All sworn first responders from state, federal, or local agencies.

This course introduces students to fundamental SWAT topics, tactics, and techniques. The curriculum includes a historical overview of SWAT, team organization and structure, resolving barricaded suspect situations, individual and team movement, searches and room clearing, less-lethal options, warrant service, and participation in multiple field training exercises.

This hands-on, high-intensity course allows students to practice tactics and techniques for real-world scenarios actively. The OTOA does not teach one specific “Tactic.” The OTOA instructors teach “Principles.”

• Response protocols are built around basic principles.
• Violation of basic principles develops into poor tactics.
• The applications of fundamental principles lead to safer tactics.

• Understand SWAT history, roles, and responsibilities within a tactical team.
• Develop safe and effective team movement and room-clearing skills.
• Apply tactical principles in both individual and team-based scenarios.
• Build confidence in operating primary and secondary weapon systems under stress.
• Identify appropriate uses of force, de-escalation strategies, and critical incident resolution.
• Demonstrate competence in full mission planning and execution in high-risk environments.

The following is a detailed list of what the OTOA recommends each student bring to the 5-day Basic SWAT training.

MANDATORY BODY ARMOR:

• Tactical body armor or plate carrier with Level II or III armor.
• Concealable Level II or III body armor is acceptable if tactical is not available.

PRIMARY WEAPON SYSTEM: AR-15 variant or sub-gun

• 3–4 30-round magazines
• Mounted sling and weapon-mounted light (extra batteries recommended)
• ZEROED before Day 1

SECONDARY WEAPON SYSTEM: Pistol

• 3 magazines minimum
• Weapon-mounted light recommended
• 500 rounds per system — NO GREEN TIP, ARMOR PIERCING, OR STEEL CORE AMMO

FORCE-ON-FORCE EQUIPMENT:

• OTOA provides UTM bolt, blue mag, UTM ammo for AR platform
• Students bring agency-conversion kits and marking rounds
• NO 5.56mm Simunition® FX allowed
• 9mm and .38 Simunition® FX permitted

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:

• Uniform, gloves, eye/ear protection, ball cap, pen, notebook
• Food/water, bug spray, sunscreen, weather gear
• Medical — EpiPen for known allergies
• Force-on-force protective gear is recommended

OPTIONAL: Ballistic shields, mirrors

Start Time: Each day begins promptly at 8:00 AM. The course spans a minimum of 8 hours per day and is structured to ensure comprehensive coverage over five days.

Students will participate in a mix of lectures, drills, tactical decision-making, live-fire range exercises, and complete mission planning and execution throughout the five training days.

Note: Students will receive a scheduled lunch break; however, lunch is not provided. Please bring food and drinks.

If you are allergic to bees, outdoor plants, or animals, please bring your epinephrine pen or other medication.

Life-threatening allergies and pre-existing injuries or conditions must be reported to the OTOA training staff on day one of training.

Attendees are responsible for their ammunition, lodging, transportation, and food.