Law Enforcement SWAT Training

Law enforcement SWAT training requires physical and mental strength.

Special Weapons And Tactics (S.W.A.T) members are special skilled officers that deal with intense, high-risk situations which regular officers are not trained to handle, such as hostage or terrorist situations. SWAT training is very difficult and requires teamwork, commitment and perseverance. A SWAT team member must show competence as well as emotional, physical and mental stamina. A team member must also exhibit high intellect, because reasoning skills and quick decision making are important aspects of the profession.

Physical Fitness

A SWAT team member does not have to necessarily be a "body builder" but must have a high level of strength. Endurance is also required, and team members should be able to hike, run and swim as part of daily workouts. It is recommended that the member not be a smoker. There will be no time to take smoke breaks; plus, smoking can hurt a member's physical endurance.

Motivation and Stability

It is important that a team member possess self-motivation and thrive under pressure. A team member cannot lose his temper just because a stressful event happens on the job. There will be many opportunities for stress to occur within the profession, and a member cannot afford to become overly aggravated.

Team Player

A team member may be given an assignment which involves working with other team members. In this case, the team member must not act as an individual, but rather as a team player. Success in this profession comes from team effort and not someone with something to prove to anyone else or herself. Certain situations may be of a grave nature and require that every team member stick together to ensure all the members complete the assignment successfully and safely.

Testing

In order to make SWAT, each person must undergo certain tests to ensure he will be successful, including a written test, a firearms test and a fitness test. The written test includes policies and strategic material. The fitness test varies depending on where the exam is being held. Weather and location are determining factors when deciding how the fitness exam will be conducted. The fitness test consists of bench presses, leg presses, running, push-ups and sit-ups. Swimming will be a mandatory part of the exam as well. As far as firearms testing is concerned, there will be target drills, rapid fire drills, shooting moving targets and the actual mechanical knowledge of how the weapon works.

Psychological Testing

Some SWAT team candidates may be required to take part in a psychological test to evaluate a potential team member's confidence, ability to handle stress, and team management skills. If a potential team member refuses to take part in this exam or does not pass this exam, she will not be picked for SWAT.

References

• Special Operations: SWAT: Training and Preparedness Guide