2007-01-19 19:32:26 · 7 answers · asked by thug_nasty67 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Not a requirement, but it helps. SWAT is a very elite unit in the department. They are often the most experienced and well rounded Officers on the shift. You have to establish a record of being level headed and tactically sound. The military's training is very different from the way police work is done. There is hundreds of hours of training a SWAT Officer goes through to become qualified. On top of all of that, you have to be a team player and well liked by the rest of the team, or you will probably not be invited to join them.
2007-01-19 21:53:40 · answer #1 · answered by Cali Cop 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the team leader to a degree and also on the selection board. You have to take a physical fitness exam and some places have an oral interview where they pose scenarios.
Our team leader was an absolute LOSER and he very obviously favored those with a military background. This guy was a true piece of work and dealt assignments using the favoritism system as his main criteria.
It got so bad that I finally stopped giving suggestions for the after-action report and when he asked why I told him "because you always ignore my suggestions". When he disagreed, the rest of the team just laughed and said "yes, you do."
That was pretty much the end of any fun in SWAT for me, and I soon left the team.
Was it fun for awhile, absolutely! Would I ever do it again? Nope. Just be sure of who your team members are, and I tell you this, the military fraternity brothers take care of each other to a point, and you start with less points if you weren't military.
Good luck.
2007-01-19 22:00:08 · answer #2 · answered by Lt. Dan reborn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my ex friend was in swat for a number of years with no military background. He was the third member on the team (The Medic) his position did however require him to be in an ambulance when he wasnt on call from swat. hope this helps
p.s. he says if he could do swat 24/7/360 he would
2007-01-19 19:42:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Military training is a definite plus, if you are applying for SWAT.
2007-01-20 02:35:23 · answer #4 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some agencies will go by your senority on the department and your training. Training as in explosives, fire arms, homeland security and by experience. Check into each department as what requirements they seek.
Good luck,
Mike
2007-01-19 21:26:57 · answer #5 · answered by Michael W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the agency. I don't believe it's required.
2007-01-20 00:54:48 · answer #6 · answered by Jawsh3539 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It helps, but it is not the exclusive determination.
2007-01-19 19:38:31 · answer #7 · answered by trigunmarksman 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