Domestic Training
Practical Applications Training

The Practical Applications Unit provides all practical exercise training for Basic Agent trainees. In addition, it is responsible for conducting surveillance and undercover training for DEA Special Agents, providing support for Special Agent in-service courses, as well as practicals for all International Sensitive Investigative Units (SIU).

All training, including Special Agent in-service classes, use practical exercises to present real-life scenarios that challenge students with realistic and increasingly complex situations designed to reinforce and apply the principles and techniques learned in the classroom. The Practical Applications Unit conducts a three-day advanced class on "Contemporary Issues in the Undercover Process" for field agents. This class addresses undercover issues with a combination of classroom lecture, tabletop exercises, and practical exercises.

A training course is also offered on "Risk Management" for various groups that will address the issues of identifying acceptable risks, proper planning of enforcement activities, identification of "red flags" during enforcement activities, and critical incident review and management.

Basic Agent trainees are taught in basic surveillance, undercover operations, prisoner processing, operational planning, report writing, and the use of technical equipment. All practical exercises emphasize the principles of teamwork, leadership, and sound judgment.

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