Its continuing role is to provide expertise and training to the state and local emergency response community. The NDPC was formed in 1998 as a partnership of several nationally recognized public universities, the DHS, and NNSA. The members are bound together into a single, well-coordinated, and fully integrated weapons of mass destruction (WMD) response and prevention training program of the highest caliber.

To conduct the most realistic performance-based radiological/nuclear WMD counterterrorism training possible, CTOS conducts resident training courses at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). The NNSS is a massive outdoor laboratory, national experimental center, and training facility located 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada. Originally established for testing nuclear weapons, from 1951 to 1992, 1,021 nuclear detonations and numerous radiological dispersal tests have been executed at the NNSS.

Since the 1950s, the NNSS has been conducting training and exercises using radioactive materials and contaminated environments. The rich nuclear testing history of the NNSS offers dynamic training opportunities today. The 1,355 square miles of secluded and secure land at the NNSS provide a safe environment for training in realistic WMD scenarios.

In 1955, the Federal Civil Defense Administration constructed a small town at the T-1 Site. The town included houses and bungalows built to various building codes, electric power systems, a radio broadcasting station, weigh station, propane tank farm, vehicles, fire equipment, food supplies, and other items used for the test. In a nationally televised event on May 5, 1955, this community was devastated by a 29-kiloton nuclear detonation in order to evaluate the effects of a nuclear explosion on civilian communities and test the emergency response capabilities of Civil Defense organizations. Four nuclear devices were detonated at this location between 1952 and 1957, and the small amount of nuclear fallout remaining from these detonations is now below the surface of the soil, providing a realistic and safe training area. Adding to the realism, radioactive debris created during the nuclear detonations, such as twisted steel fragments and sand melted into radioactive glass (trinity glass or trinitite), is still scattered throughout the T-1 Site. Industrial, sealed radioactive sources are also placed in exercise areas to create elevated radiation levels and the realistic training venues needed for training objectives.

Specialized radiological/nuclear WMD response training at the NNSS was first offered in 1998 to state and local jurisdiction emergency responders from across the U.S., and included Responder Operations, Incident Command Operations, and WMD Terrorism Training. The NNSS soon became a popular training center for emergency responders due to its unique training venues, security, and WMD expertise.

Prior to 9/11, state and local jurisdictions had minimal radiological or nuclear detection capability. Not until after the catastrophic events of 9/11 were the threats of Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDDs) or Improvised Nuclear Devices (INDs) taken as seriously as they are today. Instructor-led courses developed after 9/11 have been customized to address and enhance first responder ability to respond effectively to the detonation of an RDD or IND. CTOS training expanded in 2002 with awareness level courses and added a force-multiplying train-the-trainer program that allowed CTOS to reach more first responders.

Over the years, the CTOS contribution to national preparedness has been substantial, training responders from all 50 states and each U.S. territory. Since September 11, 2001, nearly 300,000 first responders have been trained, through direct delivery of CTOS curriculum by DHS-certified instructors and indirect delivery of course materials through Train-the-Trainer programs and web-based training. Today, the various CTOS programs meet the training and education needs of more than 20,000 emergency responders in state, local, and tribal governments each year, protecting the nation from a potential radiological or nuclear WMD.

Prevention Mission Training

The Preventive Radiological Nuclear Detection (PRND) mission is designed to enhance the ability of the United States to detect and prevent terrorist attacks and other high-consequence events utilizing nuclear or other radiological materials that pose risk to homeland security throughout our Nation.

Training provided by CTOS is designed to provide first responders with the capability to perform the functions required to fulfill the mission as outlined in the national resource typing definitions, position qualifications and Position Task Books (PTBs) which are provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Integration Center (NIC).

CTOS provides PRND training for each of the following positions:

• Primary Screener
• Secondary Screener
• Team Operator
• Team Leader

Response Mission Training

CTOS provides response training designed to prepare first responders, law enforcement and the whole community with the capability to safely respond to and manage radiological nuclear Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) including:

• Radiation Exposure Devices
• Radiological Dispersal Devices
• Nuclear Devices

Courses include:

• Awareness/Introductory level training. This training can be completed in person (mobile or resident), virtually, web-based or by authorized adjunct instructors.
• Performance based training. Training is available through resident or mobile training. Our courses are designed by applying the latest Federal guidance and operational policies.
• Management training, available through resident and mobile delivery.