The ATF Advanced Post Blast course is a 2-week course presented at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Center for Explosives Training and Research (NCETR) on the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. This course builds on the Basic Post Blast Investigative Techniques (PBIT) course. The first week of the Advanced PBIT course contains explosives investigation and evidence collection instruction not included in the one-week Basic PBIT course.
The second week of the Advanced PBIT course centers on scene processing and witness interview techniques provided both in and out of the classroom. Also included in the second week are presentations of legal issues, applicable federal statutes to a post blast investigation and courtroom testimony. These topics are presented to the student both by ATF legal counsel and current Assistant United States Attorneys.
The goal of the Advanced PBIT course is to provide training and instruction so that the student can investigate, manage and perfect a large-scale explosives incident whether it be criminal or accidental.
Course Topics
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Advanced use of explosives
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Advanced use of improvised explosive devices (IED)
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Post blast scene processing and forensics
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ATF team concept
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Large scale incident management
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Legal
Length of Training
80 hours for the Advanced PBIT.
Prerequisites
Applicant must have successfully completed Basic PBIT offered at NCETR. Applicant must be a full-time public safety official whose primary mission is to investigate bombing incidents and other explosions. Selections are intended to facilitate coordination of agencies in the area of operation where the training is being conducted.
Tuition and Costs
ATF provides lodging, per diem, instructors, classroom, supplies, training materials and range tools. ATF will also reimburse travel expenses and baggage after student receipts are submitted to the Post Blast Program Manager. Students must provide their own transportation while in Huntsville.
How to Apply
Download ATF F 6310.1 — State and Local Training Registration Request. Please send the completed application via email to PBIT@atf.gov. Those selected will be contacted with available course dates.
Student selection is conducted by the NCETR training staff hosting the training. Please contact the NCETR hosting the course for more information.
Current Course Dates
| Course | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced PBIT | April 28 - May 9, 2025 | NCETR, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama |
Contact
Please contact PBIT at PBIT@atf.gov for additional information.