In this dynamic course, filled with numerous field exercises, you will learn the basic skills necessary to operate within a modern SWAT team.  Instruction will focus on team assignments, vehicle assaults, building entries and high-stress/gas mask shooting techniques as well as special problems such as command post operations, execution of search warrants and hostage rescues.

We’ll discuss the role and proper make-up of a SWAT team.  We will also show you how to devise a command environment for operations and how to assign personnel to specific teams based upon their strengths.  You’ll learn how to execute search warrants in cases where the suspect offers resistance, how to properly use your firearms during SWAT operations and the appropriate techniques to use to stage a vehicle assault. 

You will learn how to maximize effectiveness and minimize risk using various methods of entry.  We’ll also show you how to rescue both hostages and endangered officers with minimum risk to the hostages and your team members. 

Topics include:
•  Physical fitness test
•  Concepts of SWAT
•  Command post operations
•  Search warrant operations
•  Team assignments
•  Equipment demonstration
•  Hand signals
•  Defensive tactics
•  Physical training
•  Firearms-handgun
   -  Groucho
   -  Entry Shooting
   -  Stress Shooting
•  Firearms - subgun
   -  Entry shooting
   -  Transition drills
   -  Groucho
•  Hostage rescue
•  Officer rescue
•  Vehicle assault
•  Night firing
   -  Entry shooting
   -  Low light moving target
   -  Low light stress shooting
•  Knots/rappelling/lifts and assists
•  Movement exercise/team movement
•  Gas and delivery systems
•  Obstacle course
•  Methodical and dynamic entries
•  Night entry techniques
•  Tactical problems
   -  Search warrant
   -  Hostage barricade
•  Entries on methamphetamine labs

Note:   All students will be required to bring the following items to class:
   •  Fatigues
   •  Helmet
   •  Soft body armor
   •  Tactical holster
   •  Compass
   •  Camo-paint
   •  Eye and ear protection
   •  Flashlight
   •  T-Shirts
   •  Energy snacks
   •  Knife
   •  Boots
   •  Gloves
   •  Entry vest
   •  Protective mask
   •  Canteen
   •  Mosquito spray
   •  Rain gear
   •  PT gear
   •  Socks
   •  Rappelling gear
   •  Elbow and knee pads
   •  Weapons:  
        –  Handgun (500 rds)
       –  Subgun (500 rds)
       –  500 rds of frangible ammunition for subgun

Audience:   Sworn law enforcement personnel newly assigned to tactical/SWAT responsibilities and/or currently assigned officers who wish to receive instruction on evolving techniques

Course length:  40 hours