What course of action would you take if faced with an imminent threat?

When the stakes are high, and the risks are real, proper training can be the deciding factor in your ability to act effectively.

Hawkeye Dynamics’ Hostile Environment Integrated Security Training (HEIST) sets the benchmark for professionals operating in volatile and unpredictable environments.

This advanced 5-day program is designed to empower participants with next-level skills to respond to the most critical challenges with precision and confidence.

 

HEIST

Course Description

The Hostile Environment Integrated Security Training (HEIST) is an advanced and intensive 5-day program designed to prepare participants to react swiftly and decisively in the most volatile and unpredictable situations.

Led by experienced professionals with real-world expertise, participants train in a highly immersive and controlled environment that replicates the intensity of high-stakes scenarios.

Focused on rapid response and critical decision-making under high pressure, this course is tailored for those who must act when every second counts.

 

What You Will Learn

  • Strategic De-Escalation Master practical strategies to manage confrontations with aggressive individuals or groups, defusing high-stress situations before they escalate.
  • Quick-Thinking Under Pressure Develop the ability to make rapid, life-preserving decisions in critical moments, ensuring composure when faced with sudden threats.
  • Dealing with Violent Crime Learn how to stay calm and navigate chaotic, high-stakes encounters with confidence and precision.
  • Extreme Threat Management Respond swiftly and effectively to critical incidents, acting decisively even under the most severe conditions.
  • Physical Defence Tactics Gain hands-on skills to defend yourself and others, with practical techniques tailored to real-world scenarios.
  • Surviving Terrorist Attacks Learn how to identify, respond to, and navigate terrorism-related crises with composure and expertise.
  • Navigating Coercive Situations Prepare for the unthinkable. Gain survival tactics and build the mental fortitude to persevere in situations where you're held against your will.

Who Should Attend?

Whether you’re navigating the complexities of international assignments or simply concerned about your safety at home, HEIST offers valuable skills for a wide array of individuals and organizations. This program is ideal for:

  • Security teams, managers, and executives overseeing international operations in high-risk areas.
  • Humanitarian aid workers preparing for deployments in volatile environments.
  • Media personnel operating in conflict zones or challenging locations.
  • Military and law enforcement personnel enhancing tactical skills.
  • Specialists requiring advanced preparation for complex missions.
  • Professionals seeking a challenging, hands-on experience to elevate their operational readiness.

Entry Criteria: Setting the Standard for Excellence

The HEIST program is designed to provide advanced training to professionals who operate in high-risk environments, ensuring they have the skills and confidence to respond effectively and responsibly. Our goal is to maintain a high standard of excellence, welcoming participants who share our commitment to professionalism, safety, and integrity.

Who Should Apply?

This course is ideal for:

  • Professionals with a clear need for hostile environment training, including those in security, humanitarian aid, journalism, or corporate operations in challenging regions.
  • Individuals who have previously completed Hawkeye Dynamics training and are seeking to advance their skills.
  • Those dedicated to applying the training responsibly and in alignment with ethical and professional standards.

Our Core Values

We uphold the values of Safety, Professionalism, Growth, Compassion, and Courage, which are essential for creating a trusted and effective learning environment. All participants are expected to embody these principles throughout the program.

Participant Selection

To ensure the integrity of the HEIST program, our screening process identifies applicants who genuinely need this training and will use it responsibly in their professional roles. This helps us maintain the quality and focus of the course while ensuring participants benefit fully from the experience.

Unsure About Your Eligibility?

If you’re uncertain whether the HEIST program is the right fit for your goals, our admissions team is here to help. Contact us to discuss your background and explore how this training can support your professional development.

 

Register Here

Training Locations

The HEIST is predominantly conducted in Christchurch, New Zealand. Our choice of training location provides a realistic and beneficial environment for scenario-based training, closely resembling the situations participants may encounter.

For customized group training sessions, alternative locations may be considered upon request. Our skilled training team has the capability to travel domestically and internationally, providing on-site training tailored to your specific needs, in the environments you’re likely to face. Please get in touch directly to discuss your particular requirements.

Please note that due to the nature of the training, location accessibility and weather conditions can vary. Suitable preparation and gear is recommended.

For more guidance on how to prepare for your course, please reach out to our team directly.

Pricing Made Simple

The investment for the 5-day HEIST program is $3,500 USD per participant.

