The distance learning edition of the S2 Anti-Terrorism Officer (ATO) Program is designed to prepare security and law enforcement professionals for assignments involving the protection of facilities against terrorist attack. This program provides a detailed exploration of contemporary terrorist methods and essential skills and knowledge necessary for managing terrorism-related risks.
Summary of topics include:
Introduction to Terrorism • Dynamics of Terrorist Attacks • Advanced IED Threat M.O. • Chem-Bio Terrorism • AT Countermeasures & Risk Management Concepts • Protective Counterintelligence/OPSEC • Physical Security Design and Entry Control Planning • Blast & Weapons Effects Mitigation • Mail Security Planning • Emergency Response Planning & Infrastructure Design • Response to Armed Attacks • Bomb Threat Management • Suspect IED & VBIED Response • Post-Blast Response • CBRN Attack Response
Course Details
Tuition
US$1,360
(Group discounts available. Contact us for details.)
Instructor
Craig Gundry
Restriction Level
Level 2 – Verified Security Professionals & Law Enforcement Only
Expected Completion Time
40 Hours
Audience
Security Professionals, Force Protection Officers, LE Professionals Assigned to Anti-Terrorism Activities
Test
50-questions, multiple-choice
Learning Objectives
- Recognizing risks associated with contemporary terrorism including an in-depth understanding of contemporary terrorist modus operandi.
- Understanding technical characteristics of explosive events, CBRN weapons, IEMI threats, and ballistic weapons necessary for designing effective protective measures.
- Identifying security requirements essential to reducing terrorism-related risk.
- Assessing facility risks and utilizing risk management principles in anti-terrorism planning.
- Implementing Operations Security (OPSEC) and protective counterintelligence principles to impair terrorists’ ability to gather target intelligence.
- Designing and specifying physical security measures for effective performance against terrorist armed attack and IED delivery scenarios.
- Developing effective entry control measures for validating, screening, and searching entrants at facility and building entry points.
- Identifying hazardous devices, possible device components, and risks associated with hazardous devices.
- Designing and specifying protective measures and facility improvements for mitigation of projected charge weapon, IED, chem-bio, and IEMI attacks.
- Developing an effective mail screening and security program.
- Recognizing indications of terrorist attack or impending terrorist events.
- Developing a facility-level Incident Command System and designing effective infrastructure to support emergency response operations.
- Developing safe and effective procedures for responding to a full spectrum of terrorist attack scenarios.
No. | Lesson ID | Title | Video Time |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | ATR201 | The Anti-Terrorism Officer | 21m |
2 | ATR103 | Dynamics of Terrorism | 1h 54m |
3 | ATR202 | Explosive Device Technology | 1h 43m |
4 | ATR218 | Terrorist IED Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures | 1h 15m |
5 | ATR203 | Chemical and Biological Terrorism | 1h 15m |
6 | ATR 204 | Risk Management and Anti-Terrorism | 24m |
7 | ATR205 | Operations Security & Protective Counterintelligence | 2h 20m |
8 | ATR206 | Physical Security Design & Anti-Terrorism – Part 1 | 2h 15m |
9 | ATR219 | Physical Security Design & Anti-Terrorism – Part 2 | 2h 3m |
10 | ATR226 | Physical Security Design & Anti-Terrorism – Part 3 | 1h 14m |
11 | ATR227 | Vehicle Barriers & Entry Control Point Design | 1h |
12 | ATR207 | Entry Control and Screening Measures | 2h 19m |
13 | ATR228 | Weapons Effects Mitigation | 2h 3m |
14 | SEC110 | Mail Security Planning | 1h 12m |
15 | ATR208 | Response to Terrorist Incidents – Part 1 | 1h 3m |
16 | ATR229 | Response to Terrorist Incidents – Part 2 | 1h 49m |
17 | ATR230 | Response to Terrorist Incidents – Part 3 | 2h 2m |
