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Alford Training

A flexible, innovative approach.

An EOD operator positions an Alford Vulcan shaped charge over UXO target

Our training ethos

Alford Training prides itself on maximising hands-on practical training while reducing time spent in the classroom.

We conduct a robust Training Needs Analysis for each customer, ensuring we thoroughly understand your unique operational requirements. This deep appreciation enables us to design and deliver bespoke training programmes tailored to your needs.

At Alford Training, our instructors are not only operationally experienced; they are experts in their fields. Each has vast, up-to-date operational knowledge of their specialisms, including IEDD, EOD, WTI, HME, military demolitions, patrol demolitions, high-risk search, and method of entry techniques, including explosives.

TRAIN HARD, TRAIN FREQUENTLY, TRAIN WITH REALISM

Alford Training Courses

Alford Training aligns all courses with the UK and NATO Standard Operating Procedures.

An EOD operator positions a Vulcan shaped charge against UXO

EOD

Our Explosive Ordnance Disposal courses follow the NATO SOPs and recognised EOD standards. Courses are tailored to specific regional EO threats.

A diver positions a Vulcan shaped charge against an underwater UXO

Maritime EOD

Our Underwater Ordnance Disposal programmes closely adhere to the NATO standards and international requirements. Courses are tailored to specific regional EO threats.

IEDD

We offer the full range of IEDD training, from basic to advanced operator standards. Based on NATO SOPs and other international requirements, courses are designed to replicate IEDD scenarios.

Alford Training team in Thailand teaching HMA

HMA

All Humanitarian Mine Action IEDD training programmes follow the IMAS Standards and GIGN Best Practice Guide.

Royal Marines Commandos preparing for an operation

WTI

Our Weapons Technical Intelligence courses are based on current NATO best practices, including PBI, exploitation, and analysis.

Breaching

Alford Training tactical breaching programmes cover explosive, mechanical, thermal, manual and hydraulic methods.

Explosive Demolitions

We offer courses in explosive demolition for commercial or military applications, which include patrol SOF demolitions.

Operators engaged in HME training at Broadmead Range

HME

Basic to advanced courses following the latest terrorist threats. All courses are bespoke to the customer and the threats they face.

Search operator searching for a hidden explosive device

Counter Threat Search

We offer counter threat and advanced search courses bespoke to customer requirements.

Alford Subject Matter Experts supporting advanced operators in their training capabilities

Train the Trainer

Develop your training capabilities with our highly qualified and unparalleled SMEs.

High threat rescue trauma training at Broadmead Range

Medical

PHTLS and TECC courses delivered by The Medics Lodge, along with our high threat rescue trauma and casualty care course.

Technical rope rescue training at Broadmead Range

Ropes / Access / Confined Spaces

Operationally focused courses building practical skills tailored to customers requirements. B2H Technical Rope Rescue Training provides all levels of Working at Height and confined spaces training spanning film, industry, urban, maritime and conventional climbing environments.

Discover the Alford difference – maximise your skills

The Alford Training Team

Paul 'Riggers' Rigg, Director of Training at Alford Group

Paul Rigg, Director of Training

An Alford Group team member since 2018, ‘Riggers’ is a highly experienced professional who has worked in the EOD, IEDD, WTI and explosives management fields for over 25 years.

He gained extensive operational experience through multiple tours in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, providing technical support to both foreign and domestic organisations. Additionally, Riggers served as a Contract IEDD Operator in West Africa.

Billy Ellens, Operations Manager

Billy is an IMAS Level 3 EOD operator with 13 years of service in the British military, during which he completed tours in Afghanistan, Iraq, Northern Ireland, and Kosovo. He has gained substantial experience in managing explosive demolition projects.

As the team lead for HMA, Billy has worked on humanitarian operations in Africa for five years. He is also an expert in various breaching methods.

Steve Hayward, Breaching & Demolitions SME

Steve Hayward MInSTR MIExpE, Alford Traing Breaching & Demolitions SME, served for over 22 distinguished years in the Royal Marines, ultimately holding the position of Chief Instructor at the Assault Engineer School.

With extensive experience and knowledge, along with his completion of the Master Breacher course, Steve is recognised as one of the most highly qualified instructors in the UK.

