Lesson One: Introduction to the Threat
Lesson One explores the current status of explosive attacks and the many factors influencing bomb-related risk. In addition to presenting a study of current trends and the historical evolution of bombing, this lesson provides a deeper understanding of the methodology, motives, and capabilities of todays bomb perpetrators.
Topics include:
Evolution of Explosives as a Weapon Bomb Statistics Future Trends Characteristics of Bomb Perpetrators Experimental Bombers Malevolent Bombers Identity Bombers Terrorist Bombers Government Operatives Professional Criminal Bombers
Lesson One requires approximately 1-1.5 hours to complete.
Learning Objectives
Lesson One will provide the student with an understanding of the following topics:
The basic nature of bombing as a threat
Evolution of the illegal use of explosives
Current status of the illegal use of explosives
Possible developments in the future use of bombs and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)
Characteristics of bomb perpetrators
Exercises and Quizzes
Students completing Lesson One should immediately take the interactive review quiz to test their understanding and retention of the lessons content. If the student correctly answers fewer than eight out of ten questions, he/she should repeat the lesson before continuing with the program.
Questions 1-5 of the comprehensive test are directly extracted from Lesson One.
Lesson Two: Characteristics of Explosive Devices
Lesson Two continues Lesson One's examination of the threat by exploring what bombs are, common characteristics of explosive devices, and what features can aid in their detection and identification. Throughout this lesson, references are made to established methods of operation used by terrorists to demonstrate how perpetrators have used bombs in actual attacks.
Topics include:
Types of Threat Devices The Nature of Explosions Initiation Vapor Pressure Common Explosives Initiating Systems Methods of Activation Device Concealment
Lesson Two requires approximately 1.5 hours to complete.
Learning Objectives
Lesson Two will provide the student with an understanding of the following topics:
The principal categories of explosive devices
Characteristics of chemical explosions
Vapor pressure and taggants
Common types of explosives used in illegal bombings
Methods of initiation used in illegal bombings
Methods of activation used in illegal bombings
Methods of concealment used in illegal bombings
Skills
Students completing Lesson Two should be capable of the following tasks:
1. Identify explosives and components commonly used in IEDs.
2. Identify potentially dangerous situations by considering the various methods used to activate and conceal IEDs.
Exercises and Quizzes
Lesson Two contains an interactive exercise to reinforce the importance of never touching, moving, or attempting to deactivate a suspected bomb.
Students completing Lesson Two should immediately take the interactive review quiz to test their understanding and retention of the lessons content. If the student correctly answers fewer than eight out of ten questions, he/she should repeat the lesson before continuing with the program.
Questions 5-10 of the comprehensive test are directly extracted from Lesson Two.
Lesson Three: Bomb Security Planning
Lesson Three provides a survey of the security planning process and the unique challenges of evaluating bomb-related risk. Additionally, a basic model is presented to assist in conducting a qualitative risk assessment and determining appropriate measures for reducing vulnerability to explosive threats.
Topics include:
Introduction to Security Planning Risk Assessment Risk Factors Basic Approaches Conducting the Assessment Identifying and Valuing Assets Identifying Threats Types of Bomb-related Risk Determining Vulnerabilities Computer-Based Assessment Evaluating Risk Defining Levels of Risk Matrix Evaluation Objective Target Evaluation Identifying Countermeasures Types of Countermeasures Protective Theory Proactive Measures Reactive Measures Applied Bomb Countermeasures
Lesson Three requires approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
Learning Objectives
Lesson Three will provide the student with an understanding of the following topics:
Types of risk assessment approaches
Asset identification and valuation
Threat identification and profiling
Types of bomb-related risk
Vulnerability assessment
Risk evaluation
Types of countermeasures
Skills
Students completing Lesson Three should be capable of the following tasks:
1. Conduct a basic qualitative risk assessment for explosive-related threats.
2. Identify potential countermeasures for explosive-related risks.
Exercises and Quizzes
Students completing Lesson Three should immediately take the interactive review quiz to test their understanding and retention of the lessons content. If the student correctly answers fewer than eight out of ten questions, he/she should repeat the lesson before continuing with the program.
Questions 11-15 of the comprehensive test are directly extracted from Lesson Three.
