STTU DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
In
Special Operations & Counter Terrorism
Operational Research
Training Development
Readiness Evaluations
Equipment Test & Evaluation
As with real-world operations, reality-based training must incorporate a level of flexibility to meet the constantly changing nature and methods of an often elusive adversary. All special operations training programs must be open to a process of constant review and regular up-date in response to the team’s operational needs and advances in equipment technology.
With this in mind, and to keep the STTU lecture and training programs on the cutting edge, the STTU staff aggressively seeks out and evaluates new tactics, training methods and equipment suited to special operations.
In the early 1980s, STTU training programs were considered both progressive and controversial by many US agencies not familiar with the current anti-terrorism methods being employed by European counterparts. In 1982 STTU was working with tactical teams that had still not procured light mounts for their weapons or even flash-bang grenades and distraction devices – all now considered standard equipment. Similarly, overseas CT teams were unfamiliar with the state-of-the-art shooting techniques being developed by top combat shooters (including STTU’s Training Director) in the United States.
To bridge this gap, STTU developed a series of programs that were built on sound military doctrine, proven small unit tactics, and the most current law enforcement techniques. These were then combined with the best of European counter-terrorism training and modern combat weapons-craft. These programs proved extremely successful and laid the foundation for the development of both training and operational SOPs for several US and overseas tactical teams.
CONFIDENTIALITY & PROFESSIONALISM
Although STTU has produced several books related to special operations and tactical training, these are not representative of the full extent of STTU’s research, or the material covered in the Unit’s more current lecture and training programs. STTU is very cognizant of “tactics and techniques” that would be considered sensitive, so it is a constant challenge to balance the information that can be disseminated freely, with that which would be considered “trade secrets” and could compromise future operations.
In fact, several teams have asked that we not show or discuss specific operational procedures or their tactical capabilities, generally related to hostage rescue and counter terrorism operations. We have respected that request and continue to work with similar teams by maintaining that trust and confidentiality. It is only through this guaranteed confidentiality that STTU continues to have access to domestic and foreign operational teams, war zones and the various “CNN hot-spots.”
It is this access to actual operations and forward deployed units that keep STTU training capabilities on the cutting edge of modern special operations, and of continued value to the US and coalition militaries.
TACTICAL PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Basic and advanced tactical training are the bread and butter of most training groups, so it is not surprising that STTU pursues an aggressive tactical studies program. These study projects take many forms and can range from accompanying tactical teams on actual operations, to studying de-briefs and AARs of both domestic and international counter terrorism operations. STTU also tracks the activities of various criminal and terrorist organizations through a number of official and unofficial information and intelligence sources. This material is then analyzed, evaluated, and if relevant, incorporated into STTU lectures and training.
STTU studies are currently focused on terrorist and insurgent activity in Afghanistan and Iraq – with particular attention to ambush tactics and attack methodology.
OPERATIONAL READINESS EVALUATIONS
One of the services offered by STTU is the audit and evaluation of tactical teams to ascertain their operational readiness.
It is importance to any agency or tactical commander to have a confidential and impartial evaluation of their tactical teams to better target deficiencies in equipment, personnel and training. It is also important that an impartial third party such as STTU contribute to this review process so as to identify procedures and SOPs that may have become institutionalized and overlooked by internal review.
An STTU training and operational evaluation is far more than just a critical review and suggested improvements. STTU makes the whole audit and review process a valuable training and learning exercise for the team and command staff. After evaluation of individual skill-sets and the team’s operational capabilities, the process is culminated with a detailed de-brief and list of recommendations designed to bring the team and their equipment up to a standard of acceptable operational readiness.
EQUIPMENT TEST & EVALUATION PROGRAM
Since most aspects of special operations are both equipment intensive and equipment dependent, it is critical that only the best and most reliable equipment end up in the hands of operators venturing out on the sharp end of any conflict.
For the past two decades STTU has not only been instrumental in the design and development of several tactical equipment innovations, it has also maintained a program of informal field test & evaluation of a wide variety of tactical products.
On a T&E level, STTU continues to test and evaluate a broad spectrum of new tactical equipment including weapons systems, holsters, load bearing vests, packs, handguns, light systems, ammunition, body armor, goggles, helmets, communications, navigational systems and tactical targets.
Manufacturers have an open invitation to submit products that they believe have application to the special operations community. Through this program, our staff and students get first hand experience with a variety of new products, and in turn, the manufacturer will get real-world testing, along with a “no punches pulled” evaluation of their product by operators whose lives may one day depend on the quality and design.
SNIPER & BALLISTIC RESEARCH
For the past few years, STTU has had an on-going sniper program evaluating long range weapons systems with particular attention being given to ammunition, VLD projectiles, hand-loading methods and terminal ballistics. We are also evaluating rifles, optical sight systems, range finders, range cards and slope angle shooting techniques suited to urban operations and mountain/cold weather warfare.
PROTECTIVE SECURITY OPERATIONS
Beginning in the early eighties, and in conjunction with International Diplomatic Security, STTU developed a series of protective security programs for VIP protection teams operating throughout the US, Europe and the Caribbean.
In addition to conventional BG and CP courses, STTU developed a series of maritime security programs designed to combat piracy on the high seas and protect maritime assets. These programs were validated by the participation of armed STTU personnel in numerous operations in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Adriatic, Aegean and South Pacific. A portion of this material is covered in the STTU book BODYGUARD – A Practical Guide to VIP Protection.
Up-dated and expanded versions of these programs have been run in Northern Italy for protection specialists from three countries assigned to the Mediterranean theatre.
In addition, at the request of one foreign government, and with considerable input from former Seal and SWCC operators, STTU developed a Maritime Interdiction program designed to locate, intercept and board boats considered hostile to the host government’s shipping and coastline. These are aggressive, multi-level training programs that require considerable fitness and motivation on the part of all concerned.
With force protection a major concern for US military personnel operating in Afghanistan and Iraq, STTU developed a series of PSO programs designed for intelligence officers and protective security teams. These programs have become a living entity and under constant review as the terrorist and insurgent tactics change on the ground in forward areas of operation.
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