Counter-UAS Training for EOD Teams
APSI delivers mission-focused Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) training for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), defense, security, and public-sector organizations responding to emerging small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) threats.
Top Secret facility clearance: classified storage up to the Top Secret level, processing up to the Secret level, and on-site training prepared for delivery up to the Secret level.
Built for the EOD Mission
Our training connects technical sUAS, electronics, FPV, and C-UAS instruction with operator-informed EOD mission integration, supported-unit coordination, incident response, exploitation support, reporting, and after-action refinement.
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, First Person View (FPV) drones, loitering munitions, and modified commercial platforms are changing how EOD teams assess hazards, support maneuver, protect fixed sites, and preserve recoverable threat information.
APSI’s training is not a generic drone course. It is built around the EOD response problem: what the operator must recognize, what hazard is present, what decision is required, who must be coordinated with, and what information or evidence must be preserved for exploitation, reporting, or follow-on action.
Facility Clearance
APSI holds a top secret facility clearance. The company can store classified information up to the top secret level and process information up to the secret level. Training is prepared for on-site delivery up to the secret level.
Course Structure and Security Handling
APSI delivers two non-overlapping training events. The first course establishes the foundational knowledge base for the scenario-based training, which students then operationalize through realistic, stress-inoculated practical exercises. An initial knowledge assessment will be administered on Day 1 of each course to establish a student baseline and allow instructors to calibrate depth of instruction accordingly.
All training is designed and delivered at the UNCLASSIFIED level unless otherwise directed. Where classified vignettes would be required for full-fidelity operational replication, instructors will note this clearly and provide appropriate unclassified analogues. Our team is prepared to deliver classified training up to the SECRET Level on site.
Government-provided information, student information, scenario outputs, after-action observations, and any marked or identified Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) will be handled in accordance with Government markings, DoDI 5200.48, Operations Security (OPSEC) requirements, and applicable contract clauses. The contractor will designate a security representative within three workdays after award.
What the Training Covers
APSI’s EOD-focused C-UAS training can include:
- sUAS and FPV threat recognition
- Macro, micro, vertical takeoff and landing, and fixed-wing platform familiarization
- Commercial off-the-shelf platform awareness
- 3D-printed attachment and payload-indicator recognition
- Electronics and microcontroller awareness for EOD hazard assessment
- Firing-circuit and ordnance-modification awareness at an EOD response level
- C-UAS layered defense concepts
- Electronic Warfare (EW) and Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) deconfliction considerations
- Incident report interpretation and follow-on questioning
- Reconnaissance and standoff assessment
- Avoid / Neutralize / Exploit decision-making
- Recovered-platform documentation, evidence preservation, and handoff
- EOD storyboards, after-action review, and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) refinement
Technical and Scenario-Based Training
APSI can support both technical familiarization and scenario-based application.
Technical Training
Technical training can be conducted at the SimIS Intelligent Robotics and Autonomous Systems (IRAS) Laboratory, supporting sUAS, robotics, autonomous systems, electronics, microcontrollers, FPV systems, and platform familiarization.
Scenario-Based Training
Scenario-based training can be conducted at other partner facilities suited to realistic field application, mission planning, incident response, supported-unit integration, exploitation support, and after-action review.
Mobile Training Teams or a Dedicated Lab
APSI delivers this training through Mobile Training Teams (MTTs) that come to your location, or at a dedicated technical facility when the course calls for a controlled laboratory environment.
APSI offers Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Emergent Threats in small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) training at the SimIS, Inc. Intelligent Robotics and Autonomous Systems (IRAS) Laboratory in Suffolk, Virginia, roughly 30 to 35 miles from Gate 1 of Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. The laboratory gives students a controlled technical environment for sUAS platform familiarization, microcontroller and electronics instruction, First Person View (FPV) and flight-controller concepts, 3D-printed attachment review, Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) academic blocks, and instructor-led technical demonstrations.
Facility capabilities
- 30,000 square feet of dedicated training, laboratory, and administrative space
- Top Secret Facility Clearance (FCL) with on-site storage up to SECRET
- Multiple conference rooms with state-of-the-art audiovisual systems, accommodating up to 20 personnel
- Large laboratory classroom with individual electrical outlets at each student workstation
- Anti-static room for sensitive electronic and electrical work
- 3D printing capability for rapid prototyping of training aids and improvised attachment replicas
- Outdoor space suitable for controlled UAS training activities, subject to applicable FAA, local, facility, and safety requirements
- Kitchen facilities, outdoor break area, and locker rooms with showers
- Wi-Fi access greater than 10 Gbps throughout the facility
Instructor Cadre
APSI’s instructional cadre includes former Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Naval Special Warfare (NSW), Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), Navy SEAL, Naval Special Warfare Group 8 (NSWG-8), Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF), Green Beret, Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS), small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) / First Person View (FPV), electronics, and scenario-control professionals.