Lesson Four: Defense Against Courier Delivered Bombs
Lesson Four explores the threat of explosive devices physically delivered by a bomber to their target destination and the various types of proactive measures that can be employed to effectively control these risks.
Topics include:
Characteristics of Courier Delivered Device Attacks Types of Couriers Methods of Target Access Device Construction Concealment Methods Unique Terrorist M.O. Proactive Countermeasures Physical Security Barriers Intrusion Detection Systems Surveillance Cameras Limited Concealment Methods Security Patrols Access Control Planning Considerations Entry Points and Screening Stations Employee Screening Visitor Control Behavioral Observation Technical Screening X-Ray-Based Systems Trace Detection Systems Nuclear Detection Systems Biological Detection Systems Hand Searching Active Threat Awareness Employee Awareness Security Personnel Awareness
Learning Objectives
Lesson Four will provide the student with an understanding of the following topics:
Characteristics of hand-delivered bomb attacks
Use of physical security controls to prevent and detect bomb deliveries
Access control for buildings
Generating threat awareness
Skills
Students completing Lesson Four should be capable of the following tasks:
1. Identify potential explosive-related threats delivered via personal couriers.
2. Develop a proactive security program to prevent bomb deliveries into a building.
3. Develop access control procedures to minimize risk from hand-delivered bombs.
4. Identify technical aids to assist in screening people and hand-carried items for bombs.
Exercises and Quizzes
Students finishing Lesson Four should immediately complete the interactive review quiz to test their understanding and retention of the lessons content. If the student correctly answers fewer than eight out of ten questions, he/she should repeat the lesson before continuing with the program.
Questions 16-20 of the comprehensive test are directly extracted from Lesson Four.
Lesson Five: Bomb Search and Threat Response
Lesson Five explores the procedures and options for managing bomb threats, evacuations, searching facilities for explosive devices, and responding to a suspicious object.
Topics include:
Bomb Threats Motives Malevolent Bomb Threat Strategies Pre-Planning Considerations Bomb Threat Response Planning Command and Control Handling Threat Calls Evaluating Bomb Threats Establishing an Incident Command Point (ICP) Search and Evacuation Planning Security Team Search Suspect Object Response
Learning Objectives
Lesson Five will provide the student with an understanding of the following topics:
Characteristics of bomb threats
Principles of bomb threat management
Different strategies for conducting searches of buildings
Facility evacuation
Response procedures for suspicious objects
Safety considerations for building search or suspicious object situation
Skills
Students completing Lesson Five should be capable of the following tasks:
1. Develop a facility bomb threat response plan.
2. Assess bomb threats to determine probable authenticity.
3. Search rooms for possible explosive devices.
Exercises and Quizzes
Students finishing Lesson Five should immediately complete the interactive review quiz to test their understanding and retention of the lessons content. If the student correctly answers fewer than eight out of ten questions, he/she should repeat the lesson before continuing with the program.
Questions 21-25 of the comprehensive test are directly extracted from Lesson Five.
Lesson Six: Defense Against Mail Bombs
Lesson Six provides a comprehensive overview of the threat associated with letter and parcel bombs and the methods and technologies available to effectively minimize risk from hazardous mailings.
Topics include:
Unique Dimensions of Mail Bomb Attacks Mail Bomb Campaigns Types of Mail Bombs Layers of Defense (Concentric Rings of Protection) Establishing a Screening Program Interception Organizational Applications Executive Protection Applications Identification Threat Indicators Construction Markings Technical Screening Response Procedures
Lesson Six requires approximately 1 hour to complete.
Learning Objectives
Lesson Six will provide the student with an understanding of the following topics:
Characteristics of mail bomb attacks (postal bomb campaigns, etc.).
Types of mail bombs.
Planning strategies for intercepting postal bombs.
Visual mail screening techniques.
Technical screening.
Response to a suspect mailing.
Skills
Students completing Lesson Six should be capable of the following tasks:
1. Identify potential explosive-related threats delivered via postal delivery service.
2. Develop a mail screening program.
3. Recognize common mail bomb threat indicators.
4. Identify technical aids to assist in screening mail for bombs.
5. Safely respond to a suspect mail bomb.
Exercises and Quizzes
Lesson Six contains an interactive exercise to demonstrate the application of visual mail screening procedures.
