Breaching and demolitions training develops the skills required to apply explosives with precision, whether to gain entry through a barrier, cut structural steel, or disrupt enemy capabilities and infrastructure. Alford Training delivers these disciplines to military, security and law enforcement organisations across NATO and partner nations, from foundation Methods of Entry (MoE) skills through to advanced explosive combat engineering.
Every programme is shaped by a Training Needs Analysis (TNA), so content, duration and entry standards reflect your unit’s existing competencies and operational requirements. Courses align with UK and NATO Standard Operating Procedures and are delivered in dedicated facilities designed for realistic, repeatable tactical scenarios.
Breaching (Methods of Entry)
Led by a qualified Master Breacher, our breaching programmes cover the full spectrum of entry methods: explosive, hydraulic, manual, thermal and ballistic. Training addresses both Mechanical Methods of Entry (MoE) and Explosive Methods of Entry (EMoE), building the judgement to select the right method for the target, the tactical situation and the risk environment.
Courses are delivered on a dedicated breaching area featuring bespoke, durable and versatile rigs, allowing teams to run realistic, repeatable MoE and EMoE tactical scenarios and consolidate skills under pressure.
Explosive Demolitions
Our demolition programmes are delivered by operationally experienced specialists and equip participants with the explosive combat engineering skills required for modern conflicts. Course content spans explosive handling, explosive cutting, explosive ambush, and the use of commercial and improvised explosives and techniques, tailored to your unit’s role and theatre of operations.
Training is conducted at live-fire facilities that support realistic target sets, ranging from structural materials to railway targets.
Sabotage
Our sabotage courses cover the planning and execution of sabotage missions using the CARVER matrix (Criticality, Accessibility, Recuperability, Vulnerability, Effect, and Recognisability), and the application of explosives to achieve a desired effect against enemy capabilities and infrastructure.
Training develops the demolition skills small teams need to operate independently in the field, challenging participants to think beyond standard solutions in realistic scenarios with the guidance and support of experienced instructors. Courses are designed for specialist military audiences and tailored through the TNA process.
How Our Training Is Delivered
TNA-led design
Every course begins with close engagement to understand your operational context, followed by a comprehensive Training Needs Analysis. Duration, cohort size and entry standards are tailored to your requirements rather than fixed to a standard template.
Practical first
Classroom instruction is minimised in favour of realistic, instructor-led practical exercises. Students train as they intend to operate, on live-fire ranges with dedicated breaching and demolition infrastructure.
Honest assessment
Training is delivered outside the students’ normal chain of command, creating an environment where weaknesses and training deficiencies can be identified and addressed before they become operational risks.
Reduced administrative burden
We take on the risk management and safety responsibilities for the range, freeing your unit to focus entirely on training quality rather than on planning and running a demolitions range.
Where we train
Courses are primarily delivered at our live-fire explosive training facilities, Broadmead Range and Emborough Range. We can also deploy training teams overseas.
Your Instructors
Breaching and demolitions training is led by Chief Instructor Steve Hayward, a Master Breacher-qualified former Royal Marine with over 22 years of service, including as Chief Instructor at the Assault Engineer School. He is supported by instructors with extensive operational experience in demolitions, EOD, and sabotage.
What Our Customers Say
Frequently Asked Questions
What methods of entry does the breaching training cover?
Alford breaching programmes cover explosive, hydraulic, manual, thermal and ballistic methods of entry, spanning both Manual Methods of Entry (MoE) and Explosive Methods of Entry (EMoE). The course emphasis is agreed upon through the Training Needs Analysis process.
What is the difference between breaching and demolitions training?
Breaching training focuses on gaining entry through barriers and structures as part of tactical operations, while demolitions training develops broader explosive combat engineering skills, from explosive cutting to the disruption of infrastructure. Alford Training delivers both, and many units combine the two in a single tailored package.
Who are these courses for?
Our breaching and demolitions courses are designed for military, security and law enforcement organisations across NATO and partner nations, from assault engineers and EOD and search squadrons to police firearms and entry teams. Entry standards are agreed through the TNA process.
Who leads the training?
Programmes are led by Chief Instructor Steve Hayward, a qualified Master Breacher with over 22 years of Royal Marines service, formerly Chief Instructor at the Assault Engineer School, supported by operationally experienced demolitions and sabotage instructors.
Where is the training delivered?
Primarily at our UK live-fire training facilities, Broadmead Range and Emborough Range, including a dedicated breaching area with bespoke, repeatable training rigs. Training teams can also deploy to your location overseas.