Alarm Response Training

Global Material Security (GMS) is a vital part of efforts to combat radiological and nuclear terrorism. GMS’s unique mission is to reduce and protect vulnerable radiological and nuclear material located at civilian sites worldwide. GMS’s Domestic Material Protection (DMP) program increases the protection of radiological sources at public and commercial facilities in the United States. GMS support is provided at no cost to the site and includes security training, security assessments, and security upgrades. An important aspect of securing these materials is timely, well equipped, well trained responders who can interrupt and neutralize an adversary before it can gain access to source materials. The Alarm Response Training (ART) program is specifically tailored to the responsible on-site and local responders who support the protection of sites with radiological and nuclear (R/N) materials. The primary objective is to prepare personnel to protect themselves and their communities in response to alarms involving attempted theft of such materials. This course combines classroom instruction, tabletop exercises, and hands-on training for on-site security, law enforcement, radiation safety officers, public health and safety personnel, and other responders. Classroom sessions increase awareness of radioactive materials of concern and cover the following major topics: common uses of R/N materials, effective use of security equipment, response considerations, radiation detection equipment, and refinement of response procedures. The three-day course moves from classroom lectures, practical discussions, group problem solving, and equipment proficiency to a realistic tabletop exercise, and wraps up with functional operationally based field exercise scenarios. The ultimate instructional goal is to provide participants with R/N knowledge and skills training that can be applied at the institutions they represent. ART is hosted by the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Because of the inherent assets and resources available at Y-12, this National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) facility is at the forefront in training responders about incidents involving R/N materials. The facilities at Y-12 enable participants to conduct hands-on training in a realistic setting, using actual protection equipment. The instructional personnel are subject matter experts in all aspects of radiological and nuclear materials.