In 2021, the US Bomb Data Center recorded 1,876 bomb threats and 860 detonations in the US. This included 381 bombings, 12 of which were reported in Arizona.

That’s what Tucson Police Lieutenant Thomas Hawk and his team did in a live-fire and classroom training program organized by the Office of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) at Pinal County Air Park in Marana earlier this month. It’s one of the reasons I participated in a certain Ravens Challenge.

“When a serious incident occurs, getting this training now and building relationships will be beneficial in the case of a serious serious incident where all these teams have to come together,” said Lt. Thomas Hawke. said Tucson Police.

Under this program, the ATF hosts impromptu explosives exercises between public safety bomb squads and the military’s bomb disposal units.

Special Agent Brendan Ivar, in charge of Phoenix’s ATF Field Division, led the exercise throughout the week. He attributes much of the program’s success to collaboration during training.

“They’re not only sharing information there, but they’re also sharing information after hours, which is huge. When they leave here, they have those connections. They have someone they can call and say, ‘Have you seen this before?

Although an observer controller ensured everyone’s safety, the 18 teams received no assistance in carrying out the scenario. Greg Smith, his Raven’s Challenge program manager at the ATF, emphasized the importance of allowing participants to try different methods.

“We let them experiment,” said Smith. “We let them try new things and see what works and what doesn’t. Better to learn it here than out on the street somewhere.”

Explosives and arson training is intended for public safety explosive handlers, bomb technicians, and bomb disposal units. They are given challenging scenarios and realistic targets in a live-fire range and must work with military explosives disposal teams to disarm or destroy devices.