Expert: Loren Stevens - 2/2/2006

Question
Ok so i am a 14 year old and when i get older i am planing on having a carrer in SWAT.But i have some questions and i found the best way was to ask you someone who was in SWAT.so i was wondering 1.how long to you train to be in SWAT and how hard is it.2.what are the requirements to be in SWAT.(like do you have to be a police officer first).3.what kind of things do you do in SWAT or what kind of missions.4.what weapons do you use for this job.5.what was the best thing about being in SWAT. i thank you for your time to answer these questions if you do.

Answer
Hello Emma,
You show substantial maturity by illustrating a career interest at the age of 14, and should be commended.
There are plenty of "things" I should convey prior to delving into your primary question(s).
It is critically important that you finish school, with as good a grades as you are capable of. And, NO TROUBLE! No drugs, or alcohol abuse. You would be smart to be physically fit as well.
Ok, all that said..............
Nobody, and I mean nobody spends an entire career in SWAT. This is due for several reasons: burn-out, age/fitness/ other career challenges and promotions etc.
Also, it is standard protocol that an officer/agent first become an officer/agent first. The primary motivation should be that of becomming a good officer first, rather than a focus on a preferred assignment within the agency.
I have known several SWAT Commanders in my life, and without exception, they all require a SWAT candidate to first be an outstanding police officer. It is hard to imagine a CO expressing any interest in a candidate who was not first a good field officer. Usually, that requires going through the rookie academy, then to a field training officer for break-in, then atleast a few years in the field prior to being eligible to compete for a specialized assignment. I might add, that the competition is formidable. There are officers who have been in the military, that will have an edge in the competition, espically those who have been in the Force Recon (Marines), Special Forces (Army) Commandos (Air Force) and SEALs (Navy)
As a basic understanding, SWAT features tactics that are essentially basic infantry tactics, with an urban spin etc.
1- The training in SWAT is never ending....there is no beginning/end. There are several aspects to the training, and it goes on and on ad infinitum...This is one factor for officers to experience "burn-out" due to the repetitiveness of so much of the training. And yes, it is hard, and quite challenging. Along with the physical aspects, there is also a mental/emotional component.
Each agency will illustrate what their criteria is for an officer being eligible as a SWAT candidate. It may vary, but I'd be surprised if it wasn't similar, in terms of police experience first.
2- SWAT practices formations, repelling, building entry, room sweeps, sniper skills, various munitions, chemical agents etc.
Typically, SWAT will be called to work a barracaded suspect, hostage situation, fugitive apprehension with a history for violence, dignitary protection etc.
3-SWAT officers are required to be certified in a variety of weaponry eg., hand guns, shoulder weapons (shotguns, long bore rifles)Assault rifles, chemical dispersal devices.
Some explosive devices eg., "jet-ax" ( a shape charge often used by the fire departments) and sniper rifles eg., 243. w/scope.
4- The "best thing" about being a SWAT officer would vary with each officer. Many like the discipline, task specific, training regimine et al.
As you head toward your goal, I suggest you widen your scope of interest to be wider than a subdivision of a subdivision of a police agency. Think EXCELLANT COP first, and other "stuff" will fall into place as you progress in a career.
The more you prepare youself for now, the more attractive or marketable of a candidate later.
Example: computer skills, join a gun club, be bi-lingual, repelling, several certificates in aspects of FIRST AID. (This is important, as along with the "John Wayne" action, being skilled in what to do when somebody is on the ground leaking is mighty helpful.
Well Emma, I hope this is a good start of things for you to think about.
Good Luck,
regards,
loren