TRC's mirror image training to combat Terrorism
Terrorism Research Center
The Terrorism Research Center, Inc. (TRC), is a “Virginia Company with a Global Purpose” that was originally founded to provide research of terrorism and political instability. The TRC continues to provide training, research & analysis, and consulting services. Since TRC was founded, we have trained thousands of military, law enforcement and intelligence personnel. TRC continues to research and write on global issues "over the horizon."
Mirror Image: Training to Combat Terrorism
Mirror Image is a five day classroom and field training program designed to simulate terrorist recruitment, training, techniques and operational tactics. Participants will receive insight into the mindset and operational methodology of terrorists through total immersion, hands-on experience,
and education about ideologies that
motivate them and the cultural dimensions that influence their decision making.
Cutting Edge Training
TRC has a wealth of instructors who bring real world experience to realistic training programs. Each course is customized to the specific needs and requirements of our customers. What sets our training apart is a keen understanding of the issues, the unique research conducted in the field, as well as our experiences in numerous countries. Our unique training programs are designed for law enforcement , military and intelligence personnel. TRC also provides speakers for universities, corporations, NGOs, and other organizations.
Mirror Image Training
Examples of TRC Training Programs
AF-PAK Mirror Image: Operating in Complex Environments
"The Mirror Image course was, in my opinion, the cornerstone to my success on the mission. The course was instrumental to my understanding that the "enemy has a vote". The combination of physical activity, team work, insurgent tactics, cultural understanding and methodologies in working with Afghan military were critical elements used in preparing my unit and commanding it on operations. I often cite the Mirror Image course as the best focused training I received in my career and it was the "tapestry" upon which all of my operational art as the Commander of the Operational Mentor and Liaison Team, (OMLT) was painted."
Persian Mirror Image: Understanding the Islamic Republic, Revolution and its Proxies
"Mirror Image made me think and discover that my knowledge was just scratching the surface on Iran and its proxies. The following lectures Vanguards of the Iranian Revolution, Among the Believers: Exporting Revolution, The Hezbollah Model, Soleimani's Strategic Approach and the Doctrine of Velayat-e-Faqih were unlike any training or study I have ever encountered. This course is a MUST for anyone dealing with Iran and its proxies."
Mirror Image: Across the Sahel
"Your Sahel Network provided detailed insight and information on the evolution of groups, leaders, TTPs of GIA, GSPC, AQIM, MUJAO, AI, Al-Mourabitoun, and Boko Haram. Tell Jafar the Tuareg blackmarkeer that I learned so much about logistics and finances for terrorist groups. By abandoning our real world identities, norms of behavior and terms of reference and uniquely living the life of an insurgent I learned more in this course than any other. The cell planning and exercises were realistic. The Spider web exercise taught so much. Best training program I have ever attended!"
Casing, Surveillance and Targeting: Through the Eyes of a Terrorist
"The case studies of the targets were great. Enjoyed the special guest speaker providing first hand knowledge and thought process of a terrorist. The exercises showed how easy this can be done. Seeing how terrorists look at us was eye-opening. Great instruction on protecting critical infrastructure."
The New Age of Martyrdom-Suicide Attackers and Bombers
"The insight, experience, knowledge base, and enthusiasm of the instructor staff were, hands down, the most extraordinary I have ever experienced. Their first hand knowledge and experience weaving case studies and interviews was superb. Loved hearing from law enforcement and security officials who have dealt with these challenges."
Decision Making During a Critical Incident
“I was involved in a shooting in 2008 where the defendant went on a shooting spree, shot 4 people when myself and 2 other officers engaged his vehicle in a high speed pursuit. He crashed and bailed out with a shotgun and a shootout ensued. Myself and another officer were struck by buckshot. We returned fire. This course provided me the opportunity to work through some issues where I have been second guessing some of my decisions. This course allowed me to rebuild my confidence in the actions I had taken. Applying constitutional caselaw to the scenarios was an excellent element in the thought process in establishing probable cause and in articulating deadly force decisions.”
Examples of TRC Training Programs
Suicide Bombings- A.P.R.I.L.
