Virginia National Guard Hosts Antiterrorism Officer Basic Course

Strategic Insights -

The Virginia Army National Guard's Antiterrorism Program recently hosted an Antiterrorism Officer Basic Course at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The weeklong course, which took place from August 19 to 23, 2024, trained over 30 Soldiers and Airmen from the Virginia National Guard, Maine National Guard, and New Mexico National Guard, as well as active-duty Soldiers and an Army civilian. The training aimed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to perform the roles and responsibilities of an antiterrorism officer, a critical requirement for units down to battalion level.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Antiterrorism Officer Basic Course was hosted by the Virginia Army National Guard Antiterrorism Program at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia, from August 19 to 23, 2024.
  • Over 30 Soldiers and Airmen from the Virginia National Guard, Maine National Guard, and New Mexico National Guard, as well as active-duty Soldiers and an Army civilian, attended the course.
  • The training provided by the U.S. Army Military Police School from Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, covered the roles and responsibilities of an antiterrorism officer, including site assessments and developing action plans.
  • The course was taught by three instructors with expertise and knowledge in the field, who trained the students through practical exercises and a comprehensive final exam.
  • Funding for many of the students was provided by the National Guard Bureau, which was critical to attendance numbers.
  • This was the first time in several years the Virginia Guard offered the course, but plans are in place to host it again next year.
  • The course trains students in the roles and responsibilities of an antiterrorism officer down to battalion level, as required by regulation.

Statistics:

  • 30+ participants attended the Antiterrorism Officer Basic Course, representing the Virginia National Guard, Maine National Guard, New Mexico National Guard, and active-duty Soldiers and an Army civilian.
  • The course was held at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia, from August 19 to 23, 2024.
  • 3 instructors from the U.S. Army Military Police School from Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, taught the course.
  • 1 comprehensive final exam was administered to participants.
  • Funding was provided by the National Guard Bureau for many of the students.

Sources:

  • Source: The State of Virginia, Department of National Guard, Richmond: "The Virginia Army National Guard Antiterrorism Program hosted an Antiterrorism Officer Basic Course August 19-23, 2024, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia."