Expert: Loren Stevens - 7/15/2007

Question
Well i am going into my senior year in high school. GPA of 3.4. ALways try my best and hardest at everything i do.

But, onto my question. I have always wanted to be in protection of the public. but police duty just wasn't like what i was looking for. S.W.A.T has always interested me so much. I was wondering what i would have to do in order to get into SWAT or a department like SWAT?

Answer
Hello Aaron,
You may want to review some of my prior Q&A, as this subject comes up often, in many forms.
First, let me say that much of what I say on this matter is MY opinion. There may be opposing views out there.
I've known many many many law enforcement officers, assigned to virtually ALL subdivisions of their agencies.
Most "specialized" assignments do not lend themselves to a career of duration.
And, most of these specialized assignments are often difficult to get into. With few exceptions, you'd have to distinguish yourself at the grunt, or entry levels of service prior to even being considered for a specialized assignment.
In most city, county and state police agencies, this would be in uniform field services.
I've never heard of a SWAT commander being interested in a candidate who did not first prove himself, or herself in basic service duties...on a sustained basis.
Even after that, the competition will be keen. There are an abundance of former military who are equipped with the KSA's (knowledge, skills, & abilities) that make for an attractive SWAT candidate.
Discipline, and team work are featured qualities.
Those with infantry experience like Army, Marines will fare well. Those with specialized experience will do even better, e.g.., Navy SEAL's, Marine Force Recon, Air Force Commando's, and Army Special Forces and Rangers. And, those who have been in battle, enjoy an experience a SWAT commander would look at favorably.
Keep in mind, that SWAT is somewhat like these special operations units in many ways. Being "cross-trained" is paramount.
Snipers, medical, communications, chemical munitions, automatic weapons, negotiation skills, etc...the more competence, the more attractive a candidate makes.
And, if you did some SERIOUS soul searching, you'd need to ask yourself....what is it you really seek.
To suggest you are not interested in police duty, but you are interested in SWAT work is befuddling to me, and would not generate any interest for you with any SWAT commander I've ever known.
You may also consider looking into other areas of service. There are a whole basket full of federal law enforcement choices. Virtually every Department in government has a variety of choices. Belive me, the choices go way beyond what you would think of in the Department of Justice, or Treasury Department.
But again, I must caution you, that you'd have to demonstrate exceptional performance at the entry level, prior to being looked at for something specialized.
You might also be surprised to discover, that NOBODY spends a career in SWAT. There are a wide variety of reasons that an officer will opt out, or be opted out. Generally, I would guess that the repetitiveness of training, and the disruption of a "normal" life would be towards the top.
Anyhow, try to figure out the "why", and the "what" will come to you.
Good Luck, hope this has been helpful.
Regards,
loren