ATR201 – The S2 Anti-Terrorism Officer Program
- Course Learning Objectives
- Course Lesson Structure
- Regarding Measures in The Course
- The cATO Certification Program
- The cATO Certification Exam
ATR103 – Dynamics of Terrorism
- Terrorist Ideological Motives
- Lone Terrorists
- Strategic Objectives of Terrorism
- Terrorist Targets
- Terrorist Target Selection Criteria
- Categories of Terrorism Related Risk
- Stages of Terrorist Attacks
- Facts to Remember
ATR202 – Explosive Device Technology
- Characteristics of Chemical Explosions
- High and Low Explosives
- Initiation
- Commercial Explosives
- Military Explosives
- Homemade Explosives
- Initiating Systems
- Methods of Activation
- Device Containers & Concealment
- Destructive Forces in Explosions
- Possible IED Charge Sizes
- Potential Facility Damage & Injury Effects
- Blast Overpressure Decay
ATR218 – Terrorist IED Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures
- Person-Borne IED Attacks
- PBIED Delivery Methods
- Secondary Devices
- Important Facts About Suicide PBIED Attacks
- Vehicle-Borne IED Attacks
- Types of Vehicles
- VBIED Charge Sizes
- VBIED Delivery Methods
- Installation Devices
- Projected Charge Attacks
ATR203 – Chemical & Biological Terrorism
- Unique CB Weapons Capabilities
- Terrorist CB Attack History
- Routes of Exposure
- Basic Dose Concepts
- Chemical Agents
- Biological Agents
- Dissemination of CB Agents
- CB Attack Scenarios
- Point Source Contamination
- Improvised Dispersal Devices
- Contaminated Deliveries
- Outdoor Aerosol/Vapor Attacks
- CB Projectile Weapon Attack
ATR204 – Risk Management & Anti-Terrorism
- Security Risk Concepts
- Risk Management Strategy & Anti-Terrorism
- Countermeasures Cost Considerations
- Public Perceptions & Security Measures
- Reconciling Unique Challenges
ATR205 – Operations Security & Protective Counterintelligence
- Terrorist Intelligence Collection Methods
- Operations Security & Protective CI
- Information Security
- Communications Security
- Employee Screening & Monitoring
- Threat Assessment
- Surveillance Detection
- Employee Awareness Training
- Suspicious Activity Documentation & Analysis
- Suspicious Activity Reporting
- Nationwide SAR Initiative
ATR206 – Physical Security Design & Anti-Terrorism – Part 1
- Physical Protection System Concepts
- Physical Protection Systems & Armed Assaults
- Adversary Task Times & Response: Case Studies
- PPS Performance Metrics
- Practical Application of PPS Concepts
- Threat Definition & Design Basis Threats
- Design Basis Threat Examples
- Physical Protection System Elements
- Characteristics of Intrusion Sensors
- Intrusion Detection Sensors & Applications
- Alarm Assessment & Surveillance
- CCTV Applications
- CCTV Monitoring
- Security Lighting
- Stationary Security Posts
- Ballistic Protection & Structural Materials
- Mobile Patrols
- Bomb Delivery Indicators
- Security Operations Center Operations
ATR219 – Physical Security Design & Anti-Terrorism – Part 2
- Types of Barriers
- Standoff Distance & Barrier Systems
- Determining Standoff Distance
- Anti-Personnel Barriers
- Outdoor Barriers
- Building Exteriors & Entrances
- Glazing Vulnerabilities
- Protective Glazing Options
- Building Entrances
- Secure Lobby Design
- Security Personnel Posts
- Safe Refuge Rooms
- Forced Entry Standards
- Safe Room Design Examples
- Safe Room Kits
ATR226 – Physical Security Design & Anti-Terrorism – Part 3
- Access Controlled- Locks & Armed Attacks
- Access Control Systems & Lockdown Overrides
- Deployable Barriers
- Egress Design & Armed Attacks
- Common Egress Problems
- Emergency Exit Stairwells & Doors
- Outdoor Evacuation Areas
- Intrusion/Attack Response
- Security Force Considerations
- Integrated Physical Protection System Design
ATR227 – Vehicle Barriers & Entry Control Point Design
- Anti-Vehicle Barrier Concepts
- Vehicle Weights
- Passive Vehicle Barriers
- Vehicle Entry Control Point Design
- Active Vehicle Barriers
- Vehicle Barrier Specification Standards
- Speed Control at ECPs
- Examples of Vehicle ECP Design
