Expert: Loren Stevens - 8/24/2007

Question
I am 20 years old and I am thinking of joing the Marine Corp to improve my chances of earning the right to become a S.W.A.T. member. I would like to know if I need to do two years in the field of armed combat which includes hand to hand combat, tactical operation, and marksmansihp. Or do I need to do four years in my field to ensure my opportunity?

Answer
Hello Michael,
First off, your assumption that the service you mention is either a precondition, or a guarentee, that you will one day be embraced into a SWAT unit.
This assumption is flawed.
And, you don't "earn the right" to be in SWAT.
What you do, is earn your way for selection consideration, nothing more.
I say this to you, so you don't set yourself up for a measure of herculean disappointment down the road.
For clarity, I would urge you to sit down with a SWAT supervisor, or commander of a SWAT unit, and make inquiry about "things" you beleive to be relevant concerning your future in law enforcement.
My standard patter, is merely MY opinion. I preface this opinion,with experience. It is that experience that leads me to tell you that there are several SWAT officers in the country that have never served in the military. Yet, they have accumulated skill sets, that lend to consideration when evaluating his or her "KSA's".
In my view, military experience helps you with appreciating team-work, and unit discipline and cohesiveness.
The military can provide you with several skills that would be helpful in SWAT, and make you an attractive applicant.
Those who have served in military special ops, e.g., Special Forces, Rangers, SEAL's, Force Recon etc would clearly be an attractive candidate for SWAT consideration.
However, many military folks don't have absolute authority to determine their MOS, which may or may not lend toward a SWAT assignment.
Also, you'll have to get hired by the police agency FIRST. Most agencies hire about 10% of their applicants. And, another % fail along the way from Academy graduation, FTO (field training Officer) to on your own, and satisfactorialy completeing your probationary period.
I know of no SWAT Commander, that would even consider a young rookie officer who has not completed their probationary period.
For that matter, I know of no SWAT Commander that would consider an officer who has not distinguished themselves as a basic officer first....on a sustained level.
Don't expect to be selected to a specialized unit on an agency prior to 3-5 years from date of hire.
They are also looking for maturity, and stability.
The more you can lay on the table when a candidate, will favor your chances for selection.
Multi-lingual, chemical munitions, firearms proficiency, electronics, first aid, marksmanship, fitness, repelling, negotiation skills/training, etc, etc, etc.
For now, I'd suggest you work on hand strength, upper body strength, endurance-stamina.
Study SWAT manuals, or Urban infantry manuals etc.
Again, you need to distingush yourself at the entry police levels prior to being accepted int a specialized unit.
And, SWAT is usually NOT a career field. For a variety of reasons, SWAT members are either transfered out, or ask for another assignment. This is done for many reasons, which will include: tired of repetitive training, "call-outs" any time of day or night, fitness requirements etc. It does not make for a "normal" personal or family life.
And, promotions comes into play as well.
Do some hobby interests, that will befit you in other areas, like martial arts, writing skills etc.
Hope this has been helpful for you.
Good Luck, and regards,
loren