All ATO candidates must complete a five-part training and testing process to be awarded the certification of CIS Anti-Terrorism Officer. The following paragraphs describe the ATO certification process.
1. Basic ATO Training (16-Hours)
All ATO candidates are first required to complete the 24-hour Anti-Terrorism Officer course, presented at the S2 Safety & Intelligence Institute. The S2 Anti-terrorism Officer program addresses the following subjects:
- Introduction to Terrorism
- Dynamics of Terrorist Attacks
- Protective Counterintelligence/OPSEC
- Bomb Search Procedures
- Entry Point Screening
- Bomb Incident Response
- Mail Screening
- CB Terrorism
- CB Response (Pre-Release)
- CB Response (Post-Release)
- Basic Site Specific Planning
Upon completion of the two-day class, the candidate must complete a 50-question examination with a score of 80% or higher. The closed-book examination must be supervised in the classroom by an S2 instructor.
2. Search & Response Training (8-Hours)
In addition to the two-day ATO class, all ATO candidates must complete an additional 8 hours of hands-on training in bomb search procedures and incident response. This session includes several search and response exercises that must be completed satisfactorily.
Training focus during this extension class includes:
- Building/Facility Search Procedures
- Vehicle Search Procedures
- Response to Potential Hazardous Device Deliveries
- Shelter-In-Place
- Emergency Decontamination
3. ATO Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Orientation
All ATO candidates will be required to attend a three-hour ATO SOP orientation. This class will cover specific administrative and operational issues associated with CIS Anti-Terrorism Officer operations. Upon completion of the SOP orientation, ATO candidates will complete a short quiz to evaluate their retention of important SOP guidelines.
4. FEMA Emergency Response to Terrorism Self-Study Course (8-Hours)
All ATO candidates must complete the FEMA Emergency Response to Terrorism Self-Study course. This course will be conducted on the student’s time and the test must be completed and submitted to FEMA for certification.
5. Advanced Weapon Qualification (8-Hours)
All ATOs are expected to maintain above-average proficiency in the use of their assigned weapon systems. All ATOs will complete one day of advanced weapon training and re-qualification by the S2 Safety & Intelligence Institute. This qualification course will include skill in the use of standard issue sidearm and the AR15 rifle.
In addition to qualification during daylight, all ATOs are trained in use of the AR15 rifle at night. This training includes tactical target engagement while using night vision goggles in conjunction with the EOTech holographic sight and infrared laser.
NOTE: ATO candidates without prior military experience must demonstrate competency in the use of the AR15/M16/M4 weapon system prior to attending this class. If the candidate is not familiar with the AR15 weapon system, a special preparatory class may be scheduled to ensure that the student possesses the weapon handling and marksmanship skills required to complete the qualification course.
Once all five certification requirements have been met, the candidate will be awarded the certification of CIS Anti-Terrorism Officer (ATO).
