Volunteer Overview & Expectations
Collective Threat Response Initiative (CTRI)
Thank you for stepping forward to protect our community. CTRI is building a professional, licensed, and insured team of trained volunteer armed security officers drawn from within the Jewish community. Our mission is to ensure that every Jewish institution has the protection it deserves — delivered by those who care most.
By joining CTRI, you're continuing a proud legacy of Jewish courage and readiness. This is not just training; it's a calling. It is a serious commitment — one that reflects both the privilege and the pride of serving our community.
Role & Commitment
- Purpose: Serve as part of a licensed, professional volunteer security team protecting synagogues, schools, and Jewish community events.
- Commitment: Maintain reliability and readiness; complete all required training; and accept assigned shifts and event deployments.
- Initial Training: 60–90 hours of mandatory instruction during the initial pipeline (details below).
- Ongoing Training: 4–6 hours of quarterly training to maintain certification and operational proficiency.
- Service: Minimum expectation of one security assignment per month once certified.
Synagogue Sponsorship
CTRI volunteers serve the communities they're part of. Our preferred deployment model is for volunteers to be designated by their synagogue — committing to serve regularly at that site. This creates a direct connection between protectors and the people they protect, ensuring that security teams are familiar faces who understand the specific needs, routines, and culture of their own congregation.
If your synagogue is interested in designating volunteers, or if you hope to serve primarily at your own congregation, we encourage you to speak with your synagogue leadership about partnering with CTRI.
Recruiting priority is generally given to volunteers whose synagogues commit to the program.
Costs & Requirements
CTRI does not charge volunteers for training. All mandatory CTRI training — including the initial 60–90 hour pipeline and all ongoing readiness requirements — is provided at no out-of-pocket cost to volunteers. Training expenses may be covered through CTRI's donors, grants, or synagogue partnership support.
The following table shows typical out-of-pocket costs that volunteers may be responsible for:
| Category | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fingerprinting & State Fees | ~$100 | Varies by jurisdiction |
| State-Mandated Security Certification Training | $315–$500 | Varies by state and training provider. Paid to the licensed training school of your choice. Some schools offer multi-state certification (VA, MD, DC). |
| Uniform & Equipment | $150–250 | One-time, varies by role |
| Firearm | Varies | Volunteers must supply an approved striker-fired 9mm semi-automatic handgun (see Equipment below). |
Equipment
- Handgun: Volunteers are required to supply an approved striker-fired 9mm semi-automatic handgun appropriate for duty use.
- Holster: Must be a secure OWB kydex or injection-molded holster with proper retention (e.g., Bravo Concealment, Raven Concealment).
- Ammunition: Ammunition during CTRI training is provided by CTRI.
Unsure if your equipment meets requirements? We can review it with you at any time, including during your interview.
Prerequisites
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident; age 21+
- Clean criminal and mental health record; successful background check
- Ability and willingness to pass firearms qualification
- Commitment to professionalism, reliability, and adherence to CTRI's mission and code of conduct
Training Path
All CTRI volunteers complete a structured, multi-phase training pipeline that combines state-required guard licensing with CTRI's advanced protective curriculum. No prior firearms experience is required — we will teach you everything you need to know.
Phase 1 — Initial Range Day (Assessment & Safety)
- CTRI-hosted range day covering fundamental firearm safety and handling.
- Orientation to CTRI standards and expectations.
- Safety and suitability assessment to ensure you can handle a firearm responsibly and progress safely in training.
Passing the initial range day demonstrates basic safety competence and is required before moving forward. Those who meet standards receive clearance to complete state guard training.
Phase 2 — State-Required Guard Training (Licensing)
- Volunteers select any licensed training school to complete state coursework.
- Virginia (DCJS Armed): approx. 46–50 hours (courses 01E, 05E, 75E).
- Maryland: plan for 16–40 hours depending on provider and firearm endorsement.
- Note: Some training schools can certify volunteers for multiple states (VA, MD, DC).
Enrollment and payment for state courses are the volunteer's responsibility. CTRI can recommend approved schools if needed.
Phase 3 — CTRI Program (Concurrent & Supplemental)
- 60–90 hours total, running largely concurrent with state licensing.
- Training covers tactical emergency casualty care (C-TECC), situational awareness, de-escalation, defensive tactics, legal & ethical use of force, DSS-based protective doctrine, team communications, and incident coordination.
Schedule & Attendance
- Sessions will run on weekday evenings and Sundays, excluding Jewish and U.S. national holidays.
- Attendance at all sessions in the initial training pipeline is mandatory to graduate and be placed on CTRI's licensed roster.
Next Steps
- Complete the Volunteer Screening Questionnaire.
- Participate in an interview and background check.
- Attend the next scheduled Initial Range Day.
A note about the screening form: Because CTRI operates as a licensed armed security organization, state regulations require us to collect detailed information and conduct a thorough background screening. Although this is a volunteer position, it carries the same legal and professional standards as paid security roles. Your information is handled confidentially.
Proceed to Volunteer Screening Form