All CIS ATO candidates are required to complete a rigorous training and certification process, including:

1. FEMA Emergency Response to Terrorism Course
16-hours, independent study - ATOs must complete the FEMA Emergency Response to Terrorism Course with an 80% or better test score.

2. ATO Classroom Training
20-hours, administered by the S2 Safety & Intelligence Institute - ATOs must complete the ATO written test with an 80% or better score.

Topics include:

Introduction to Terrorism • Dynamics of Terrorist Attacks • Characteristics of Explosive Devices and Bomb Employment Methods • Characteristics of Chemical and Biological Terrorism • Basic Security Planing • Protective Counterintelligence/OPSEC • Physical Security Analysis • Defense Against Hazardous Mailings • Bomb Threat & Search Procedures • Suspect Vehicle Bomb Response • Post-Blast Response • Response to Overt CB Attacks • Shelter-in-Place and Emergency Decontamination

3. ATO Practical Search & Response Training
8-hours, administered by the S2 Safety & Intelligence Institute - ATOs must complete all pass/fail skill evaluations.

Topics include:

Vehicle Entry Point Inspection • TSWG Vehicle Search Methods • Human Access Control Screening • Facility Bomb Search Procedures • Shelter-in-Place

4. ATO Standard Operating Procedures Orientation & Rules of Engagement Training
8-hours, administered by CIS instructors - ATOs must complete the ATO SOP test with a score of 80% or better.

Advanced ATO Training

In addition to basic ATO certification training, all CIS ATOs are required to complete advanced instruction including:

• Advanced weapon qualification for the AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, 9mm handgun, and 12-gauge shotgun (3-days) • Close Quarters Battle (CQB) tactics and facility defense training (2-days) • Hazmat level-III technician training (5-days) • Site-specific orientation and procedures instruction

Periodic Inservice Training

All ATOs are required to participate in periodic inservice training including facility response and defense drills and hazmat response exercises. As a requirement to maintain ATO certification, all CIS ATOs are also required to complete 16-hours of professional development training by completion of elective anti-terrorism courses offered through the S2 Safety & Intelligence Institute.

For inquiries regarding the CIS Anti-Terrorism Officer program, contact:

Craig Gundry, CPS
Vice President of Special Projects
Email: cgundry@cisworldservices.org

For ATO employment information, click here.

For an inside view of Anti-Terrorism Officer training, download the ATO recruitment video (36 MB Windows Media file) or visit the ATO Training section at the CIS in Action Gallery.

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