Thomas Pecora, SAS-MP
Acuri Group Master Instructor     

Tom is a former US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Senior Security Manager who served over two decades managing large and complex security programs in active war zones.

He has extensive worldwide operational security experience and in-depth knowledge of CIA and Intelligence Community security disciplines through overseas postings and travel assignments in Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Tom is a seasoned protective operation veteran and trainer. He has over 30 years of experience as a security professional working in counterterrorism, risk management, protective operations, counter-surveillance, investigations, crisis management and security consulting.

Aside from his position as a Senior Advisor with Arcuri Group, he is also the Director of Pecora Consulting Services (PCS LLC) where he provides leadership consulting services to companies with significant security elements.

Arcuri Group’s Situation Awareness Specialist® Professional Program sets a global standard for certification in the field of situational awareness. With certificate holders and strategic partners in over 58 countries, Arcuri Group LLC is a world leader in situational awareness training and certification through its Situation Awareness Specialist® Professional Program.

Over the course of several years, Arcuri Group, led by Dominic J. Arcuri, compiled and analyzed available documentation and research on the Craft known as situational awareness, along with professional experience, to develop the Situation Awareness Specialist® Professional Program.

Arcuri Group engaged thought leaders who have served with world leading organizations such as; the United States Marine Corps, United States Central Intelligence Agency, United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Coast Guard, United States Border Patrol, Toronto Police Service, Department of National Defence Canada, United Nations Police (UNPOL), various police agencies, and the University of South Florida Criminology Department, to peer review the Situation Awareness Specialist® Professional Program and provide feedback. The Standard was developed as a result of this expert led, consensus-based peer review process.

1. What is a Situation Awareness Specialist®? A SAS is a person that has dedicated considerable effort and time to learning and expanding the craft of situational awareness and uses it in an operational setting.


2. Does this certificate make me an expert? No. Becoming an "expert" in situational awareness requires years of time using the craft in real world settings and a continued practice to keep skills sharp. The SAS Certificate assists the practitioner in preparing for the pursuit of expertise by introducing the craft for professional use. A "specialist" is someone that trains in a particular area and then places his/her training credential and craft into operation.



3. How will this certificate help my career? Marketing yourself is everything. If you broadcast your training credential, and are able to articulate how the craft and your training enhances your capability, then you are on your way. Situational awareness is an evolving discipline and requires constant practice and attention to detail. If you show your level of alert and commitment to threat mitigation, then the certificate will compliment your efforts by putting a credential on paper to go with your training. It is up to you to get your credential out there and make it valuable in your career.



4. I have been working in the security industry for years, so why do I need this certificate? You do not need this certificate. This certificate is for those that seek certification as a professional development tool and for recognition for their dedication to the craft and overall mission of security services to detect, deter, protect and report. This certificate indicates to professionals in your industry that you have taken steps beyond the average person to seek a higher state of awareness to the events unfolding around you.