Professional risk assessment and security planning for complex environments.

Course Objective

The course is designed to prepare specialists in the organization and execution of personal security operations in high-risk environments, unstable and politically sensitive regions, and areas with potential armed conflict. HEAT training is an intensive program designed to prepare professionals deploying to high-risk environments or conflict zones. Realistic scenarios based on real field experience.

The primary objective of the course is to prepare a Personal Security Detail (PSD) operator capable of effectively conducting protective operations and safeguarding clients in hostile environments, performing security operation planning, operating as part of an armed protection team, executing evacuations, and responding to threats under combat or high-risk conditions.

Course Description

The course is structured in accordance with internationally recognized security and risk management practices applied within the private security sector.

The program combines theoretical and practical training with emphasis on integrated operational scenarios and team-based actions, including operational planning, coordinated team performance, collective firearms training, and operational response to emergency situations.

Training is conducted by instructors with verified combat and instructional experience and includes progressive complexity of practical tasks through realistic simulation of PSD operational scenarios.

The course also includes an introduction to the importance of cultural anthropology in activities related to this and similar professions. Understanding cultural differences, norms, religious and social patterns of behavior, as well as regional specifics, enhances risk assessment capabilities and helps prevent actions that could unintentionally escalate tensions or create security vulnerabilities. Within an international team, awareness of cultural anthropology and regional characteristics supports effective cooperation, reduces the likelihood of internal and external conflicts, and strengthens overall operational effectiveness.
This module aims to help participants better understand the social and cultural specifics of the regions where missions are conducted and to apply professional conduct when interacting with local populations, partner forces, and international teams.

Duration and Training Methods

10 days (100 training hours)

Theoretical and practical training sessions are conducted:
— In classrooms of the Alfa-Metal Training Center
— At the training center shooting range
— Within an urban training facility (scenario training area)
— During practical missions and scenarios simulating PSD operations in hostile environments
— Using the infrastructure and equipment of the training center

Entry Requirements

— Mandatory completion of Basic Pistol, Basic Carbine, or a combined Pistol/Carbine course
— Mandatory completion of Combat First Aid course (First Aid in Combat Conditions)
— Completion of Combat Patrolling course is recommended
— Completion of VCQB course is recommended
— Physical and psychological readiness for intensive practical training

Course Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, each participant will:

Understand operational principles of Protective Security Detail operations in high-risk environments
Acquire skills in planning and conducting protective escort operations
Practice actions as part of an armed protection team
Develop practical response skills to attacks, hostile contact, and evacuation scenarios
Gain practical experience in handling emergency and non-standard situations
Complete final theoretical and practical assessments
Receive a certificate of completion and recommendations for further professional development

Weapons Platforms Used

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

Note: Additional weapon systems may be used depending on training objectives and available training resources.

Course Topics

I. Legal and Professional Framework of PSD Operations

Legal foundations of security operations in unstable environments
Use-of-force limitations in the protection of clients
Legal status of security personnel in overseas operations
Professional responsibility of PSD operators
Professional conduct of security personnel when interacting with clients and civilian population
Ethical standards and codes of conduct in overseas operations
Conflict de-escalation and prevention of force escalation

II. Organization of Protective Security Detail Operations

PSD operational concept in high-risk environments
Structure and role distribution within escort teams
Duties and responsibilities of the team leader
Responsibilities of escort operators
Communication and team command procedures
Incident reporting and documentation procedures

III. Security Operations Planning

Preparation of escort operations in unstable environments
Threat assessment during client movement
Route planning, alternate routes, and safe zones
Preparation of rally points, stops, and evacuation areas
Development of contingency and emergency response plans

IV. Threat Detection and Incident Prevention

Early threat detection methods
Behavioral indicators of attack preparation
Preventive security measures
Incident prevention and risk mitigation
Identification of suspicious objects
Personnel response procedures upon discovery of explosive devices

V. Dismounted Protective Operations and Procedures

Dismounted escort formations during client movement
Client movement procedures in high-risk areas
Emergency evacuation procedures from danger zones
Team actions under fire contact and client extraction to a safe area

VI. Vehicle Escort Operations and Procedures

Principles of client movement in unstable environments
Organization and procedures of vehicle escort operations
Safe embarkation and disembarkation procedures
Team actions in proximity to vehicles
Team response to vehicle blocking or attacks against transport
Procedures for crossing and exiting danger zones using vehicles

VII. First Aid in Security Operations

Casualty care during incidents
Casualty evacuation procedures
Casualty stabilization and transfer to medical personnel

VIII. Technical Security Measures

Use of surveillance and monitoring systems
Application of technical means to enhance client security

IX. Firearms Training for PSD Operators

Safe weapons handling during protective operations
Employment of firearms at short distances
Firearms employment in confined spaces

X. Risk Management and Standard Operating Procedures

Standard operating procedures of escort teams
Decision-making procedures in critical situations
Coordination with local security forces and emergency services
Information flow and command control during changing operational conditions
Procedures in case of communication loss, operator injury, or loss of team member capability
Incident review and after-action analysis

XI. Integrated PSD Operational Scenarios

Client escort scenarios in high-risk conditions
Team response to operational incidents
Practical exercises in client protection and evacuation operations