Joint Interagency Task Force 401 is embedding instructors at the FBI’s National Counter-UAS Training Center to support the Counter-UAS Operator Course and extend DoD best practices to state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies.

The partnership, announced June 29, focuses on training SLTT personnel to detect and mitigate drone threats at high-density venues and critical infrastructure. Curriculum at the NCUTC emphasizes nighttime detection, layered airspace awareness, and coordinated mitigation techniques, with scenario-based exercises replicating operational protection conditions.

“Protecting major public events from illicit drone activity takes a unified federal effort,” said Bryan Stevens, FBI Deputy Assistant Director, Critical Incident Response Group. “The FBI thanks the Department of Defense for its partnership at the National Counter-UAS Training Center and is committed to continuing this work to keep these events safe.”

JIATF-401 leaders recently traveled to Los Angeles to assess C-UAS security planning for the FIFA World Cup, meeting with FBI and local law enforcement to observe how federal, state, and local partners are synchronizing detection and mitigation efforts across stadium and fan zone environments.

“Counter drone capabilities include more than just technology,” said Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401. “It is imperative that we provide realistic, effective training for local operators. Our partnership with the FBI’s training center and our operational coordination efforts are helping deliver the training, tools, and synchronization law enforcement needs to protect the homeland.”