The Five-Day Basic SWAT Course is an intensive, performance-driven program designed for entry-level Tactical Officers/Operators and currently assigned SWAT personnel who have not attended an updated SWAT course in several years. This course establishes a solid operational foundation and reinforces modern tactical principles required to operate effectively in today’s dynamic and kinetic law enforcement environment.

This course focuses on the core fundamentals of team-based tactical operations, emphasizing individual responsibility within the team framework. Instruction concentrates on tactical team basics, operational skills, and foundational concepts, while reinforcing the importance of team composition, roles, and interpersonal dynamics under stress.

TRAINING EMPHASIS
Throughout the week, students will train in:

• Tactical team operations and movement
• Operational scouting and intelligence gathering
• Mission planning and execution
• Variable operational concepts for kinetic environments
• Leadership under pressure
• Asymmetric thinking and problem-solving
• Teamwork and communication in high-risk operations

Instruction is reinforced through extensive Field Training Exercises (FTXs) and experiential-based scenarios designed to replicate real-world operational demands. These exercises challenge students to apply both proven and emerging tactical concepts while operating under physical and cognitive stress.

COURSE DEMANDS
This is a physically and mentally demanding course intended to push students beyond baseline performance levels. The training environment is fast-paced and unforgiving, requiring discipline, adaptability, and accountability. While challenging, the course is highly rewarding for motivated operators committed to improving their tactical capability and effectiveness within a team.

PREREQUISITES
Participants are expected to arrive with a high level of operational proficiency in both handgun and rifle platforms. This course is not designed to teach basic firearms fundamentals.

EQUIPMENT
Equipment list:

• Standard callout gear
  • Vest/plate carrier
  • Helmet
  • Belt
  • Gloves
  • Weather appropriate clothing
  • Eye pro
  • Ear pro
  • Gloves
  • Handheld light
  • Spare batteries
  • Ballistic shield
  • Water/hydration
  • Laptop/MDC to type scout/briefing/ops plans
  • Note taking material
• Firearms
  • Handgun
  • WML
  • Holster
  • 3 mags
  • 600 handgun rounds
  • AR style rifle
  • WML
  • Sling
  • 3 mags
  • 850 rifle rounds

MN POST Credit Hours: 40