SWAT Basic
September 15 - September 19, 2025   |   Academy - 1595 Bonham Rd. Bristol, VA 24201
Basic SWAT School
The Southwest Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy will be conducting a Basic SWAT School from September 15th – 19th, 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