Ryan Napier, EOD & IEDD SME

Ryan served for 23 years in the British Army as a High-Threat Operator, gaining experience in some of the most challenging environments worldwide. After his military career, he applied his operational skills and technical knowledge to support missions in Ukraine.

With extensive expertise in improvised explosive device disposal and explosive ordnance disposal, Ryan provides world-class instruction to military, commercial, and humanitarian organisations.

Training Venues

We primarily deliver courses at our live-fire explosive training facilities, Broadmead and Emborough. However, we can deploy training teams overseas.

Broadmead Range

Emborough Range

Customer Testimonials

“My recent visit to Broadmead to see Commando Training Centre ranks was excellent and a great insight into what Alford Technologies are enabling in the training domain. I was extremely impressed with your facilities and the unwavering support you provide to CTCRM courses. This support plays a vital role in enabling us to meet our training objectives and achieve high-end and operationally focused training.
I would particularly like to acknowledge the numerous areas in which you go above and beyond to ensure that our training is delivered to the highest standard. Of note, my gratitude goes to your staff, who are clearly committed in their efforts to ensure our courses run smoothly, even when this occasionally falls outside of your normal working hours.
Your continued support of the RM’s AE School, particularly in capability development, and your role in facilitating connections with industry experts, is extremely valuable to keep us at the forefront as a
Special Operations Force.
Thank you for your generosity and support, and I look forward to continuing our successful partnership.”

Commandant, Commando Training Centre Royal Marines

“Right from arrival and welcome, it was clear that the staff at Alford had the experience, knowledge and expertise in delivering this critical area of training.
From setting foot on the range to the close of the day, safety was the number one priority, with protocol being rigidly followed by staff and delegates. The atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed but extremely professional, allowing the instructors the flexibility to address a number of scenarios that developed throughout the day.
The resources available to the instructors were extensive and all-encompassing, allowing a full range of tactics and equipment to be deployed during the delivery of the training”

Devon and Cornwall Police Federation – HME/EOD Course

“The HME course was tailored to our needs for both basic HMW handling and practice. The instructors at Alford have a very professional approach, and their vast military and academic backgrounds give the course a good balance between theory and practice.
The instructors managed to take the theory and practice on HME and operationalise it in a good way, which greatly benefits the operators.
The training facilities at Broadmead Range are good and relevant for both HME practice and other training that Alford Training provides.
We would recommend Alford for further courses and training.”

Classified NATO customer – HME Course

“Leaning was facilitated using modern techniques and equipment, which helped us to be more confident in our bomb disposal work.
The facility they used was unique, and the practical demonstrations were excellent. Our accommodation was one of the best, worthy of mention.
The training team, led by Paul, were thorough and deep in regard to advance bomb disposal. A special thanks to them for making the training so enjoyable and fruitful.”

Bangladesh Police – Advance IEDD Course

“In mid-September 2020, 15 Field Squadron (EOD&S) under SSgt Ryan Purdy and Paul Rigg, deployed on Ex Chieftan Target a three-day EOD demolition range, training and practising EOD target training and the use of improvised EOD weapons at Alford Training, Broadmead Range.
This was a great opportunity to develop confidence and competence in EOD weapons and equipment while inspiring younger soldiers to become EOD operators. It also gave qualified operators a chance to experiment with shot placements, principals, and load quantities using different EOD weapons and some improvised neutralisers.
The training facilities at Alford are second to none, and the whole package that was put together was very good.
We are planning on visiting Alford Technologies again soon to receive some new product demonstrations.”

15 Field Squadron (EOD&S) UK – EOD Demolition Course

“The patrol demolitions course provided by Alford was a challenging and rewarding experience.
The instructors pushed us to think outside the box and step outside of our comfort zone, while still providing guidance and support.
The hands-on training was very effective, helping us to develop new skills and enhance our knowledge.
Alford training area is a great location that provides a huge variety of training possibilities for the attendees.
I thank the Alford instructors and recommend everyone their services.”

NATO Member Maritime Training Command – Patrol Demolitions Course

“Some fantastic training with Alford Technologies recently, which I hope will not be a one off.
They offered up an incredible state of the art facility which enabled training which is almost impossible to replicate safely anywhere else.
A great experience, with great instruction and most importantly great weather!”

Operational Firearms Command – Wiltshire Police