This structure pairs technical sUAS, electronics, and C-UAS instruction with operator-informed mission integration, expeditionary EOD support, supported-unit coordination, mission planning, incident response, exploitation, and after-action refinement.
| Cadre Element | Access / Clearance | Key Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Course Director / Lead Instructor | As required by tasking | Former Navy EOD / NSW / C-sUAS training leadership; military instructional delivery; EOD incident lifecycle integration |
| Lead EOD Instructor | As required by tasking | Former Navy EOD; EOD response procedures; disruption / exploitation decision-making; evidence handling; EOD storyboards |
| Tactical Integration Instructor | As required by tasking | Former NSW / SEAL / DEVGRU / NSWG-8 or special mission unit experience; supported-unit integration; patrol / convoy / expeditionary site context |
| C-sUAS Lead Instructor | As required by tasking | C-sUAS technologies; layered defense; ECM / EW deconfliction; airspace awareness; EOD integration |
| sUAS / FPV Technical Lead | As required by tasking | Commercial sUAS platforms; FPV; VTOL; fixed wing; flight-controller / Betaflight / ESC familiarization |
| Electronics / Microcontroller Instructor | As required by tasking | Digital logic; PIC / Arduino / Raspberry Pi; sensors; digital / analog inputs and outputs; timing |
| Scenario Controller / Evaluator | As required by tasking | Scenario lanes; injects; observer/evaluator checklists; hot wash; after-action review |
| Facility / Safety Lead | As required by tasking | SimIS IRAS Laboratory technical course support; Constellis Training Center scenario support; safety coordination; Government-furnished equipment coordination |
Training Outcomes
APSI helps teams:
- Recognize emerging sUAS and FPV threats
- Connect drone indicators to EOD hazard assessment
- Coordinate across EOD, C-UAS, EW, intelligence, and supported-unit elements
- Improve incident reporting and follow-on questioning
- Preserve information and evidence for exploitation support
- Practice realistic response decision-making
- Refine TTPs through after-action review and storyboards
- Return to readiness after drone-related incidents
Who This Supports
APSI’s EOD-focused C-UAS training supports:
- Military EOD teams
- Special operations support elements
- Expeditionary security forces
- Installation and airfield protection teams
- Critical infrastructure security teams
- Government agencies preparing for sUAS threats
Training Model
APSI uses a progressive training model that moves from technical understanding to practical application and scenario-based execution.
- 1
Foundation
Students build baseline understanding of sUAS threats, platform types, electronics, microcontrollers, C-UAS concepts, and EOD response considerations.
- 2
Application
Students apply that knowledge through guided practical exercises, component familiarization, decision drills, report interpretation, and supported-unit coordination.
- 3
Integration
Students execute scenario-based training that requires team decision-making, EOD response, C-UAS coordination, exploitation support, reporting, and after-action refinement.
This model aligns with the practical “crawl-walk-run” approach used in effective tactical training design, where students first build foundational understanding, then apply skills under guidance, and finally integrate them under realistic conditions.
EOD Incident Lifecycle Framework
APSI structures training around a practical EOD incident lifecycle.
- 1
Left of Launch / Left of Bang
Threat awareness, supported-unit integration, Standard Operating Procedure review, intelligence coordination, EW deconfliction, mission preparation, and equipment readiness.
- 2
Incident Notification
Report interpretation, critical information extraction, follow-on questions, response prioritization, and situational awareness.
- 3
Incident Site Operations
Reconnaissance, standoff assessment, approach decisions, hazard recognition, supported-unit coordination, and Avoid / Neutralize / Exploit selection.
- 4
Mission Continuation
Support the mission, break off for exploitation or reporting, or employ a hybrid support model.
- 5
Post-Incident Recovery
Required reporting, EOD storyboards, exploitation support, TTP adjustment, lessons learned, and reconstitution for follow-on response.
Instructional Design
APSI designs training around performance-based learning objectives, practical application, and observable readiness outcomes.
The course structure aligns with Navy-style instructional design principles, including progressive learning, terminal and enabling learning objectives, guided practical application, instructor-led debrief, and after-action improvement. Each module links technical content to EOD decision points and mission outcomes.
Prepare your team for emerging drone threats
Prepare your team for emerging drone threats with EOD-focused Counter-UAS training.