For years the gun industry has wondered what training the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) provides its employees in the Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division (FATD). Due to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed by Gun Owners of America, we finally know.

FATD is responsible for approving firearms for the ATF. This department decides what is and isn’t a firearm.

Not only do FATD officers review samples sent in by companies in the firearms industry, but these ATF employees are used as legal experts in criminal cases. The defense can use the amount and type of training of ATF FATD officers in criminal cases. For years this training has been a secret.

When the ATF hires a new officer, the employee is assigned a mentor within FATD. The mentor is responsible for arranging on-the-job training and making sure the new employee’s activity is documented. These mentors are supposed to be “experts” in FATD.

When the ATF hires a new officer, the employee is assigned a mentor within FATD. The mentor is responsible for arranging on-the-job training and making sure the new employee’s activity is documented. These mentors are supposed to be “experts” in FATD.

The new officer must learn about the Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968. The employee must know the definitions of firearms, destructive devices, shotguns, rifles, antique firearms, ammunition, armor piercing ammunition, handguns, and silencers. The officer must know the regulations centered on these items, the legal penalties for violating the GCA, and requirements for commerce in firearms. They also must understand how interstate commerce applies to law-abiding citizens and felons.

The officers are taught about different parts of the industry. They must know the differences between dealers, manufacturers, and importers. The employee must understand what each does and the laws and regulations surrounding the different parts of the industry…

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