Homemade Explosives: Identify-Process-Dispose (Course ID EXPL-CS-0018)

The ATF Homemade Explosives (HME) course provides operator-level training for the identification of precursor chemicals and manufacturing equipment, processing techniques, along with safe handling, mitigation and disposal of hazardous HME mixtures. The course utilizes lectures, approved hands-on laboratory classes, practical exercises, explosives range demonstrations, and disposal exercises to enhance student training.

Course Topics

• Recognize and identify precursors used in the manufacture of HMEs
• Associate precursors with respective homemade explosives
• Identify and mitigate the hazards of precursors, partially mixed HMEs, or finished HMEs
• Safe sampling and testing techniques for HME or precursor identification
• Evidentiary collection and scene processing
• Remote methods of removing, and the safe disposal of HME hazards

Length of Training

Full business week (5 class days) with Sunday and Saturday travel days.

Prerequisites

For public safety bomb technicians, successful completion of Hazardous Devices School and ATF’s Advanced Explosives Disposal Techniques (AEDT). The prerequisites are waived for military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians and Special Operations Forces (SOF) explosives engineers.

Tuition and Costs

State and local students (public safety bomb technicians) – Tuition, lodging, and airfare costs for this program are covered by ATF. ATF does NOT reimburse mileage for Government Owned Vehicles, travel insurance, upgrades and non-essential expenses. State and local students will be reimbursed for airfare and meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) by direct deposit, following submission of a travel voucher at the conclusion of the training program.

Military students (EOD technicians and SOF explosives engineers) – There is no tuition for military students. Prerequisites are waived for military students. All travel related costs are the responsibility of the individual soldier’s unit.

How to Apply

Public Safety Bomb Technicians: Download ATF F 6310.1 — Training Registration Request for Non-ATF Employees. Send the completed application along with a copy of your ATF AEDT Certificate of Training to HMEmailbox@atf.gov. A confirmation e-mail with available course dates will be sent upon receipt of these documents.

Military (EOD technicians and SOF explosives engineers): Military students are not required to complete the ATF training request form. Military students will register through their respective Command Training Managers and a branch specific Point of Contact (POC). Contact information for respective POCs can be obtained by emailing HMEmailbox@atf.gov.

Fiscal Year 2026 Course Dates

Contact

Please contact HME Program Manager Gray Lane at Allan.Lane@atf.gov.