Basic SWAT School

The Southwest Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy will be conducting a Basic SWAT School from September 15^th – 19^th, 2025. This school will be taught by experienced SWAT Operators from our member agencies who will address various tactical training topics in our region.

Course Topics: 

This class will focus on the basic understanding of SWAT operations to include:

• Liability Issues
• Intelligence Gathering / Operational Planning
• Mechanical Breaching
• Tactical Combat Casualty Care
• Use and Deployment of Distraction Devices / Chemical Munitions
• Building Clearing
• Outdoor Operations
• Combatives Training
• Rapid Deployment / Rapid Rescue
• Barricaded Persons
• Execution of High-Risk Warrants
• Vehicle Assaults
• Force on Force Scenarios 

Required Equipment: 

All normal tactical equipment including:

• BDU or other similar tactical uniform
• Body Armor
• Gas Mask
• Nomex Gloves for flashbang deployments
• Eye and Ear protection
• Hat with a brim
• Pistol and 600 rounds
• Rifle and 600 rounds
• 1 flashbang per attendee.

(If you have any questions regarding the required equipment, contact the academy to discuss options). 

Entry Requirements: 

All participants must attend and successfully complete the physical fitness requirements and firearms qualification courses to be accepted into the school. 

Physical Fitness Assessments and Firearms Pre-quals to be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 starting at 9:00 am at the academy. After completing the physical fitness assessments, the officers will travel to the Firearms Range for weapons qualifications.

Physical Fitness Requirements 

• 1.5 mile run in under 15:00
• 35 pushups in 1 minute
• 37 sit-ups in 1 minute

Firearms Pre-qual Requirements 

• 85% or higher on 50 round Pistol Course
• 85% or higher on 60 round Patrol Rifle Course

Additional Information: 

This course is intended for officers who are currently assigned to a tactical team or for agencies without a team to give their officers an opportunity for advanced tactical training. Please note, this is not a marksmanship school. All attendees are expected to be proficient in their shooting and gun handing skills.

• The registration fee will include all chemical munitions, additional distraction devices and simunitions to be used by the attendee during the training.

• The training will consist of 12-hour days and will run from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm each day. (60 hours total)

• The training will be conducted at various training sites throughout the area to include Bristol, Smyth, Washington and Wise Counties.

Course Fee:    

• $100.00 per officer for members
• $500.00 per officer for non-members