Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC)

Links:

FASTC Employment OpportunitiesDiplomatic Security TrainingFASTC Factsheet [3 MB] [3 MB]

Motto: Training today for the global challenges of tomorrow.

The state-of-the art training facility in Blackstone, Virginia, improves training efficiency, decreases operating costs, and provides intensive security training for U.S. Department of State personnel and other members of the foreign affairs community. U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service’s (DSS) law enforcement and security experts train daily to be prepared to address international threats and incidents in foreign nations. Employment with FASTC provides career opportunities in a great place to live.

A May 2008 report to Congress identified the need for a consolidated foreign affairs security training facility to improve training efficiency, decrease operating costs, and provide priority access to training venues that meet current facility standards. To achieve these goals, the U.S. Department of State constructed the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC) in Blackstone, Virginia on 1,350 acres that opened in November 2019.

FASTC provides lifesaving security training to State Department personnel and members of the foreign affairs community.

FASTC High-Speed Driving Track — The three high-speed driving tracks at the Diplomatic Security Service’s (DSS) newest training facility — the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC) — allow for DSS special agents to learn, practice, and apply tactical driving maneuvers. Blackstone, Va, Aug 2023. (State Department Photo)

This training helps the foreign affairs community develop the practical skills necessary to live and work safely in today’s international environment. At FASTC, trainees learn how to detect surveillance, provide emergency medical care, better recognize improvised explosive devices, increase firearms abilities, and perform defensive driving maneuvers. DSS special agents train daily to enhance and refine highly specific tactics to counter the myriad threats and scenarios they may encounter in their work in the international environments. Collaborating closely with federal law enforcement agencies and its partners throughout the Department of Defense and other U.S. government entities, DSS special agents are well versed in the security challenges and are trained to maintain flexibility and creativeness to succeed.