Our History

The Center for Security Forces officially stood up in July 2004, but its roots trace back to the early months following 9/11.

In the wake of Sept. 11, 2001, the Navy put plans in motion to increase the Fleet’s antiterrorism and force protection (ATFP) posture worldwide. To lead this vital undertaking, the Navy established a new command two months later under U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Over the next two years, the “Antiterrorism Force Protection Warfare Development Center” (ATFPWDC) took shape and led efforts that formed the baseline for the more advanced training of today.

During that same time, the Navy was also undergoing a major shift in its philosophy and management of individual skills training dubbed “The Revolution in Training.”

A vision introduced and directed by then Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Vern Clark. The result was a restructuring of the naval education and training architecture. This dramatic change allowed Navy trainers to work more closely with the Fleet at defining and validating the training needs of its Sailors. In turn, trainers can now develop and deliver more precise or targeted training that instructs Sailors in the vital skills needed to perform their duties and achieve mission success.

The keystone for this new approach in naval training was the creation of mission and warfare focused Learning Centers that would replace the traditional Fleet Training Center construct. The Center for Security Forces was officially established in July of 2004 and assumed the mission, functions and tasking of the ATFPWDC.

Today, the Center for Security Forces is a learning center within the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC). The Center trains more than 28,000 students per year and has fourteen training location across the U.S. and around the world.