The Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) is actively engaged in an ongoing pilot for a new 4.2-month long Master-at-Arms (MA) Ready Relevant Learning (RRL) “A” School curriculum. The pilot, which began mid-February and will conclude in mid-June, is being held at Naval Technical Training Center Lackland in San Antonio, Texas.

The concept of an 18.4-week Master-at-Arms (MA) course originated in 2014 as part of the Sailor 2025 program, which the Chief of Naval Operations introduced. The program aims to modernize the Navy’s training and personnel management systems.

“The course was completed under the Ready Relevant Learning (RRL) model,” said Stephen Kleintank, the MA course curriculum model manager at CENSECFOR. “The course integrates the current MA “A” School curriculum with the Naval Security Force Law Enforcement Specialist “C” School, including the new DoD Police Officer Standards and Training, or POST requirements.”

According to Kleintank, developing the course presented several challenges. The most difficult was navigating the policies governing RRL while coordinating and working with outside vendors.

“The significant difference with the new course is that all students will not only receive the traditional training in force protection, physical security, reaction force skills, and active threat response taught in the existing seven-week course, but they will also learn about night vision, combat optics, special weapon duties, tactical shooting, mechanical breaching, and much more,” said Kleintank.

Another significant change in the MA RRL course is the introduction of Instructor-Facilitated and Self-Directed Interactive Training online. These two training methods replace traditional slideshows and eliminate ongoing printing costs for student guides, as students now receive their materials on a school-issued rugged tablet.

“We are now heading into week four of the redline and pilot, and the students are enjoying themselves and are being challenged by the new materials,” shared Kleintank.”

The Center for Security Forces provides specialized training to more than 20,000 students each year in Force Protection, Expeditionary Warfare, Code of Conduct, Law Enforcement, and Small Craft Operations. Its training locations, which are located across the United States and worldwide, are characterized by the motto: Where Training Breeds Confidence.