Government Training Institute Courses << Back to Course List SWAT III The preparedness of State and Local SWAT teams is one of the major initiatives of the United States Department of Homeland Security. Under the Department of Homeland Security typing system, there are three typing classifications ranging from a Type III team (the basis of this course), to a Type I team, the most equipped and capable. The typing system has been created to flow with the overall Incident Command System (ICS) structure. In response to the Department of Homeland Security’s creation of the SWAT Team Typing system, the Government Training Institute (GTI), has created three advanced courses for SWAT teams. Advanced SWAT Operations for Terrorist Environments Type III TYPE III SWAT COURSE (15 DAYS) DHS PRE APPROVED COURSE For part-time SWAT teams without rappelling responsibilities. Scheduled and course dates set during 2006-2007 training calendar year. Course Dates Download Packet Program Overview The Government Training Institute, Inc., in partnership with Idaho State University, announces a new SWAT Type III course curriculum that has been reviewed and approved by D.H.S.’s Office of Grants & Training. This allows states the opportunity to apply their DHS training grant funding toward tuition, overtime, meals, lodging, and associated backfill costs for their first responders to attend. Type III SWAT was created to standardize Part-Time team SWAT training throughout the United States and to define for Incident Commanders asset capabilities and current resources available during a crisis. This program is the first model program for nation-wide SWAT team classifications and gives team commanders training programs and asset requirements to be considered a Type III Category SWAT Team. The Type III SWAT Operator’s Course is the most comprehensive SWAT program ever to be offered to state and local agencies. The program covers 47 separate modules in 15 days. Each student will be issued an 800 page training manual, a student progress book that includes copies of all of the student’s written exams, practical application examinations, and be familiarized and work with the latest technologies in SWAT application. Benefits of the Course Agency heads, SWAT Team Leaders and SWAT operators will benefit from this course by attending training which: Addresses current case law Is pre-approved by the federal government for utilization of SLGCP funds Is the new national standard for SWAT team training Addresses the human body’s true response when encountering perceived deadly threats Addresses and utilizes the newest technologies available Thoroughly addresses PPE and WMD issues Course Details Students who successfully graduate the Type III SWAT Operator’s Course will have earned it. There are stringent standards that all students must achieve in order to pass the course. They will be tested daily, and on occasion, several times a day. Every student must prove that they are capable of being an operational member of a Type III SWAT team. Student evaluation and performance measures are broken down into the following: Written Pre-Test Daily Written Tests Written Post-Test Daily Practical Exercise Evaluations Final Comprehensive Exercise Course Curriculum Module One – Introduction and Administration In this module, students will receive an overview of the Type III SWAT course. Activities for the course are covered, and all administrative requirements, such as registration, are completed at this time. Students will be introduced to the instructors and the other students in the class, receive their student manuals. All participants will be administered a pre-test to assess their knowledge of course material. Module Two – Disclaimer In this module, students will hear where tactics and techniques for the class were developed, and receive an overview of outside influences and expectations that can affect any operation. Additionally, students will hear how any discrepancies between their policies or SOPs and this training should be dealt with. Module Three – Written Pre-Test In this module, students will take a written pre-test to determine their knowledge of SWAT operations, CBRNE events and PPE prior to receiving any instruction. Module Four – Tactical Mindset This module begins preparing participants for the shift in curriculum focus from static individual skills to dynamic team skills. By covering the stages of reaction time, phases of readiness and conditioning, and self control, this module helps prepare students for the mindset they will need for the rest of the course, as well as any tactical operation and stresses the need for staying level headed in a CBRNE environment. Module Five– SWAT Concepts This module examines the need for SWAT teams and historical examples of the development of tactical units throughout the world, historically dealing with terrorist threats. This module addresses the shift from SWAT teams being called upon to handle “everyday criminals” to terrorist cells and CBRNE events. Module Six – Equipment Selection Participants are introduced to the DHS / ODP Type III equipment list requirements and equipment shortcomings are addressed. Equipment