CMOE 101

Course Overview

CMOE 101 is the foundational entry point for Red Team Alliance's Covert Methods of Entry curriculum. This full-day course establishes the essential knowledge students need to understand how mechanical locking systems work, why certain designs offer greater security than others, and how to recognize different lock types during physical assessments. Rather than rushing into manipulation techniques, this course ensures students build a solid conceptual foundation that makes all subsequent CMOE training more effective.

Students will explore the internal mechanisms of pin tumbler, wafer, warded, tubular, and disc detainer locks, learning to identify components, understand their function, and recognize the design principles that govern mechanical security. The course concludes with an introductory lock picking exercise that gives students hands-on experience applying the concepts they have learned throughout the day.

What You'll Learn

Introduction to Mechanical Locking Systems

• The Role of Mechanical Locks in Physical Security
• How Locks Evolved to Address Different Threat Models
• Core Terminology and Concepts for the CMOE Curriculum

Design Principles, Tolerances, and Components

• How Manufacturing Tolerances Create Both Security Vulnerabilities
• Shared Components Across Lock Types: Springs, Shear Lines, and Keyways
• What Makes a Lock "High Security" vs. Standard Commercial Grade

Pin Tumbler Locks

• Anatomy of a Pin Tumbler Lock: Plug, Shell, Driver Pins, Key Pins, Springs
• How the Key Operates the Mechanism
• Security Pins and Pick-Resistant Features
• Common Applications and Field Recognition

Alternative Lock Technologies

• Wafer Locks: Construction, Operation, and Common Applications
• Warded Locks: Historical Design and Modern Uses

Padlocks: Their Forms & Internal Mechanisms

• How Padlocks Incorporate Different Lock Technologies
• Shackle Designs and Physical Security Considerations

Field Recognition and Assessment

• Identifying Lock Types by Visual Inspection
• Keyway Profiles and What They Reveal
• Evaluating Lock Security During Physical Reconnaissance

Hands-On: Lock Picking Fundamentals

• Understanding Binding Order and Tolerance Exploitation
• Basic Tool Familiarization: Picks, Tension Wrenches, and Practice Locks
• Hands-On: Single Pin Picking on Practice Locks

Hardware Kits

CMOE 101 Lab Kit... Pick Tools and Practice Locks

Required for all attendees.

• Black Zipper Orca bag
• Training Locks & Spare Parts
  
• RTT Lock Pick Set
  
• Peterson DAME Set
  
• RTT Padlock Shims (bag of 5)
  
• RTT Door Shims
  
• RTT Bump Key Bands (set of 3)
  
• Cylinder Shims (pair)
  
• RRTT Schlage Super Bump Key
• Anti-Theft Tags (set of 3)
  
• Tiny Scissors
  

CMOE 101 Field Kit... Bypass and Service Tools

• CMOE 101 Lab Tool Kit
  
• RTT Traveler Hook
  
• RTT Covert Jigglers
  
• RTT Covert Jigglers
  
• RTT Devious Decoder Card
  
• RTT Bump Hammer
  
• RTT Plug Follower
  
• RTT Pinning Tray
  
• RTT Covert Comb Picks
• Pin Tweezers
  

CMOE 101 Field Kit Plus... Lock Stand and Demo Locks

Required for virtual students. Optional add-on for in-person attendees.

• CMOE 101 Field Kit
  
• Lock Stand
  
• C-Clamp
  
• Master 605
  
• Master 141
  
• American Lock
  
• Wafer Lock
  
• Warded Lock
  
• Multi-Wheel Brinks
  
• Master 5401D
• Dial Combo Lock
  
• Master 175 or Equivalent
  
• Master 875 padlock
  

Prerequisites

None. This is the entry point for RTA's Covert Methods of Entry curriculum. No prior experience with lock manipulation or physical security concepts is required.

Course Progression

After completing CMOE 101, students are prepared to advance to:

• CMOE 201: Core Curriculum

Multi-Day Registration Discounts

Planning to take multiple courses? Save when you register for consecutive training days:

• 2-Day Registration: $125 off per day ($1,375/day)
• 3+ Day Registration: $250 off per day ($1,250/day)