ATR207 – Entry Control & Screening Measures
- Entry Control Concepts & Considerations
- Entry Authorization Methods
- Biometric Identity Verification Technologies
- Facility Entry Control: Trusted Entrants
- Facility Entry Control: Non-Trusted Entrants
- Contraband Screening Technologies
- Pedestrian Entry Point Procedures
- Possible Suicide Bomber Indicators
- SPBIED Containment Portals
- Vehicle Entry Control Procedures
- Vehicle Search Procedures
- Review of Possible VBIED Indicators
- Vehicle Entry Control Point Defense
ATR228 – Weapons Effects Mitigation
- Protection Against Projected Charges
- Protection Against Mortars
- Protection Against UAVBIEDs
- Limited Concealment Opportunities
- Minimizing Fragmentation Hazards
- Blast Walls
- Blast Effects & Structural Performance
- Dynamics of Progressive Collapse
- Strategies for Reducing Progressive Collapse Risk
- Façade Construction & Fenestration
- Protection of Masonry Walls
- Window/Glazing Protection
- Evacuation & Egress
- Building Subsystems
- Bomb Shelter Areas
- Critical Asset Positioning
- Protection Against On-Site CB Attacks
- Protection Against Airborne CB Attacks
- Shelter-in-Place Rooms
- Protection Against IEMI Attacks
SEC110 – Mail Security Planning
- Types of Hazardous Mailings
- Mail Security Planning Measures
- Physical Mail Inspection
- Technical Screening
- Response Planning for Hazardous Mailings
- Response Procedures for Suspicious Mailings
- Response Procedures for Contaminated Mailings
ATR208 – Response to Terrorist Incidents – Part 1
- Incident Response Scenarios
- Response Priorities
- Weapon of Mass Destruction Incidents
- Roles & Responsibilities of Personnel
- Emergency Management Responsibilities
- Incident Command Roles & Responsibilities
- Emergency Communications Systems
- Mass Notification Systems
- Communications During Prolonged Events
- Emergency Services Notification
ATR229 – Response to Terrorist Incidents – Part 2
- Response to Armed Assaults
- Attack Recognition & Immediate Actions
- Employee Preparation for Armed Assaults
- Bomb Threats
- Malevolent Bomb Threat Strategies
- Bomb Threat Planning Considerations
- Bomb Threat Response Approaches
- Team Search Approach
- Employee Work Area Search Approach
- Police Assisted Search Approach
- Police Directed Search Approach
- Important Safety Points
- Security Team Search Methodology
- Managing Bomb Threat Calls
- Threat Assessment & Credibility Indicators
- Room Search Techniques
- Suspicious Object Response
- Suspicious Vehicle (Possible VBIED) Response
- TSWG Evacuation Distance Guidelines
- Stage One: Alert & Refuge
- Stage Two: Evacuation
- Suspect VBIED Evacuation Procedure
ATR230 – Response to Terrorist Incidents – Part 3
- Post-Blast Response Considerations
- Injuries in IED Attacks
- Facility Response to Localized Post-Blast Incident
- Response to CWMD Incidents
- Typical Urban CWMD Incident Timeline
- START Triage System
- Facility Response to CWMD Incident
- CBRN Response Considerations
- Response Timeline for Outdoor Chemical Attack
- Control Zone Configuration for CB Attacks
- Decontamination Sites
- Facility Priorities During CB Attacks
- CB Attack Indicators
- Facility Response to Indoor Vapor/Aerosol Attacks
- Respiratory Protection Options
- Expedient Decontamination
- Facility Response to Outdoor Vapor/Aerosol Attacks
- Shelter-in-Place Procedures
- Shelter-in-Place & Radiological Incidents
- Shelter-in-Place & Nuclear Incidents
- Shelter/Safe Room Criteria Summary
- Response to a Covert CB Attack
The final exam for the S2 Anti-Terrorism Officer distance learning course is administered online as a 50-question multiple-choice test. Upon completion of the exam, your score will be automatically graded and documented in the “My Courses” table (accessible in your student dashboard). In accordance with S2 Institute policy, the online examination must be with a score of 70% or better to receive a Certificate of Training. If you do not pass the exam the first time, you will have one opportunity to re-test.
