The Program on Terrorism and Security Studies will be held June 27 to July 26 at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies. Daily photos from PTSS 18-12 will be on the Marshall Center Photo Gallery. (DOD graphic by Stan Jones)

Fast Facts: Program on Terrorism and Security Studies (PTSS)

Dates: June 27 to July 26, 2018

Language: English Only

Course Description: Held twice a year, PTSS is a functionally focused program that draws in civilian, law enforcement, and military counterterrorism professionals from around the world and improves their capacity to counter terrorism's regional and transnational implications. It aims to combat terrorism in all of its manifestations: nationally, regionally and globally.

Course Objectives: provide advanced professional education to those charged with understanding and reducing the scope and capability of terrorism threats

• Understand the Threat - Understand motivations and capabilities of terrorist groups
• Build Capacity - Understand how to use available tools as part of a national CT strategy
• Enable Transnational Cooperation - Build “intellectual interoperability” in the CT network

Program Director:  U.S. Marine Corps Col. (Ret.) James Howcroft
Deputy Director: U.S. Navy Capt. Thomas Welsh

Origins: After 9/11 (Sept.11, 2001 attacks on the United States), retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Nichols “Nick” Pratt conceived of, created and implemented the Marshall Center's Program on Terrorism and Security Studies. PTSS has more than 1,800 alumni from more than 126 countries. The first PTSS course was in 2004, and so far, the Marshall Center has held 28 PTSS programs.

Last Time Held: Feb. 14 to March 15, 2018

Next PTSS: In FY 2019

Class Composition/demographics: (Registered as of June 26) 68 participants from 44 countries; 45 are from the military in ranks cadet to flag officer; 23 are civilians; 60 males and 8 females. Combatant Commands represented: 17 from U.S. Africa Command; 12 from U.S. Central Command; 12 from U.S. European Command; 13 from U.S. Northern Command; eight from U.S. Pacific Command; and, six from U.S. Southern Command.