Expert: Loren Stevens - 7/16/2010

Question
Hi, my name is Hector and im 16 years old and going on to the 11th grade. I was wondering, i plan on goin to the army after high school and i wanted to know if after serving my term would my chances of making the SWAT be good because i am very interested in being a SWAT member? Also i would like to know what the requirements are to make the SWAT.

Answer
Hello Hector,
Congrats on continuing your HS education. Stick with it, as it is very important.
And, I salute you, on planning to serve our country.

Now then, please review other Q and A on my page, as your question has been asked by others, in one form or another.

There is no ONE template, mold for a SWAT officer. There are differences among the many agencies. Plus, there are different, and overlapping skill-sets, within a SWAT unit.
I think you should concentrate on doing all you can to first select a police agency that you want to be a part of, then focus on doing what you can, to get hired on that agency, at the entry level position, usually that of a uniformed patrol officer.
Then, you'll be an "insider" and have access to what specifics your particular special ops commander is looking for.
The obvious things, are firearms proficiency, chemical munitions, fitness, martial arts, first aid certs, repelling, multi-lingual, computers, electricity, etc.
The discipline and team work you will experience in the military, will serve you well.
Plus, the MOS, or field of speciality you are assigned to, may also have a favorable impact.
Clearly, Special Forces would be great, or even Military Police.
You might want to do some investigation of your enlistment issues.
Some skills pay a premium on an enlistment bonus. Other areas require a longer committment, to get the schools and duty you want.
Lots to consider, prior to signing the dotted line.
Also, you have your eye on the future...smart move.

Know this Hector, you most probably won't get considered for a special assignment like SWAT for 4-6 years, after being hired. And, you probably won't be eligable for a special assignment, until you are off of probation, and worked X-amount of time at the entry level service.
That, is why it is so important, to just focus on getting hired on an agency. And, NOBODY wants to do an entire career, working special ops...beleive me!!
Also, know that during economic hard times, there is more competition for government jobs. Typically, less than 10% of applicants get hired.
So, you really want to take career steps one step at a time.
Be cool, good luck,
Semper Fi,
loren