When the Center for Domestic Preparedness, located in Anniston, AL, was founded in 1998, it was envisioned as a resident training facility that would train a maximum of 10,000 responders per year. In FY 2009, the CDP staff trained close to 99,000 responders from across the United States and its territories, well exceeding the initial expectations of the late 1990s. Recently, the CDP celebrated its 500,000^th graduate, another milestone as the center moves into its 12^th year.

A unique feature of CDP training is that the majority of the resident and non- resident training courses are interdisciplinary, promoting greater understanding among diverse responder disciplines: Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Service, Governmental Administrative, Hazardous Materials, Healthcare, Law Enforcement, Public Health, Public Safety Communications and Public Works.

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the CDP’s training program features more than 40 unique courses that offer emergency responders everything from radiation contamination and incident response training to pandemic influenza and healthcare emergency management.

A popular aspect of the CDP is the fact that it is home to the nation’s only toxic chemical training facility for emergency responders. The faculty and students refer to the training site as the “COBRATF,” which stands for Chemical, Ordnance, Biological, and Radiological Training Facility. The COBRATF features civilian training exercises in a true toxic environment, using chemical agents.

“The COBRA exceeded my expectations,” said Lt. Stephen Weiler, a police officer from Illinois. “I feel very comfortable now attempting to provide quality response to a mass casualty incident. I really enjoyed how we tested two separate nerve agents. The COBRA facility has boosted my confidence to respond, now that I know my gear will work and keep me safe.”

Although practical application with toxic agents is a highlight of some courses, classroom instruction offers expert advice from instructors and students alike who have served on the frontlines day after day in hometown America. The CDP uses the latest techniques and procedures and some of the best equipment available during the instruction.

Instructors at the CDP each have a minimum of 10 years of required emergency responder experience before they are even considered for a position. Each instructor is carefully selected, based on experience, knowledge of the national response elements, and ability to teach.