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Alford Training

World leading explosives training driven by your operational needs

The Alford Training Approach

Alford Training is a NATO-aligned provider, delivering world-class explosives-related training to defence and security personnel worldwide.

Our innovative, customer-requirements-driven approach enhances capability, performance, and outcomes – preparing people to succeed.

We take pride in maximising hands-on practical training while minimising time spent in the classroom. Through a comprehensive Training Needs Analysis for each client, we gain a thorough understanding of your unique operational requirements. This deep insight allows us to design and deliver tailored training programs that meet your specific needs.

At Alford Training, our instructors are not only operationally experienced; they are experts in their fields. Each instructor possesses extensive, up-to-date operational knowledge in specialisations such as EOD, IEDD, Maritime EOD, WTI, HME, Military Demolitions, Patrol Demolitions, Counter Threat Search, and Breaching (MoE and EmMoE).

Train Hard. Train Frequently. Train with Realism

Alford Training Courses

Alford Training aligns all courses with the UK and NATO Standard Operating Procedures.

An EOD operator positions a Vulcan shaped charge against UXO

EOD

Our Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) courses follow recognised international EOD standards.

We tailor our courses to the specific EO threats you face in your region of operation.

A diver positions a Vulcan shaped charge against an underwater UXO

Maritime EOD

Our Maritime EOD training focuses on identifying, assessing, and neutralising
explosive ordnance in marine environments.

All courses closely follow NATO SOPs and international requirements to prepare
operators for the specific EO threats in their region.

With Alford operationally experienced instructors designing and delivering
programmes replicating real-world scenarios to meet
your operational demands.

IEDD

We offer the full range of IEDD training, from basic to advanced operator standards based on NATO SOPs.

Our operationally experienced instructors design and deliver courses to meet your unit’s operational requirements, including upskilling experienced operators to deal with new and emerging threats.

Breaching

Led by a qualified Master Breacher, our breaching programmes cover:

Explosive | Hydraulic | Manual | Thermal | Ballistic

Breaching training is delivered on a dedicated breaching area featuring bespoke, durable, versatile rigs for realistic, repeatable MoE or EMoE tactical scenarios.

Royal Marines Commandos preparing for an operation

WTI

Our Weapons Technical Intelligence courses are based on current NATO best practices, including PBI, exploitation, and analysis.

Alford Training team in Thailand teaching HMA

HMA

All Humanitarian Mine Action IEDD training programmes follow the IMAS Standards and GIGN Best Practice Guide.

Operators engaged in railway demolition training

Explosive Demolitions

Operationally experienced specialists deliver our demolition programmes and equip participants with the explosive combat engineering skills required for modern conflicts. These courses cover:

Explosive handling | Explosive cutting | Explosive ambush | Use of commercial and improvised explosives and techniques

Operators engaged in HME training at Broadmead Range

HME

Basic to advanced courses following the latest terrorist threats. All courses are bespoke to the customer and the threats they face.

Counter Threat Search

Aligned with NATO’s C-EO philosophy, Counter Threat Mobility Search training delivers
a vital capability that enables all military forces to manoeuvre and operate decisively
within explosive-threat environments.

Grounded in the gO-Ci© model and proven in recent global conflicts,
this approach prioritises threat-informed decision-making over equipment-led activity
to preserve operational tempo and force survivability.

Alford Subject Matter Experts supporting advanced operators in their training capabilities

Train the Trainer

Develop your training capabilities with our highly qualified and unparalleled SMEs.

High threat rescue trauma training at Broadmead Range

Medical

PHTLS and TECC courses delivered by The Medics Lodge, along with our high threat rescue trauma and casualty care course.

Technical rope rescue training at Broadmead Range

Ropes / Access / Confined Spaces

Operationally focused courses building practical skills tailored to customers requirements. B2H Technical Rope Rescue Training provides all levels of Working at Height and confined spaces training spanning film, industry, urban, maritime and conventional climbing environments.

Discover the Alford difference – maximise your skills

The Alford Training Team

Paul 'Riggers' Rigg, Director of Training at Alford Group

Paul Rigg, Director of Training

An Alford Group team member since 2018, ‘Riggers’ is a highly experienced professional who has worked in the EOD, IEDD, WTI and explosives management fields for over 25 years.

He gained extensive operational experience through multiple tours in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, providing technical support to both foreign and domestic organisations. Additionally, Riggers served as a Contract IEDD Operator in West Africa.

Billy Ellens, Operations Manager

Billy is an IMAS Level 3 EOD operator with 13 years of service in the British military, during which he completed tours in Afghanistan, Iraq, Northern Ireland, and Kosovo. He has gained substantial experience in managing explosive demolition projects.

As the team lead for HMA, Billy has worked on humanitarian operations in Africa for five years. He is also an expert in various breaching methods.

Steve Hayward, Chief Instructor – Breaching & Demolitions

Steve Hayward MInSTR MIExpE, Alford Training Chief Instructor – Breaching & Demolitions, served for over 22 distinguished years in the Royal Marines, ultimately holding the position of Chief Instructor at the Assault Engineer School.

With extensive experience and knowledge, along with his completion of the Master Breacher course, Steve is recognised as one of the most highly qualified instructors in the UK.

Ryan Napier - EOD & IEDD SME, Alford Training

Ryan Napier, Chief Instructor – EOD & Sabotage

Ryan served for 23 years in the British Army as a High-Threat Operator, gaining experience in some of the most challenging environments worldwide. After his military career, he applied his operational skills and technical knowledge to support missions in Ukraine.

