This dates back more then a couple of years, but there was a course called "level 1 antiterrorism training". It was aimed at your typical working joe and not the Jason Bourne types. The training was a classroom course, and covered how to make yourself a less conspicous and more difficult target. What it covered was: how to dress, where to sit on the airplane, what type of car to rent, where to travel, where to stay in the hotel, how to check your car, check for being followed, basic car handling techniques, what to do if being shot at, what to do to avoid being kidnapped, and what to do if kidnapped. It was focused on a first world urban environment.
Keep in mind this was some time ago and the course may have since been 'improved' to the point of worthlessness.

Who offered the course, Mark? I've never noticed anything like that.

This is proving to be an interesting discussion. Basecamp, I checked out. Pelton's site before my initial post. It was disappointing and not informative on this subject. Mark R, the course you are remembering sounds more to the point. I join Bingley in asking if you could supply more info or a website. I've so far refrained from directly contacting CNN or other comparable media organs, on the theory that they will refrain from useful answers based on Opsec considerations. But, after this thread inquiry runs its course, I might try that line of inquiry.

At the time, I was working for the goverment. It didn't feel like it was developed in house. Goverment training has a big emphasis on how important it is, and this was more bullet points. It was probably developed by a private company for anybody who might travel outside the USA.

OK Acropolis ... I guess I owe you a better answer than what I provided. I can get a specific response on who does the training classes for reporters. It would take a day or two to get an answer for you. In the mean time, do me a favor and don't pack your bags for a flight to Syria. Skip Mexico too.

I know one guy who does an on- foot surveillance course for journalists. They just ran it in Santa Monica, California. The point of that course is to teach journalists a higher level of street awareness so they can avoid being kidnapped. I know for a fact that the last two people who went through it found it to be humbling and a real education. The average person does not realize the skills that pro surveillance people have.

In addition, there are training courses put on by security professionals to teach journalists "what mistakes not to make" in war zones.

Let me know what works for you.

Pete

Acropolis ... Here is an example of the type of training course that could be useful. I am NOT necessarily recommending this particular course . That's because I don't know anyone who has been through it, and more importantly this course sounds like it is just a set of classroom briefings. That's no good . You need a training course that puts you into real simulated situations. It's possible I am wrong and this course does do simulations ... You would have to talk to them. Check out how the courses are conducted pretty carefully. If it' doesn't create a stressful situation and get your body moving in real simulations (with real simulated bad guys) then you are not getting value for money.

http://www.bgpglobalservices.com/Hostile-Environment-Awareness-Training

Pete

Pete, thanx for the link. I'll check it out and report back. In the meantime, I'll avoid Syria and Mexico. Although, I just recently visited the Golan and I did hear some faint explosions and automatic weapons fire. That's pretty close to getting "real". It didn't seem to phase the locals however. They remind me very much of New Yorkers, highly adaptable , very much "Keep Calm And Carry On".

Acropolis ... I'm in favor of journalists getting real and bringing back good reports. I just don't want to see any more reporters get kidnapped or killed, that's all.

I sent you a PM on December 31st. Send me a reply if you get it, or let me know if it didn't come in. It's not showing on my Messages list at ETS.

Good luck!

BTW ... Here is an example of a better training course. This one is in Cape Town. Has hands-on exposure.

http://www.ultimate-survival-training.com/heat-survival-course/

Pete

Pete, thanx for the new link. I did not get your PM. I sent you a PM today. Perhaps a reply to mine will get thru.

Ah, I didn't know such classes are called "hostile environment awareness training." If you google a bit, you can find some listings in the US. I have no idea which one is good. On the other hand, it seems like if, say, you're going to the dangerous parts of South Africa, maybe it's better to get training in South Africa.

If you actually have to go abroad to dangerous places, there is no substitute, I guess. But if this is just for personal curiosity, you can perhaps get a taste of parts of the curriculum at some firearms schools that teach car hijacking situations, trauma management, force on force, guarding/protecting clients, etc. There are also driving courses for security people. I am guessing you're in New York, Acropolis, so you are probably very limited in your training options if you're a civilian. The closest firearm schools I know of to you is in Ohio. For surviving in NYC, that may get you pretty close.

Caveat: I have no idea what I'm talking about. I just have a tenth degree black belt in google-fu.