November marks Infrastructure Security Month, a nationwide effort to recognize and remember the importance of infrastructure security. One of the most important critical infrastructure priorities today is preventing the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and protecting facilities against IED attacks. Created in response to terrorism events around the globe, CISA’s Office for Bombing Prevention (CISA OBP) plays a leading role in protecting the United States against bombing incidents by enhancing security and resilience at all levels of government, across the private sector and among the public. Central to CISA OBP’s strategy for building nationwide counter-IED security and resilience is its nationally accredited Counter-IED Training and Awareness Program, known simply as OBP Training.
Training is an integral layer of security and resilience programs. Successful security and resilience programs all share a major, common trait: quality training that is designed and used to effectively prevent, protect against, respond to or otherwise mitigate impacts of harm. Since its establishment 15 years ago, CISA OBP’s counter-IED (C-IED) and risk mitigation training has been employed by emergency responders and receivers, security professionals, private sector corporations, as well as the public and has played a prominent role in preparations to protect many U.S. traditions and locations, including the Super Bowl, Boston Marathon and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, just to name a few.