WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) today announced that Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) continues to make investments in re-building its Protective Force training infrastructure.
[1]“Los Alamos National Laboratory has one of the best trained protective forces in the nuclear security enterprise, and the proficiency of the force has been demonstrated numerous times over several years,” said Brad Peterson, Chief and Associate Administrator for Defense Nuclear Security. “In order to sustain a high level of proficiency, the lab, in conjunction with Los Alamos Site Office and NNSA, has made significant investments in new state-of-the-art training facilities while maintaining the highest security standards.”
As part of the improvements, LANL completed a new fitness running track – ahead of schedule and under budget – and completed a new Firearms Simulator Facility. This year, LANL began construction of a new Tactical Training Facility and began design of a new Indoor Firearms Training Facility.
The new running track provides security police officers enhanced capabilities to meet and maintain the demanding fitness standards required by federal regulations. Up to this point, the lab’s protective force relied on sharing the local high school’s track as it was the only acceptable facility in the county.
The recently completed Firearms and Tactics Simulator provides security police officers a realistic training facility for conducting firearms manipulations and practicing simulated individual tactics and team tactical engagements using computer-generated scenarios that closely mimic hostile attacks on Laboratory facilities. The facility is also environmentally friendly and economically efficient, as it allows realistic training without requiring expenditure of live ammunition. Officers can perform firearms manipulation drills in a low hazard environment.
The laboratory started construction of a new Tactical Training Facility (TTF). The TTF will have movable walls that will allow the facility to replicate interior tactical situations that could be encountered at LANL. Exercises can be conducted using simulation firearms that will provide realistic training and enhance the tactical skills of the security police officers. This facility allows units to train on team tactics providing another environmentally friendly and efficient facility. The completion of the TTF will allow the protective force to train without entering the facilities they protect, thus minimizing interference with normal facility operations.
When completed, the new indoor live fire range can also be used year round in all types of weather and be used at all hours of the day and night. It is also environmentally friendly, capturing all expended ammunition. This new range will allow security police officers an environment to enhance skills, maintain proficiency, and ensure protection of national assets.
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Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science in the nation’s national security enterprise. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, reliability, and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear testing; reduces the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad.