Suicide Bombings-Awareness, Protocol, Response, Interdiction, Legal Issues is a 40-hour course designed for law enforcement, military and approved security personnel that covers the above topics.
Proactive Officer Safety Training
During this class officers will explore those critical incidents where officers have been exposed to dangers to their personal safety. Officers will explore topics through lectures, case studies, videos, and special guest speakers who have been involved in critical incidents.
Threat and Vulnerability Assessment Training
This training program provides individuals with the skills needed to identify threats and vulnerabilities. Participants examine different threat assessment methodologies as they examine a critical infrastructure. Case studies, videos and field work to create an assessment.
Radicalization: A Global Dilemma-A Local Challenge for Law Enforcement
For three days explore the global dilemma of radicalization. This problem has local implications since individuals in the US have been radicalized and recruited. This lecture program is designed to give participants insight and understanding into the process of radicalization examining case studies from Minneapolis, Daphne, and other places in the United States and abroad.
Terrorism and Aviation
The threat to aviation from terrorists continues to evolve in our changing world. Participants will explore how terrorists have attacked aviation historically to include the Shoe Bomber, the Liquid Explosives Plot, the Underwear Bomber, the Printer Plot and others. This program will examine a number of proactive steps law enforcement, security and airport staff can undertake to improve aviation security. Participants will explore a local airport to learn how to improve the security posture and protect fliers
Customized TRC Training Programs
TRC offers a number of customized counterterrorism training programs for military, law enforcement, intelligence, corporate and security organizations in addition to those listed. Contact us to obtain a full catalog. TRC's Mobile Training Team can deliver training at your organization's location to train more of your personnel and save money.
Comments on TRC Training
Mirror Image Participant
Mirror Image attendee comments on his website https://www.aisc.aero/mirror-image-training/
Mirror Image Participant
"This training program gave my Marines an understanding of the enemy we would encounter. I highly recommend this training program above any pre-deployment training to the point that I myself attended Mirror Image. The case studies, lectures, operations were great"
Decision Making for Law Enforcement Officers
"We want to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones so that decisions on the street do not turn into a costly rush to judgment. This training puts officers in realistic situations and evaluates how they react during split second critical incidents. Officers are evaluated on their officer safety skills, and ethical decision-making."
Advanced Decision Making for Law Enforcement Officers
"I am a evening patrol officer with 6 years experience and this class was by far the best one I’ve taken. Not only was the class extremely helpful to my everyday life but it has taught me how to react quickly and effectively to threats that I encounter on the street. The instructors were extremely professional and very well organized."
Threat and Vulnerability Assessment Training
"This training made me think of so many things we had never considered in protecting our infrastructure. Enjoyed the field exercises and the review of the vulnerabilities of the facilities. The case studies provided insight into various threats."
Suicide Bombers and Attacks
"This course is by far the best I have ever attended. To explore how a terrorist cell plans a suicide bombing was an innovative way of looking at this problem. The detailed case studies, interviews, videos and first person accounts made this like a experiencing a National Geographic special. The guest speaker who survived a suicide bombing on the Bus was not only emotional but his story was out of this world! All the speakers were excellent. Great course will highly recommend!”
TRC Special Projects Office
Camel heading out of the valley towards the Bab-el-Mandeb
TRC Special Projects Office
TRC's Special Projects Office assists clients in solving real world problems. From threat and vulnerability assessments of critical infrastructure to cultural and global insights to help our clients maneuver in complex environments. TRC has undertaken numerous projects for government organizations, corporations, NGOs, religious organizations, universities and others.
TRC Research & Analysis and Consulting
Unlike so many others, TRC has always believed in conducting field research and analysis. One can't gain a true understanding of the dynamics of a tribal warlord from the Beltway. Conducting field research allows us to update our internal research studies on projects we have undertaken. From research in the Tri-Border, Abu Musab's hometown, the Northwest Frontier, Herat, Kandahar, Kabul, Europe, Indonesia, Gaza, Israel, Turkey, Europe, Asia and numerous other places we believe in sending people forward to gain that insight and understanding and developing our global network.