ATF Announces Raven’s Challenge Interoperability Exercises
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Center for Explosives Training and Research (NCETR) in partnership with the U.S. Army, is poised to begin the 2026 Raven's Challenge Interoperability Exercises.
The event trains explosives experts on preparing for and countering emerging threats of improvised explosive devices and unmanned aircraft systems. The training occurs at multiple locations throughout the U.S.
- February 22-27, Pinal Airpark, Marana, Arizona
- March 15-20, Camp Blanding, Starke, Florida
- April 12-17, Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Butlerville, Indiana
- May 17-22, Camp Dodge, Johnston, Iowa
- July 19-24, Fort Devens, Devens, Massachusetts
Raven’s Challenge started in 2004 as a Washington State National Guard and ATF-led exercise for military explosives ordnance disposal (EOD) teams and civilian public safety bomb squads in the Pacific Northwest. The exercise grew into one of the largest explosives and bomb defeat public safety training exercises in the world. Last year’s program had more than 700 participants and included training staff from the U.S. and 18 countries.
“These exercises enhance our connections with organizations around the world helping us to enhance safety and protect the public from these evolving threats,” said Brice McCracken, Special Agent in Charge, NCETR. “Our experienced and skilled training team is committed to providing real world scenarios in operational environments.”
Raven’s Challenge includes participants from all U.S. military branches, local and state bomb squads, and teams from the Department of Justice. International participation has increased to include countries from Europe and north Africa.
The training emphasizes the U.S. military’s EOD role in Defense Support of Civil Authorities and their integration with public safety bomb squads in support of homeland defense.
Raven’s Challenge is funded by the U.S. Army and executed by ATF and partner agencies including the U.S. Army, the FBI, and local and state law enforcement agencies throughout the country.
NCETR manages ATF’s key explosives, fire, and response operations at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. NCETR consists of the Explosives Enforcement and Training Division, Arson and Explosives Research and Intelligence Division, the Fire Investigation and Arson Enforcement Division and the National Canine Division in Virginia.
The team at NCETR provides critical skills training to law enforcement, fire investigators, bomb technicians, K-9 handlers and military EOD operators across the globe.
For more information and videos, visit Raven's Challenge Interoperability Exercise.
