Course Objective

The PMC course is designed to develop the practical and theoretical skills required for work as an operator of a private military company in unstable and potentially hostile operational environments, high-risk areas, and armed conflict zones.

The primary objective of the course is to prepare an operator capable of operating as part of a mobile security team, performing escort and protection tasks, planning movements, working with communications and command within a team, navigating terrain, maintaining security during transport operations, recognizing typical threats, and acting during incidents and emergencies within the legal framework and contractual limitations of operations.

The course is built on an applied training approach and is aimed at specialists planning to work in international security and high-risk contract environments.

Course Description

The PMC course is structured as a comprehensive program combining theoretical instruction with intensive practical training focused on operating in high-risk and unstable operational environments.

The program is oriented toward developing sustainable practical skills for working within small teams and includes modules covering both individual and collective training, followed by team coordination across disciplines including movement and patrolling, vehicle operations, organization of observation, actions upon enemy contact, response to threats, etc.

A core element of modern PMC activities is the ability to establish, manage, and defend tactical checkpoints around controlled areas, strategic infrastructure, and high-risk operational zones.

The course also includes an introduction to the importance of cultural anthropology in activities related to this and similar professions. This module aims to help participants better understand the social and cultural characteristics of the regions where missions are conducted and to apply professional conduct when interacting with local populations, partner forces, and international teams.

Training is conducted by instructors with confirmed combat and instructional experience, possessing practical experience in international security projects and other operations in politically unstable regions.

Duration and Methods

14 days (140 training hours)
Theory and practice

Theoretical and practical training sessions are conducted:
— in classrooms of the Alfa-Metal Training Center
— at the shooting range of the training center
— within the urban training complex and tactical training areas of the center as part of practical scenarios and missions simulating real working conditions of operators

During training, infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment of the Alfa-Metal training center are utilized.

Conditions and Requirements

— Basic skills in handling short-barreled and long-barreled firearms
— Completion of a First Person on Scene (FPOS) course
— Completion of the Combat Patrolling course is recommended
— Completion of the Night Operations course is recommended
— Physical and psychological readiness for intensive practical work in field conditions

Final Outcome

Upon completion of the course, each trainee will:
— gain a systematic understanding of the work of a private military company operator in high-risk and combat conditions
— master basic principles of planning and executing core PMC tasks within small tactical groups
— acquire practical experience in patrolling, escort operations, vehicle operations, and actions upon enemy contact
— master action algorithms during ambushes, attacks, and other crisis situations
— acquire practical skills in the use of individual weapons in a tactical environment
— gain practical experience in executing a complex mission as part of a team
— complete a final comprehensive exercise followed by an after-action review
— receive a certificate of standard format and recommendations for further professional development

Weapons Used

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

Note: Other brands and models of weapons may be used during training depending on training objectives and available training center resources.

Course Topics

I. Legal and Organizational Framework of PMC Activities

• Regulatory and legal framework governing private military companies
• Legal status of PMC personnel, limitations, and responsibilities
• Legal foundations for the use of force
• Personnel responsibility for unlawful use of force and violation of procedures
• Roles and responsibilities of PMC operators
• Unit structure and interaction within the group
• Principles of the use of force based on threat level and security mission requirements
• Communication procedures, radio communications, reporting, and information transmission protocols

II. Operational Planning and Mission Preparation

• Fundamental principles of operational planning
• Mission analysis and risk assessment
• Planning of routes, halts, and operational areas
• Terrain analysis (OCOKA)
• Operational risk management during mission preparation
• Ensuring personnel safety during operational planning

III. Movement and Patrolling

• Unit movement formations
• Patrolling procedures and group actions during movement
• Reaction to enemy contact during movement
• Group maneuvering, withdrawal, and breaking contact
• Reporting procedures and group actions following patrol completion

IV. Vehicle Operations and Convoy Operations

• Specific considerations for vehicle operations in high-risk areas
• Convoy movement planning
• Roles and responsibilities of personnel within a convoy
• Reaction to contact while using vehicles
• Procedures and reporting following incidents during convoy movement

V. Actions Under Threat, Medical Response, and EOD Awareness

• Characteristics of threats in PMC operational areas
• Action algorithms during contact with hostile elements
• Casualty evacuation under fire
• Fundamentals of tactical medicine and SMARCH protocol
• Transfer of casualties to medical personnel
• Fundamentals of identifying IED and explosive threats
• Threat detection methodology (5–25 method)
• Reporting procedures and initial incident analysis

VI. Observation and Facility Operations

• Fundamentals of facility observation
• Organization of observation and intelligence gathering
• Information collection and reporting procedures
• Organization of security for stationary facilities
• Organization of a stationary checkpoint
• Reporting of detected threats and suspicious activities

VII. Ambushes and Counter-Ambush Procedures

• Concept and types of ambushes
• Indicators of ambush preparation
• Counter-ambush measures
• Unit actions when entering an ambush
• Reporting and initial review of unit actions following enemy contact

VIII. Firearms Training of PMC Operator

• Types and categories of weapons typical for PMC operators
• Safe handling of weapons and lawful use of force during PMC operations
• Individual firearms training
• Collective firearms training

IX. Application of Technical Means and UAV Systems

• Specific aspects of UAV employment in high-risk environments
• UAVs as a tool for intelligence gathering during PMC operations
• Use of technical surveillance systems
• Transmission and protection of operational information

Read our Blog Post about PMC: How to become a Private Military Contractor (PMC)