IACSP Certified Anti-Terrorism Officer (cATO®) Professional Certification
In addition to providing 40-hours of instruction on topics essential to protecting facilities against terrorist attack, the S2 Anti-Terrorism Officer (ATO) course is designed to prepare program participants for independent certification through the International Association for Counterterrorism and Security Professionals Certified Anti-Terrorism Officer (cATO®) Program.
In order to be awarded with the IACSP cATO™ certification, eligible candidates are required to complete and successfully pass a 50-question examination based on content included in the S2 Institute ATO course.
Information about the IACSP Certified Anti-Terrorism Officer application, examination, and certification process is available online: www.catocertification.org.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Attending the S2 Anti-Terrorism Officer course does not guarantee award of IACSP cATO® certification. All course graduates pursuing certification after attending the program must meet essential eligibility criteria and complete the independent application and certification process including successful completion of the cATO® examination.
Present
S2 ATO Course becomes the first advanced-level anti-terrorism training program in West Africa
S2 ATO Program becomes the basis for a new professional certification
European Commission adopts the S2 Anti-Terrorism Officer Program
The Government of the Netherlands officially endorses the S2 Anti-Terrorism Officer Program
S2 ATO Program adopted for training EEAS RSOs
S2 Institute develops a special version of the ATO Program for use by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior
S2 ATO Program is adopted by OSCE for training government security professionals in the Caucasus region
S2 ATO Program is adopted by US DoD for training Saudi and American base security personnel
S2 is contracted by US Army to train AT/FP personnel on CONUS military installations
S2 trains US Capital Police and PFPA personnel as ATO's at the US Senate
S2 ATO Program is adopted for protecion of US critical infrastructure
S2 Anti-Terrorism Officer Program is created
What is an Anti-Terrorism Officer?
As a general definition, an Anti-Terrorism Officer (ATO) is a security or public safety professional that has received training in measures for protecting facilities and organizations against terrorist attack. However, the specific application of the term has different meanings in different organizations. Some private security agencies, such as Critical Intervention Services and Pinkerton, employ this terminology for security guards that have received specific training in anti-terrorism related tasks. The U.S. DoD employs the term “Antiterrorism Officer” to define force protection personnel who have completed specific requirements defined under DoDI O-2000.16.
What is a Certified Anti-Terrorism Officer (cATO®)?
The Certified Anti-Terrorism Officer (cATO®) designation is awarded by the International Association of Counterterrorism and Security Professionals (IACSP) to individuals who meet specific eligibility requirements and complete the cATO® examination. Although the S2 Anti-Terrorism Officer course encompasses the full cATO® body of knowledge, attending the S2 Institute course is not required to obtain certification. Nor does graduating the S2 ATO course guarantee certification. The Certified Anti-Terrorism Officer (cATO®) certification process is independent from the S2 Institute course.
What are the differences between the S2 Institute and U.S. DoD Anti-Terrorism Officer (ATO) courses?
Although the topics and protective measures encompassed in the S2 Institute and DoD Anti-Terrorism Officer courses are similar, the U.S. DoD structures Anti-Terrorism Officer courses into levels in accordance with curriculum defined in DoDI O-2000.16 “Department of Defense (DoD) Antiterrorism (AT) Program Implementation.” The U.S. DoD programs are designed to present information specific to DoD policy, procedures, Unified Facilities Criteria, etc. The S2 ATO program includes much of this information, but also addresses many issues related to soft target facilities, protective approaches and research developed in other nations, and best practices beyond the spectrum of U.S. DoD doctrine.
Is the S2 Institute Anti-Terrorism Officer (ATO) course accepted by the U.S. DoD in substitution for courses defined in DoDI O-2000.16?
Maybe. The S2 Anti-Terrorism Officer course has been accepted in the past by U.S. DoD organizations when DoD courses were unavailable and the Institute has presented the S2 ATO course for U.S. military AT/FP personnel under contract by the U.S. Army. However, the S2 program and courses defined in DoDI O-2000.16 are different and there is no standing “waiver” or “official approval” that we are aware of issued at the DoD-level. If a DoD employee wishes to attend the S2 ATO program in substitution for a mandatory U.S. DoD course, we recommend they investigate within their organization to ensure approval.