procurement sources are discussed so participants have a better understanding of how to receive the equipment items they may need. PPE, SCBA, CCBA, APR and PAPR systems are discussed briefly in this module as they are covered in detail in a later stand-alone module, however each piece of equipment is evaluated for compatibility with PPE and respiratory protection systems. Module Seven – Selection of Firearms In this module, students will hear about six essential criterions for making the selection of any weapon system. This module also covers basic ballistic information and examines two major theories currently utilized in the study of ballistics. The ability of a weapon to sustain fire against a well armed terrorist is covered. Module Eight – Body Armor This module covers NIJ data on Class I through Class III protection as well as trauma plates of various materials. In this module, students will also hear about risks associated with stacking body armor and how CFR section 668 may apply to the issuance of body armor to Federal personnel. Decontamination issues and how body armor can effect operations in PPE and vice-versa are discusses. Module Nine-Terrorism 101 This module introduces the student to worldwide terrorism. The student will be exposed to the essence of terrorism, terrorist activities and terrorist groups. The student, at the end of this module will be able to identify the characteristics of a terror organization and an act of terrorism and how they differ from both civil crimes and war crimes. Module Ten – Weapons of Mass Destruction Participants, in this module, will be exposed to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear agent material incidents and introduced to the types of harm each weapon can cause. Students will learn self-protection methods and the importance of protection measures. Module Eleven – Personal Protective Equipment Levels and Selection In this module students will be exposed to selection criteria for choosing PPE, the four separate protection Levels of PPE, advantages and disadvantage to each level, respiratory protection requirements, problems commonly encountered while in PPE, various levels of heat related injuries and pre-deployment, deployment and post-deployment considerations. Module Twelve – Personal Protective Equipment Practical Exercise Students in this module will perform donning and doffing procedures with PPE as well as pre-deployment, deployment and post deployment medical screening. Module Thirteen – Scouting, Pre-planning and Intelligence Participants will be exposed, in this module, to the planning process involved with maintaining any tactical unit and conducting any tactical operation. Intelligence, scouting, diagramming, blueprints, operation orders and case law pertaining to the importance and pre-planning and intelligence are covered in this module. The potential for a terrorist to deploy booby traps, IEDs, early warning systems and counter surveillance are stressed in this module. Module Fourteen - Shooting Platforms and Sympathetic Nervous System Response to Threats Students will be exposed, in this module, to the potentially detrimental effects on shooting platforms that are caused by the operator’s perception of a threat. Effects of the visual system, fine and complex motor skills, auditory system, circulatory system, respiratory system, and the ability of the brain to cognitively process threats will be examined in this module and students will be presented with numerous studies and statistics that show how shooting platforms are affected as a result of the response. Participants will hear about how certain shooting platforms are adversely affected with respiratory protection systems and how PPE and respiratory protection systems affect the operator’s vision and other body functions like dexterity. Participants will be presented with ideas and thoughts on preparing for, and dealing with these effects and shown techniques that compliment, not conflict the body’s natural response to threats. Module Fifteen – Shooting Platforms and Sympathetic Nervous System Response to Threat Practical Exercise In this module, students will see the effects of SNS response first hand utilizing training weapon systems. Students will don an APR or PAPR system to see how their shooting platforms are affected by these systems with both primary and secondary weapon systems. Students will also don both inner and outer PPE gloves to experience the impact they have on weapon manipulation. Module Sixteen - Cover and Concealment In this module, students will examine the differences between cover and concealment and how best to utilize both effectively. Effects of bullet ricochet and a military study on the stopping capabilities of various items found in an urban setting are also covered. Topics of discussion will include the true definition of cover when going up against a terrorist with a fully automatic 7.62x39 and the definition of concealment if the terrorist has NVGs, thermal imagers or other night viewing devices. Module Seventeen – Range Practical Exercise During this practical exercise the students will learn proper weapon handling skills and techniques for the