HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- From classroom lectures to thunderous booms, military members learn about terroristic capabilities during the Dynamics of International Terrorism Course here.
The DIT Course, intended for military members and U.S. Government agency employees, educates more than 700 students annually.
From knowing what to look for in danger zones to learning how to conduct oneself during a hostage situation, this course teaches it all.
The DIT course, established in 1977, is programmed to be a five-day awareness and personal security class directed toward terrorist threats overseas.
“This course was established years before the Air Force Special Operations Command was activated as its own major command.” said Special Agent Randy Metzger, DIT course director. “Essentially, AFSOC leaders, at the time, determined there was a need to educate Special Operations Forces on the dangers posed by terrorism worldwide.”
The DIT course is designed to provide students with an awareness and appreciation of the organization, motivation, operational capabilities and threats posed by terrorists on an international, national and regional basis.
“This is an excellent course that provides a baseline for the problems associated with international terrorism,” Metzger said. “Personnel can help prevent themselves from being a target of terrorism.”
During the five-day training, students visit the Maj. Gen. and Mrs. James L. Dozier Terrorist Capabilities Demonstration Range and witness different terrorist capabilities such as weapons and explosives.
The July 25, 2014 DIT class had the opportunity to hear a firsthand account of a hostage situation from retired Army Maj. Gen. James Dozier himself.
While stationed in Verona, Italy, as the Deputy Chief of Staff at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Southern European land forces headquarters, Dozier was kidnapped by a terrorist group known as the Italian Red Brigades.
After 42 days of captivity, Dozier was rescued.
“I am honored that the range is named after me,” said Dozier. “This course is a premier place to ensure military members are more accommodated to be prepared for terrorist threats and I will share my experience in order to help the military for as long as I can.”