Physical Protection Systems: Integration of Training and Testing/Evaluation at the Interdepartmental Special Training Center (ISTC), Obninsk, Russia

The ISTC conducts theoretical and hands-on training in physical protection systems (PPS), system assessment, equipment testing and certification for Russian physical protection systems. This integrated approach relies upon resident instructor expertise, Russian systems equipment and specialized training laboratories. The U.S. provides oversight, guidance, and funding support for testing of equipment and training Minatom security professionals. The ISTC infrastructure (i.e. interior laboratories, exterior test field, and an exterior alarmmonitoring center) is capable of supporting physical protection training, system analysis, performance testing, and equipment certification testing. This combination of activity requires continual coordination between the ISTC staff and Minatom facilities to ensure the success of the center. The U.S.-Russian collaboration to improve nuclear material protection, control and accountability (MPC&A) in Russia requires system operators, managers, and nuclear material handlers who are well trained in physical protection systems. Therefore the ISTC provides education and training that fosters operational system expertise, enhances physical protection specialist’s knowledge, and trains future physical protection specialists. This encourages an exchange of ideas and sharing of knowledge to keep the systems operable. This paper will describe the coordinated ISTC efforts between training physical protection personnel, equipment testing, component performance and certification testing. This paper will also illustrate the ISTC potential for increasing its scope of training to include training Minatom protective force guards.