Expert: Dick Rogers - 1/31/2011

Question
im currently enlisted in the united states marine corps and i was wondering my chances of becoming apart of a swat team..all the tactics are very similar to the ones ive used over seas and i use the same weapons and some..heavies 50 cal m240 m249 mark 19 ect..thanks for your time...semper fidelis

Answer
James, I was a swat sniper when I worked Special Enforcement Bureau.  Strange thing is, I never really anticipated working that unit, however the SEB unit had ten sniper teams.  Every year, the Bureau would conduct a shootout...competition shooting amongst all SEB personnel.  Surprise of surprises, I was top shooter and was assigned Team #1.  The reason for making this point is that sometimes jobs find you.  If you want to find yourself working swat, I have a suggestion.  Apply to a large agency (my Department has 12,500 sworn officers), your chances are much better.  Let it be known that you want to work the unit and let it be known that you have the background.  Good luck.