Antiterrorism Assistance Program

The DSS Office of Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) is the U.S. government’s premier provider of counterterrorism training and equipment grants to foreign law enforcement. ATA was created by the U.S. Congress in 1983 and has delivered counterterrorism training to more than 165,000 law enforcement officials and first responders from more than 150 countries. Under U.S. law, ATA’s goal is to: Enhance antiterrorism abilities of?partner?countries by providing training and equipment to deter and counter terrorism; Strengthen bilateral ties with partner nations by?offering concrete assistance in antiterrorism training and equipment; and Increase respect for human rights by sharing modern, humane, and effective antiterrorism techniques with foreign civil authorities. The ATA program helps its partners deal with security challenges within their borders, defend against threats to national and regional stability, and deter terrorist operations across borders and regions. ATA Background: DSS Office of Antiterrorism Assistance conducts ATA programs and equipment deliveries in each country, while the U.S. Department’ of State’s Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) funds the programs and provides strategic guidance and oversight. ATA also manages the [Special Program for Embassy Augmentation and Response (SPEAR)](https://www.state.gov/SPEAR), which creates dedicated 24/7 Quick Response Forces of host nation law enforcement officers to counter attacks against U.S. diplomatic facilities and personnel in high-threat or high-risk environments. ATA helps partner nations build critical counter-terrorism skills through: - Training courses - Workshops and consultations - Mentorships - Equipment grants