What organizations have officially adopted the S2 Institute Anti-Terrorism Officer (ATO) course?
The S2 Anti-Terrorism Officer course is a mandatory training requirement for AT/FP personnel in the Netherlands and Singapore. As such, the program has been issued an official stock number for procurement by the Government of the Netherlands. The S2 course has also been officially adopted as standardized training by several European institutions including the European Commission, Eurojust, and the European Parliament. Special versions of the S2 ATO program have also been developed to serve as standardized training by the European External Action Service and Ministry of Interior of Iraq.
Is the S2 Institute Anti-Terrorism Officer course the same as the Certified Anti-Terrorism Specialist (C.A.T.S.) program?
No. The programs are distinctly different. The S2 Institute Anti-Terrorism Officer course is a 40-hour/5-day program with a global alumni community of over 2,500 professionals since its development in 2004. The Certified Anti-Terrorism Specialist (C.A.T.S.) program is a 24-hour/3-day class administered by Global E2C in Singapore. Global E2C is a private company and issues the C.A.T.S. certification as a credential to all who attend the course. Graduates of the S2 Institute Anti-Terrorism Officer course who wish to receive the Certified Anti-Terrorism Officer (cATO®) designation are required to complete a separate application and examination process. Those who pass the exam are awarded the Certified Anti-Terrorism Officer (cATO®) designation by the International Association of Counterterrorism and Security Professionals (IACSP), a third-party independent from the S2 Institute.
Why doesn’t the S2 Institute issue a certification for attending the Anti-Terrorism Officer course, as Global E2C does for the Certified Anti-Terrorism Specialist (C.A.T.S.)?
All students attending the S2 ATO course receive a certificate of training, but not a “certification.” To provide our graduates with an opportunity to obtain a truly credible certification, we worked with the IACSP to develop the Certified Anti-Terrorism Officer (cATO®) credentialing process including candidate eligibility requirements, peer-reviewed examination, proctored testing procedures, and similar measures. Our aim was to establish a certification process for our graduates with a high standard of credibility. So-called “certification” means very little when issued by a private company with no other requirements than class attendance.
Course Instructions Guide
Related Online Security Courses
Student Testimonials
“The instructor knew all the subjects like the back of his hand…A+++!"
SMSgt G. Enwright
Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, USAF
"In all of my travels and training, military and civilian, I rarely have the pleasure of encountering such professional instructors and presentations. The knowledge possessed and demonstrated by the instructor staff sets the bar for all civilian training agencies to follow…"
J. White
Advanced Training Section, U.S. SOCOM
"The class met all of my expectations and even more."
M. Florescu
National Bank of Romania
"I have had a few terrorism / anti-terrorism classes, but none have come close to the intensity and historical background as the S2 course. Your course is what every law enforcement officer should be taking."
R. Bast
U.S. Department of Treasury
"Really excellent. A lot of practical advice that one can use in one's everyday work. Excellent."
J. Perois
Dolphin Energy
"I thought this course was very well done. The topics very relevant and up to date with what is currently going on. This is definitely a "must take" course for anyone dealing with physical security/anti-terrorism matters."
C. Vernieuw
U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine
"Very interesting course! The in-depth instruction is very high and the knowledge of the instructor is amazing. I think this course is a must for even people already active in the spectrum."
M. Scharding
The Swatch Group
"Very relevant and a must for security professionals in the emerging dynamic services. The program is targeted to address all of the major contemporary security issues globally."
Dr. A. Acidah
Nigeria LNG Limited
“Great stuff! Presentation was of high standard…I personally give thanks to S2 for the opportunity. Thank You!”
F. Gaspar
U.S. Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit
“I think this course is really excellent. I have been involved in AT matters for a number of years, however, I found many new and valuable insights.”
J. Dos Santos
IBM Pacific Asia
“The course is given in a very professional manner. Will highly recommend this course!”
