June 24, 2005

Protective Force Training at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Reservation

The Department of Energy (DOE) mission at the Oak Ridge National Security Complex (Y-12), the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, East Tennessee Technology Park (ETTP), and the DOE Federal office complex, requires a paramilitary protective force comprised of several hundred security police officers to safeguard the production and storage of nuclear weapons components, special nuclear material, and other sensitive work. The force also includes a Special Response Team (SRT) at Y-12 comprised of specially trained officers who are responsible for engaging and defeating adversaries with advanced capabilities. The protective force is required to complete refresher training each year to ensure that each officer maintains the skills necessary to protect DOE assets from theft and other acts that may cause adverse impacts on national security or the health and safety of the public.