Students finishing Lesson Six should immediately complete the interactive review quiz to test their understanding and retention of the lessons content. If the student correctly answers fewer than eight out of ten questions, he/she should repeat the lesson before continuing with the program.
Questions 26-30 of the comprehensive test are directly extracted from Lesson Six.
Lesson Seven: Defense Against Anti-Vehicle Bombs
Lesson Seven provides a comprehensive overview of explosive threats directed against vehicles and the methods and technologies for effectively mitigating these risks.
Topics include:
Types of Vehicle Attacks Installed Contact Charges Limpet Mine Attacks Proximity Bomb Attacks Projected Charges Countermeasures for IEDs Installed on Vehicles Vehicle Alarms Home/Garage Security Travel Security Vehicle Search Procedures Defense Against In-Transit Threats Types of Countermeasures Protective Counterintelligence Terrorist Planning Methodology Information Security Countersurveillance Intelligence Analysis Route Planning Route Alternation Route Sweeping Defense In-Transit Standoff Distance Vehicle Speed Threat Adaptations Spotters Limpet Mine Response Vehicle Armoring Types of Armored Vehicles Blast Protection Treatments Selecting an Armoring Company
Lesson Seven requires approximately 1.5 hours to complete.
Learning Objectives
Lesson Seven will provide the student with an understanding of the following topics:
Methods of explosive attack directed against stationary or moving vehicles.
Vehicle access control and physical security.
Methods for searching vehicles for concealed explosive devices.
Terrorist planning and preparation methodology.
Protective counterintelligence (including countersurveillance).
Route planning and advance route inspection.
Procedures for avoiding and identifying explosive threats while traveling in vehicles.
Vehicle armoring systems.
Skills
Students completing Lesson Seven should be capable of the following tasks:
1. Identify potential explosive-related threats to protectees traveling in vehicles.
2. Implement physical security measures to prevent the installation of an explosive device on a vehicle.
3. Safely search a vehicle for concealed explosive devices.
4. Recognize and respond to indicators of a potential terrorist target surveillance.
5. Plan travel routes to minimize risk to vehicles in transit.
6. Identify and investigate indicators of a planned roadside bomb attack immediately prior to a motorcades travel.
7. Identify and respond to a potential terrorist limpet mine attack.
8. Evaluate requirements and sources for blast-protected armored vehicles.
Exercises and Quizzes
Lesson Seven contains an interactive exercise to reinforce the importance of using high speed motorcade travel to impair terrorists manually detonating roadside bombs.
Students completing Lesson Seven should immediately take the interactive review quiz to test their understanding and retention of the lessons content. If the student correctly answers fewer than eight out of ten questions, he/she should repeat the lesson before continuing with the program.
Questions 31-35 of the comprehensive test are directly extracted from Lesson Seven.
Lesson Eight: Defense Against WMD-Scale Bombs
Lesson Eight explores the catastrophic threat of large-scale proximity bombs (referred to as Conventional Weapons of Mass Destruction) and the various types of preventative measures that can be employed to effectively control these risks.
Topics include:
Characteristics of Conventional Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Types of CWMD Attacks Vehicle Bombs Charge Sizes Delivery Methods Installation Devices Proactive Countermeasures for CWMD Types of Countermeasures Protective Counterintelligence Countersurveillance Surveillance Indicators Strategic Incident Prediction Dynamic Risk Factors Vehicle Access Control Facility Perimeter Defense Types of Vehicle Barriers Vehicle Entry Control Control Point Design Types of Moveable Barriers Parking Controls Detecting Suspicious Vehicles Threat Indicators Suspicious Vehicle Response Planning Considerations Planning Sequence Command and Control Determining Incident Control Point Locations Investigating Suspicious Vehicles Alert Methods Alert Procedures Evacuation Planning Post-Evacuation Coordination
Learning Objectives
Lesson Eight will provide the student with an understanding of the following topics:
History of terrorist and criminal use of large-scale IEDs
Characteristics of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)
Characteristics of large-scale vehicle bomb attacks
Protective counterintelligence (as it applies to defense against vehicle bomb attacks)
Vehicular access control and barrier systems
Procedures for responding to possible vehicle bomb deliveries (Pre-Blast)
Skills
Students completing Lesson Eight should be capable of the following tasks:
1. Identify potential vehicle bomb threats to facilities.
2. Implement protective counterintelligence methods to detect terrorists in the process of planning a vehicle bomb attack.
