareness course introduces participants to identifying and filling facility security gaps. It provides a basic understanding on risks, risk management, and the three rings of security: physical protective measures, procedural/technical protective measures, and intelligence protective measures. This course is designed for public and private sector individuals who are required to have information regarding protective measures against IEDs. Each session is 75 minutes long. 22 offerings through Sept.
Response to Suspicious Behaviors and Items Course (AWR-335)-This one-hour awareness course serves as an overview of appropriate responses to suspicious behaviors and items by differentiating normal and abnormal behaviors and highlighting appropriate responses to potential terrorist or criminal activity. It also discusses the differences between unattended and suspicious items, and the responses for each situation. This course is designed for managers and employees of stores that sell homemade explosive precursors, facility managers, public and private sector emergency management representatives, security professionals, and law enforcement. Each session is 75 minutes long. 12 offerings through Sept.
For more info on these courses, you contact OBPTraining@hq.dhs.gov, or the Academy staff at Info@nmlea.org.