With extensive expertise in improvised explosive device disposal and explosive ordnance disposal, Ryan provides world-class instruction to military, commercial, and humanitarian organisations.

Joel Snarr, Chief Instructor – IEDD & WTI

As Chief Instructor for IEDD and WTI, Joel Snarr QGM embodies the operational credibility that defines Alford Training. In a career including 15 years of service, Joel has operated at the sharp end of the industry, from serving as a High-Threat Operator in Afghanistan to his recent work in Ukraine (2024/25).

Joel’s transition from the field to the training range was marked by his time as a High-Threat Instructor on the A-Team at the Felix Centre. His expertise also extends to the creative industry, where he acts as a technical advisor for film and TV, bringing authenticity to the screen by showcasing Alford products and British EOD kit. Whether in a conflict zone, a film set, or on the training range, Joel’s wealth of real-world experience ensures our instructional standards remain second to none.

Alford Training on Instagram

Stay up to date with the latest in EOD, explosives, and sabotage demolitions courtesy of the experts from Alford Training: follow ‘The Dems Group’ on Instagram

The Dems Group

Training Venues

We primarily deliver courses at our live-fire explosive training facilities, Broadmead and Emborough. However, we can deploy training teams overseas.

Broadmead Range

Emborough Range

Customer Testimonials

“My recent visit to Broadmead to see Commando Training Centre ranks was excellent and a great insight into what Alford Technologies are enabling in the training domain. I was extremely impressed with your facilities and the unwavering support you provide to CTCRM courses. This support plays a vital role in enabling us to meet our training objectives and achieve high-end and operationally focused training.
I would particularly like to acknowledge the numerous areas in which you go above and beyond to ensure that our training is delivered to the highest standard. Of note, my gratitude goes to your staff, who are clearly committed in their efforts to ensure our courses run smoothly, even when this occasionally falls outside of your normal working hours.
Your continued support of the RM’s AE School, particularly in capability development, and your role in facilitating connections with industry experts, is extremely valuable to keep us at the forefront as a
Special Operations Force.
Thank you for your generosity and support, and I look forward to continuing our successful partnership.”

Commandant, Commando Training Centre Royal Marines

“Right from arrival and welcome, it was clear that the staff at Alford had the experience, knowledge and expertise in delivering this critical area of training.
From setting foot on the range to the close of the day, safety was the number one priority, with protocol being rigidly followed by staff and delegates. The atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed but extremely professional, allowing the instructors the flexibility to address a number of scenarios that developed throughout the day.
The resources available to the instructors were extensive and all-encompassing, allowing a full range of tactics and equipment to be deployed during the delivery of the training”

Devon and Cornwall Police Federation – HME/EOD Course

“The HME course was tailored to our needs for both basic HMW handling and practice. The instructors at Alford have a very professional approach, and their vast military and academic backgrounds give the course a good balance between theory and practice.
The instructors managed to take the theory and practice on HME and operationalise it in a good way, which greatly benefits the operators.
The training facilities at Broadmead Range are good and relevant for both HME practice and other training that Alford Training provides.
We would recommend Alford for further courses and training.”

Classified NATO customer – HME Course

“Leaning was facilitated using modern techniques and equipment, which helped us to be more confident in our bomb disposal work.
The facility they used was unique, and the practical demonstrations were excellent. Our accommodation was one of the best, worthy of mention.
The training team, led by Paul, were thorough and deep in regard to advance bomb disposal. A special thanks to them for making the training so enjoyable and fruitful.”

Bangladesh Police – Advance IEDD Course

“In mid-September 2020, 15 Field Squadron (EOD&S) under SSgt Ryan Purdy and Paul Rigg, deployed on Ex Chieftan Target a three-day EOD demolition range, training and practising EOD target training and the use of improvised EOD weapons at Alford Training, Broadmead Range.
This was a great opportunity to develop confidence and competence in EOD weapons and equipment while inspiring younger soldiers to become EOD operators. It also gave qualified operators a chance to experiment with shot placements, principals, and load quantities using different EOD weapons and some improvised neutralisers.
The training facilities at Alford are second to none, and the whole package that was put together was very good.
We are planning on visiting Alford Technologies again soon to receive some new product demonstrations.”

15 Field Squadron (EOD&S) UK – EOD Demolition Course

“The patrol demolitions course provided by Alford was a challenging and rewarding experience.
The instructors pushed us to think outside the box and step outside of our comfort zone, while still providing guidance and support.
The hands-on training was very effective, helping us to develop new skills and enhance our knowledge.
Alford training area is a great location that provides a huge variety of training possibilities for the attendees.
I thank the Alford instructors and recommend everyone their services.”

NATO Member Maritime Training Command – Patrol Demolitions Course

“Some fantastic training with Alford Technologies recently, which I hope will not be a one off.
They offered up an incredible state of the art facility which enabled training which is almost impossible to replicate safely anywhere else.
A great experience, with great instruction and most importantly great weather!”

Operational Firearms Command – Wiltshire Police

“Alfords delivered an outstanding two-day breaching and demolitions package for our Squadron.
By taking on the risk management and safety responsibilities of the range, they enabled us to focus on high-quality training without the usual administrative burden of booking, planning, and running of a demolitions range. The variety of techniques and equipment provided ensured comprehensive, realistic, and valuable hands-on experience.
Highly recommended”

49 Field Squadron (EOD and Search) Royal Engineers