Expert: Loren Stevens - 9/16/2008

Question
my name is ralph shockey i am 18 years old. i am a senior at fayetteville high school, and currently in the national guard. i was wondering what i would have to do to become a swat member and what kind of education i would need to become a member.

Answer
Hello Ralph,
First, permitt me to thank you for your service. I admire those who pony up and make a contribution to their Country.

On your question, I invite you to review some of the prior Q&A on this same question, as it comes up often.
There is no one template for a SWAT officer that I am aware of. And, you may be surprised to learn that it may take you from 3-6 years to even compete after you are hired.
You'll need to prepare for the agency entry level position, which is mostly that of uniform patrol. You need to beat the field to get hired to begin with, as most agencies hire less than 10% of their applicants. Then, you'll need to pass a police academy, which is challenging on many levels.
Then, you'll need to pass field training. I don't see any options for any specialized assignments prior to completing your probationary period.
Then, when you are eligible, the competition gets quite formidabe.
There are seasoned veteran officers also going for SWAT, some of them former SEAL's, Recon, Special Forces, Rangers et al.
So, they bring alot of "stuff' to the dance.
You'll want to distinguish yourself at the entry level service.
Consider enhancing your KSA's (knowledge, skills and abilities) in areas like marksmanship, martial arts, lots of first aid certs, communications/electronics, chemical munitions, various weaponary, repelling, bi-lingual if your jurisdiction is multi-cultural, "verbal-Judo" and other methods of reducing stressful situations,
fitness, upper body and hand strength, endurance, stamina et al.
SWAT leaders are also looking for maturitu, judgement sesibilities, character, team concept, discipline etc.
There are an abundance of areas to entertain. When you hire on an agency with a SWAT unit, spend some time visiting with these officers, and learning what is viewed as important to that agency.
Try to sit in on classes space available when possible.
But for now, focus on entry level service.
My bet, is that you won't spend even 1/4 of a career in any specialized assignment, for a variety of reasons. With SWAT, it may be the repetitive training, or call-outs at all hours etc.
Hope this is helpful, and gives you an idea of the global view.
Good Luck,
loren