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GCMC Public Affairs

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany -- The Department of Defense's premier counterterrorism course graduated July 13, strengthening the already 9,500-plus network of Marshall Center alumni in the region and around the world.

At a ceremony held in the center's large plenary, the 70 participants from 40 countries received graduation certificates completing the Program on Terrorism and Security Studies.

PTSS gathers counterterrorism and security professionals from across the globe. The five-week course is designed for military officers, government officials and police administrators currently working in mid- and upper-level management positions of counterterrorism organizations throughout the world.

“PTSS focuses on how a state can effectively combat terrorism but still adhere to the fundamental values of a democratic society,” said retired Marine Corps Col. Nick Pratt, the executive director of the course. “It helps participants appreciate the nature and magnitude of today's threat, develop a common understanding of the definition of terrorism and establish contacts within the counterterrorism community.”

The program featured presentations by prominent military and government officials and internationally renowned scholars. Peter Gridling, director of Austria’s agency for state protection and counterterrorism, led off the event March 1. The event is also drew speakers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, England, Italy, and the United States.

A field study that gave participants a view of a European country's counterterrorism policies in action was also part of the program. Past field studies have taken participants to France, Israel, and Italy for meetings with police units, counterterrorism organizations and more.

The next PTSS session begins June 28.