Expert: Loren Stevens - 10/28/2008

Question
will the military help me to become a swat operator without going to college

Answer
Hello Luis,
Actually, a SWAT Officer is preferred to that of operator, unless you are thinking of an operative, which is more in line with covert operations.
In any event, both Military and college are favorable experiences. Neither is a ticket to special operations on a police agency. These experiences tend to make a good officer better, but neither are a stand alone qualifier.
And, "military experience" also has a wide variety in terms of range of duties. If you are a cook or truck driver, as your primary MOS, although both honorable contributions, do not lend themselves to special operations.
College too, has some fields that do not lend themselves to special operations.
Both areas are good, as you are expanding your KSA's (knowledge, skills and abilities)and, maturity of being more responsible.
Most local and state agencies do not require college, and I know of none that require military experience.
Clearly, if you are educated in the behavioral sciences it would be an advantage, as would the infantry, or a ground unit in either the Army, or Marines, or any of the Special Forces units, from any branch.
All that said, you will still need to get hired first, at the entry level position, usually uniform patrol. You'll have to do well in training, and distinguish yourself in street police work until you are at least off agency probation.
I wouldn't expect to be considered in less than 4-6 years, but that is a generalization, with a rather broad brush.
While you are a street officer, you'll have opportunity to visit with members of that agency SWAT, and other special assignment units, and get a better feel for what they seek, in terms of skill sets.
The competition gets to be quite keen, so you can start heading towards that end ASAP, with developing upper body strength, hand strength, firearms proficiency, endurance, stamina etc, et al.
Good luck, I hope this is helpful.
Regards,
loren