K. Bergwerff
Ministry of Justice, Netherlands
“The class is totally useful and helpful. The instructor is amazing...Perfect. One of the best courses I have ever taken in my professional career.”
Gen. M. Ebeid
American University in Cairo
“Excellent instruction. Very interesting course and professionally presented.”
C. Hodson
Walt Disney Corporation
"Excellent content and professionally delivered."
MAJ J. Ankabrandt
U.S. Air Force
"The instructor was very knowledgeable and experienced. The course was well prepared and presented.”
A. Logtenberg
European Commission
“This course takes anti-terrorism theory and puts it in a practical perspective. I would rate it very high against the other anti-terrorism training I have had.”
E. Vogt
U.S. DOJ, Federal Bureau of Prisons
“The best training I’ve ever had. Extraordinary trainer. Extremely important.”
M. Cerasoli
European Commission
“I wanted to congratulate and strongly encourage you to continue to raise the bar...my job responsibilities require continuous and active education and training and I must say that your ATO course is one, if not the best I have ever taken.”
A. Baez, M.D.
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
"This course triggered my deepest interests. Craig is a superb instructor due to his experience and appearance as an expert."
E. Posthumus
Government of the Netherlands
"Mr. Gundry has to be one of the most knowledgable instructors on terrorism in the country. He lives and breathes anti-terrorism.”
P. Reilly
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Dept.
"I've attended many WMD and terror awareness classes. This online course was much more informative and detailed. Although this course is geared toward security personnel, as a member of the emergency management community, I highly recommend it to all. You can't have a more knowledgeable instructor.”
K. Proskura
Somerset County NJ Emergency Management
"Excellent course. Very well presented!"
J. Rector
Chief, USAF Security Forces Programs & Requirements Branch
"I found this course to be extremely informative and thorough...The course is excellent the way it's presented."
S. Cheston
U.S. Dept of Defense
"The overall course was excellent. I would recommend other personnel within security and emergency services to take it."
C. Parrish
U.S. Army
"Excellent!"
R. Coursey
U.S. Department of State
“I am an intelligence and security professional with 40 years of experience in the field. I am currently the principal Analytical Risk Management instructor for the DoD Joint Counterintelligence Academy and taught the subject for CIA et al for some four years prior…I mention this to emphasize Mr. Gundry's evident expertise in the subject and the fact that old guys like me still have much to learn from others.”
A. Pattakos
US DoD | Beta Analytics International
"I thought that the course materials and additional handouts provided with the course were extremely well put together and will be useful long after completing the course. In addition, the instructor was very knowledgeable of AT/FP principles and presented the information in a clear and concise manner. This course was well worth the time and money invested.”
R. Russell
Booz Allen Hamilton
"The material presented was amazing. Awesome job and awesome curriculum that is easy to follow and simple to understand."
K. Marshall
U.S. Army
"...helpful for the project I participate in. The instructor was proficient and enthusiastic, with loads of practical experience. Very motivating!"
R. Stoel
Netherlands Forensic Institute
“Excellent, comprehensive course. Mr. Gundry is very knowledgeable and is an excellent instructor. I highly recommend this course to other security and AT professionals.”
J.W.
U.S. Coast Guard
“A wealth of knowledge and very well presented.”
M. Hammes
U.S. Navy
"The course material was well presented and exceed my expectations in every way. Mr.Gundry's performance as an instructor along with his experience and real world case studies really made an impression...I highly recommend this course material for all federal entities."
R. Williams
U.S. Army
"I found this to be a very useful course for anyone beginning or considering a career in site and personal security. It lays a good foundation on which to build the skill sets required to survive and succeed in high threat environments."
R. Wilson
U.S. Department of State
"Excellent! Should be taken by everyone in the safety and security industry, including NGO/NPO's."
A. Powers
United Nations
"Very well written and presented. I would recommend this course of study to anyone wanting to further their knowledge in regards to terrorism."
W. S. Holmes
U.S. Department of Treasury, U.S. Mint
“Mr. Gundry is an outstanding instructor who displays a deep understanding of his subject, who keeps the interest of the students and created a solid course”
N.W. (Name Withheld)
Central Intelligence Agency