Active Hostage Rescue (AHR)

Active Hostage Rescue (AHR) is a three-day small-unit tactics course focused on responding to organized, deliberate attacks against civilians. These incidents may include terrorist attacks, coordinated active shooter assaults, or hostage-taking events where attackers intend to create mass casualties before responders can intervene.

These situations rarely unfold in controlled environments. Teams must often move toward the threat with incomplete information while civilians remain at risk. Attackers may occupy structures, exterior spaces, or a combination of both. The course addresses the operational problems officers and teams face during these events: delayed notification, rapidly evolving threats, and the need to act before full resources are assembled.

Training centers on the tactics required to locate, isolate, and stop attackers (find, fix, and finish model) while protecting innocent life. Students examine real incidents, planning considerations, and decision-making factors before applying those lessons in practical exercises.

The course progresses from foundational concepts to team-based problem solving in shoot house, MOUT, and open-area training environments. Students learn how to shoot, move, communicate, and make decisions under pressure while maintaining accountability for safety, coordination, and mission objectives. Training scenarios require teams to transition between interior spaces and outside venues such as courtyards, parking areas, and exterior gathering spaces.

The objective is straightforward: clearer decisions, disciplined movement, and coordinated action when lives are at risk.

What You’ll Train

Students will work through practical exercises and scenarios designed to build capability in the following areas:

• Understanding terrorist attacks and active shooter events and the operational challenges they create
• Priority of life decision-making during mass casualty and hostage events
• Movement to contact and coordinated response toward an active threat
• Small-unit movement and team coordination in structures and open environments
• CQB movement and clearance concepts inside buildings and confined spaces
• Transitions between interior structures and outside venues such as courtyards, parking areas, and exterior approaches
• Communication and team roles during high-risk movement and engagement
• Tactical problem solving when conditions change and information is incomplete
• Post-engagement responsibilities, including site security, casualty collection, and follow-on searches

Training scenarios are conducted in structures, MOUT environments, and open-area venues to reflect the environments officers are most likely to encounter during real incidents.

Who This Course Is For

Active Hostage Rescue is designed for law enforcement, tactical personnel and first responders who may be required to respond to organized violent attacks against civilians.

This course is appropriate for:

• Patrol officers responding to active shooter or mass casualty incidents such as terrorist attacks and active shooter events
• Tactical teams and special operations units responsible for high-risk response
• Agencies seeking additional training in coordinated response to complex attacks
• Officers who may need to operate in structures, open spaces, or mixed environments during an incident

Students should already have a solid understanding of safe weapon handling and basic tactical movement. The focus of this course is team coordination, movement toward the threat, and decision-making under pressure.

Gear List

Students should bring:

• Duty rifle with adjustable sling
• Duty handgun
• Appropriate holster and magazine pouches
• Minimum 5 rifle magazines
• Minimum 2 pistol magazines
• Rifle and pistol ammunition as directed by the host agency
• Range attire suitable for movement and training environments
• Individual body armor / protective equipment (as applicable)
• Eye and Ear protection
• Handheld flashlight
• Notebook and pen
• Water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing
• Open mind and willingness to learn

Course Prerequisites

1. Prior Tactical Firearms Training: Completion of a recognized tactical pistol or rifle course (such as Tactical Pistol 2, Tactical Rifle 2, or equivalent) with demonstrated safe weapon handling under stress.
2. Proficiency with Duty Weapons: Competence with duty rifle and pistol, including safe manipulation, reloads, malfunction management, and accurate engagement at typical urban distances.
3. Basic Team Movement Familiarity: Prior exposure to small-unit movement concepts including communication, spacing, and coordinated movement with other responders.
4. Physical Readiness for Dynamic Training: Ability to move quickly through structures, stairwells, and open areas while wearing duty equipment.
5. Professional Mindset and Training Discipline: Students must be prepared to train in a team environment requiring communication, accountability, and the ability to accept feedback and apply corrections.