ATF strengthens military partnerships through post-blast investigation training in Anchorage
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives brought its national explosives‑investigation expertise to Joint Base Elmendorf‑Richardson, partnering with Army and Air Force explosive ordnance disposal teams for advanced Post‑Blast Investigative Techniques training. The weeklong course equipped 32 military personnel with the specialized skills needed to systematically investigate and analyze explosive scenes.
“Many of ATF’s certified explosives specialists and special agent bomb technicians previously served in the military,” said Brice McCracken, Special Agent in Charge. “Because of their prior service, they bring a level of technical expertise and experience that elevates this training, and our close partnership with military EOD teams is central to making it as effective and relevant as possible.”
While this training is primarily based at ATF’s National Center for Explosives Training and Research (NCETR) in Huntsville, Alabama, ATF instructors also bring the course to locations nationwide to support U.S. military and law enforcement partners. Hosting it in Alaska for the first time reflects ATF’s commitment to making this expertise accessible wherever it’s needed.
During the weeklong course, students attended classroom sessions, live explosives demonstrations, and participated in hands-on field exercises. They learned protocols for explosives identification, blast analysis, improvised explosive device component recognition, and forensic evidence collection. After the training, students have the skills to process evidence thanks to the realistic nature of the conditions and simulated crime scenes.
The explosives training staff at NCETR is made up of ATF’s certified explosives specialists, special agent bomb technicians, retired public safety bomb technicians and former military explosives ordnance disposal (EOD) servicemembers. This cadre of instructors draws upon its broad experience to provide internationally recognized critical skills training courses to military EOD servicemembers, public safety bomb technicians, law enforcement and fire service investigators. A few of these courses are Advanced Explosives Disposal Techniques, Homemade Explosives, and Explosives Evidence Exploitation.
To learn more about NCETR and the training offered, visit the NCETR webpage.
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ATF protects American communities from violent crime driven by the illegal use of firearms, explosives, and acts of arson. Through crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis, and relentless investigation, we identify and arrest violent offenders and gang members, dismantle trafficking networks, and sever the supply chains arming cartels, prohibited persons, and terrorist organizations. We defend the rights of law-abiding citizens by safeguarding lawful commerce and upholding the Constitution of the United States. Learn more about what ATF is doing to reduce violent crime in your community by following us on X @ATFHQ, Instagram @ATFHQ, LinkedIn @ATF, and Facebook @HQATF, or on the web at www.atf.gov.
