Course Objective

The course is designed to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for safe and coordinated actions in the event of an ambush or sudden attack in high-risk environments.
The primary objective of the course is to prepare an operator capable of acting effectively within the first seconds of hostile contact, ensuring the protection of the protected person or team, organizing threat suppression, and executing withdrawal from the kill zone while maintaining control and preserving personnel.
The course is built on an applied training methodology and is intended for military personnel, security force members, and private security professionals performing escort, mobile protection, and operations in unstable regions.

Course Description

The Counter Assault Team course is a specialized training program combining theoretical instruction with intensive practical exercises focused on countering ambushes and sudden attacks across various operational contexts.
The program is aimed at developing sustainable skills in identifying indicators of ambush preparation, reacting immediately within the kill zone, coordinating team actions, organizing threat suppression, and conducting safe extraction.
Special emphasis is placed on the differences in response algorithms depending on the operational context — VIP protection in urban environments, armed escort operations, and mobile missions in unstable regions.
Training is delivered by instructors with verified operational and instructional experience, including practical experience in unstable regions and in the training of security professionals.

Duration and Methods

5 days (50 training hours)
Theory and Practice

Theoretical and practical sessions are conducted:

— in the classrooms of the Alfa-Metal Training Center
— at the training center shooting range
— within the tactical training areas of the center during practical exercises and scenario-based drills simulating various types of ambushes

Throughout the course, the infrastructure and equipment of the Alfa-Metal Training Center are fully utilized.

Requirements and Conditions

— Basic skills in the safe handling of short-barrel and long-barrel firearms
— Completion of a tactical shooting course with carbine and pistol (separate or combined)
— Completion of a combat first aid course (FPOS / TCCC)
— General understanding of CPO, PSD, and PMC operational activities in the context of movement, escort, and patrol missions
— Physical readiness for intensive practical training

Final Outcome

Upon completion of the course, each participant will:

— gain a systematic understanding of the nature of ambushes, their objectives, structure, and tactical logic
— master the indicators of attack preparation and learn to identify potentially dangerous segments along a route
— acquire organizational and tactical measures aimed at reducing the likelihood of being ambushed
— practice procedures for immediate action during sudden contact while escorting a VIP in urban and semi-hostile environments
— master protection and emergency evacuation procedures for the protected person during an attack
— practice response procedures when ambushed during armed escort operations in high-risk environments
— gain practical experience in withdrawing from the kill zone under fire
— complete a final integrated exercise followed by a professional after-action review
— receive an official certificate and recommendations for further professional development

Weapons Used

— Glock 17
— Walther PDP (FX)
— AK platform rifles (Arsenal or equivalent)
— AR-15 / M4 platform carbines

Note: Additional weapon models may be used during training depending on training objectives and available equipment of the training center.

Course Topics

I. Fundamentals of Ambush Organization and Tactical Logic

Definition of an ambush and its role in modern operations
Objectives and tasks of ambush operations
Typical targets of ambushes
Ambush classification
Types and forms of ambushes

II. Indicators of Ambush Preparation and Preventive Measures

Behavioral and tactical indicators of attack preparation
Route analysis and identification of potentially dangerous areas
Choke points, restricted spaces, and forced movement corridors
Use of terrain features by the adversary
Organizational and tactical risk mitigation measures
Observation planning and maintenance of situational control

III. Actions During Sudden Contact in the CPO Format

Attack during dismounted escort
Attack during VIP embarkation and disembarkation
Team response during an attack in a public environment
Organization of cover and emergency evacuation of the protected person
Minimization of risks to the client and bystanders
Restoration of team control following the incident

IV. Counter-Ambush Operations in PSD Missions

Specifics of armed escort operations in high-risk environments
Ambush during vehicle escort
Vehicle blocking and forced stop scenarios
Organization of cover and maneuver for withdrawal from the kill zone
Team actions in the presence of casualties
Restoration of formation and sector control

V. Counter-Ambush Operations in PMC Missions

Ambush against an armed convoy
Ambush in open terrain
Ambush in mountainous and complex terrain
Operations in night conditions
Organization of suppression and break-contact procedures
Establishment of 360-degree security after exiting the kill zone

VI. Tactical Medicine During an Ambush

Actions under fire protocol
Casualty extraction from the danger area
Stabilization and transfer of the casualty to medical personnel