We also offer flexible pricing options tailored to the unique needs of individuals and organizations, including discounts for group bookings.

This price includes:

  • All course materials and resources.
  • Five days of immersive, hands-on training.
  • Refreshments throughout the course.
  • Certificate of Completion & Record of Learning.

Ready to sharpen your skills for high-pressure situations?

Click the button below to register your interest in the HEIST course, and let us help you build the advanced skills needed to navigate and excel in the most challenging scenarios.

Have questions? Our training advisors are here to guide you in determining if this course is the right fit for your needs. Visit our ‘Contact’ page to send an enquiry.

Please Note: Course dates are subject to change based on demand and availability. Early registration is highly recommended to secure your spot.

Register Here

Frequently asked questions

Explore our FAQs to find detailed responses to commonly asked questions about the HEIST course.

Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Feel free to contact us today.

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Yes, HEIST is physically demanding.

It includes specialized physical training sessions led by professional trainers designed to simulate real-world conditions and improve your physical response capabilities. While you are not required to be in peak physical condition to participate, we recommend that you arrive free from injuries to fully engage in and benefit from all aspects of the training.
Prior experience is not required to enrol in the HEIST course. While this is an advanced program, it is open to participants from all backgrounds who are committed to learning and applying these skills.

Previous training or experience in related fields can be helpful but is not mandatory. Our curriculum is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and confidence to excel, regardless of their starting point.

HEIST is accessible to anyone ready to meet the demands of high-risk environments and advance their skills through this rigorous training.
You can anticipate an immersive and challenging learning environment in the HEIST program. A majority of the training will be hands-on and practical, designed to expose you to physically and mentally demanding scenarios that you're required to navigate and overcome.

Our approach to learning is experiential, putting you directly in situations that simulate real-world threats. The tasks and exercises will require both physical agility and mental resilience, making you confront and conquer adversities similar to those you might encounter in a hostile environment.

While the focus is largely on practical scenarios, there will also be a component of classroom instruction. This theoretical grounding provides the necessary backdrop to the practical exercises, giving you a foundational understanding of key concepts, strategies, and tactics. The balance of in-depth instruction and hands-on experience is intended to ensure a comprehensive understanding and competency in managing high-risk situations.
After concluding the HEIST program, students can still rely on our support. We offer post-training resources to further enhance and consolidate the skills acquired during the course. Additionally, students have the privilege of seeking guidance, answers, or advice from our team of expert trainers even after course completion. It's our unwavering commitment to ensure each HEIST graduate feels confident and competent in applying their newly learned skills in their respective fields.
The standard class size for the HEIST course is set at 8 participants. However, provisions can be arranged for accommodating larger groups if requested.
While we can arrange for our experienced trainers to conduct sessions at your preferred location for your convenience, we strongly recommend utilizing our designated training sites. These locations are purpose-built and equipped with extensive resources that aid in providing a thorough and immersive training experience. This way, we can ensure the highest quality training possible. However, we do understand and cater to unique needs and can adjust accordingly if required.
The HEIST course is structured over 5 comprehensive days, beginning early each morning and often extending well beyond standard hours.

This intensive format is designed to maximize the learning experience, preparing participants through prolonged practical exercises and simulations that test their endurance and skill in high-stress situations.
The primary difference between the HEAT and HEIST courses lies in their approach and focus areas.

Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT), is designed as a pre-deployment course that places a strong emphasis on risk prevention and mitigation. It is meant for international travellers such as aid workers, journalists, and others who might be travelling to high-risk areas. The course teaches skills such as first aid and trauma response, with the primary goal of helping individuals avoid dangerous situations altogether.

On the other hand, Hostile Environment Integrated Security Training (HEIST), is designed to equip individuals with skills to handle the 'reactive' phase of a critical incident. In other words, while HEAT is about avoiding potential threats, HEIST is about how to act when a threat is unavoidable. The focus here is entirely on managing and surviving extreme threats after the event has occurred.

In summary, if you're looking to prepare and prevent, you'd likely benefit more from HEAT. But if your goal is to understand how to respond in unavoidable threatening situations, HEIST would be the more appropriate course.

Equip yourself with the ability to act, not freeze, when it counts.

We're here to prepare you for the unexpected, enabling you to face any challenging situation with confidence and effectiveness.

Contact us today and secure your place in our upcoming HEIST course. We look forward to embarking on this transformative journey with you.

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