3. Implement physical security and access control measures to minimize risk of a possible vehicle bomb delivery.
4. Identify potential vehicle bomb deliveries.
5. Develop a plan for responding to possible vehicle bomb deliveries.
Exercises and Quizzes
Students completing Lesson Eight should immediately take the interactive review quiz to test their understanding and retention of the lessons content. If the student correctly answers fewer than eight out of ten questions, he/she should repeat the lesson before continuing with the program.
Questions 36-40 of the comprehensive test are directly extracted from Lesson Eight.
Lesson Nine: Blast Mitigation Design for Facilities
Lesson Nine provides an overview of how large-scale explosions affect building structures and surveys different design and construction measures that can aid in mitigating blast effects.
The objective of this lesson is to provide security planners with enough information to assess their potential vulnerability and identify possible improvements for the design of protected facilities.
Topics include:
Blast Assessment Preliminary Blast Assessment Detailed Engineering Assessment Blast Dynamics Characteristics of Explosions Collision Dynamics Interactions with Structural Elements Blast Mitigation Standoff Distance Surrounding Environment Debris Hazards Terrain Contour Basic Structural Shape Complex Shapes Structural Support Redundant Load Distribution Facade Construction Facade Walls GSA Window Criteria Fenestration Evacuation and Emergency Access Unique Evacuation Requirements Special Complications Stairwells and Elevators Staging Locations/Refuge Areas Building Subsystems Utilization Protective Asset Positioning Blast Suppression Systems Projected Charge Attacks Defense Against Direct Fire Projected Charges Defense Against Indirect Fire Weapons
Lesson Nine requires approximately 1 hour to complete.
Learning Objectives
Lesson Nine will provide the student with an understanding of the following topics:
Basic approaches and techniques for surveying potential blast damage to facilities.
Dynamics of air blasts and their effects on building structures.
Role of standoff distance.
Basic considerations for protective building design.
Types of blast-resistant window systems.
Employment of blast suppression technologies.
Characteristics of projected charge attacks against facilities.
Methods for reducing facility vulnerability to projected charge attacks.
Skills
Students completing Lesson Nine should be capable of the following tasks:
1. Conduct a basic survey of potential damage to a facility resulting from a terrorist bomb attack.
2. Identify potential hazards and design characteristics that can increase damage or casualty potential resulting from a terrorist bomb attack.
3. Identify potential measures for mitigating damage or casualty potential resulting from a terrorist bomb or projected charge attack.
Exercises and Quizzes
Students completing Lesson Nine should immediately take the interactive review quiz to test their understanding and retention of the lessons content. If the student correctly answers fewer than eight out of ten questions, he/she should repeat the lesson before continuing with the program.
Questions 41-45 of the comprehensive test are directly extracted from Lesson Nine.
Lesson Ten: Post-Blast Response Procedures
Lesson Ten provides a description of the problems and challenges facing security personnel in the aftermath of an explosion and the different levels of response from law enforcement and emergency services. In addition to exploring the characteristics of post-blast environments, guidelines are presented to assist managers in developing flexible and realistic post-blast emergency response plans.
Topics include:
Localized Bombings General Characteristics Types of Casualties Radius of Casualties Response Complications Localized Response Establishing Priorities Response Resources Basic Response Model Post-Incident Recovery Conventional Weapon of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Attacks General Characteristics Response Complications Special Considerations CWMD Incident Response Multi-Level Government Response Federal Response Plan Types of Response Typical Response Sequence Site Response Planning Model Response Plan
Learning Objectives
Lesson Ten will provide the student with an understanding of the following topics:
Characteristics of post-blast environments
Bomb-related injuries
Response procedures for localized bombings
Local, state, and federal WMD response
Response guidelines for large-scale bombings
Skills
Students completing Lesson Ten should be capable of the following tasks:
1. Develop an effective post-blast emergency response plan.
2. Supervise safe response to a bomb detonation.
Exercises and Quizzes
Students completing Lesson Ten should immediately take the interactive review quiz to test their understanding and retention of the lessons content. If the student correctly answers fewer than eight out of ten questions, he/she should repeat the lesson before continuing with the program.
Questions 46-50 of the comprehensive test are directly extracted from Lesson Ten.
