The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, overshadowed the dawn of a new century. It was a day that changed how Americans viewed security at the national, state, and local levels, significantly shifting the direction and stance of the United States as a global power and military force to be reckoned with.

Today, U.S. Navy security forces are trained and ready to defend against level one (terrorist) threats, which include foreign intelligence agencies and terrorists involved in espionage, subversion, sabotage, assassinations, and bombing attacks on American assets or its citizens.

Navy leadership has acknowledged that the evolving global threats and the emergence of near-peer competitors have heightened the risk of level two type threats,” said Robert Essmann, force protection program manager at the Center for Security Forces.

Level two threats involve small-scale forces that can pose a significant risk to U.S. Navy personnel, assets, and operations. Naval installations are responsible for protecting critical assets and naval forces, even during a level two attack.

“In the event of a level two attack, the Navy's security force will align with the joint security organization, which follows the operational plans of the combatant commander,” said Essmann.

Recognizing the increasing risks and the importance of including joint security operations familiarization in security forces training, CENSECFOR was tasked with analyzing the potential development of a formal “Base Defense” course.

Essmann further clarified that geographical combatant commanders develop operational plans to address potential threats and prepare contingencies, such as safeguarding military installations, assets, and personnel. As a result, base defense planning is already standardized and integrated into their operational plans. The Navy’s efforts to improve education for its security forces leadership about the joint force structure and the capabilities of the joint operating environment will further enhance its readiness.

CENSECFOR offers an ad hoc version of base defense training that can be customized to specific security concerns in a designated area of operation. Through a mobile training team that conducts on-site visits, tailored exercises, and strategic planning sessions, practical solutions are developed to address real-world security challenges. As Essmann emphasizes, this innovative approach leverages local leadership experience and expertise to create highly effective base defense strategies for actual operational environments.

“Navy Security Forces need to be trained to operate in the joint environment. The Base Defense Course provides basic knowledge and skills to understand that multi-service organization,” said Essmann. It should be noted that career officers are required to complete joint professional military education, and senior enlisted members should take Enlisted JPME, especially if assigned to a joint command. JPME Phase I can be completed either through an ‘in residence’ course or through distance learning. All intermediate service colleges offer distance learning.”

The Center for Security Forces trains more than 20,000 students annually 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, embody the motto: “Where Training Breeds Confidence.”