primary and secondary weapon systems as they pertain to a Close Quarters Battle Environment. This particular module sets the stage for the next range module which entails the students shooting in PPE. Instructors must feel confident with the student’s skills prior to them shooting in PPE. Module Eighteen – Tactical Movements Outside Target Structures By stressing the fact that being compromised on the outside of the structure may jeopardize the entire mission and put team members and others at risk, this module covers four commonly utilized approaches and advantages to each type, open area crossings, movement in low light, obstacles, communication challenges, and the importance of noise and light discipline. This module addresses the possibility that a terrorist may utilize counter surveillance, early warning systems, or IEDs on the outside of the crisis site and tactical considerations for making approaches in PPE and working in a CBRNE environment. Module Nineteen – Tactical Movements Outside Target Structures Practical Exercise In this module, students will work together as a team to approach a structure. They will encounter several dangers and must identify them and address them accordingly. Students will face highly armed terrorists (fellow students and GTI instructors) and engage them with training weapons. Students will encounter Improvised Explosive Devices and early warning systems and will make approaches in PPE. They will see first-hand the tactical considerations brought up in module 18. Module Twenty – Tactical Breaching This module begins the student’s mental transition and preparation from activities outside the crisis site to the inside. By stressing pre-planning, speed and cover, this module covers choosing primary and alternate breach locations, port and cover locations and techniques, selecting team breachers, the three major breaching methods, and case law related to breaching. This module is an overview of breaching only and refreshes students to the basic concepts of the topic, however, this module covers CBRNE and PPE considerations applicable to those breaching options required and recommended for Type III SWAT teams, making it different than other breaching blocks typically presented to teams. Certain breaching methods, like exothermic for instance, have serious implications on PPE and these items will be discussed. Module Twenty One – Tactical Breaching Practical Exercise In this module, students will apply tactics and techniques discussed in Module 20. The students will see first-hand the limitations of breaching options presented by the use of certain PPE. Module Twenty Two – Alternate Methods of Team Communication SWAT work in PPE is difficult and presents several tactical considerations that are overlooked by those who do not often work in PPE. Communicating with team members, innocents, hostages and terrorist suspects while in PPE and respiratory protection requires alternate methods of communicating, such as hand signs, lights, strobes and other signaling techniques. This module discusses these techniques and addresses their importance relating to working in PPE. Module Twenty Three – Occupancy Control In this module, participants will be refreshed on the principals of occupancy control, contact, control, cuff and search, and counter. While stressing reasonable use of force, students will then examine case law pertaining to protective detentions, protective frisks, protective handcuffing, handcuffing, minimal application of force, and general use of force issues. Students will learn about the numerous tactical considerations that come in to play when trying to go “hands-on” with terrorist suspects, working in a CBRNE environment, and limitations and concerns in PPE. Module Twenty Four –Occupancy Control PE This module provides students the opportunity to practice the methods previously discussed in module 23. Students will be placed in PPE and must communicate with terrorist suspects (instructors) and their teammates at the same time. Students will experience tactical considerations and limitations of PPE and respiratory protection systems first-hand in this module. Module Twenty Five – Dynamic Clearing Techniques While dynamic entry and clearing techniques should be thoroughly understood by the students in this class, this module serves as a refresher but incorporates issues involving the use of PPE and respiratory protection systems in a CBRNE environment. Module Twenty Six – Noise and Flash Diversionary Devices Overview The use and applications of Noise and Flash Diversionary Devices should be old news to students in this class. This module refreshes students with the history, design, characteristics, and effectiveness of NFDDs but does not certify the students as end users of NFDDs. The psychological and physiological effects NFDDs have on people and case law pertinent to the deployment and use of NFDDs are also discussed. This module specifically addresses terrorism and CBRNE events by talking about hazards associated with clandestine chemical or biological laboratories, and the potential for aerosolizing or scattering CBRNE agents. Module Twenty Seven – Noise and Flash Diversionary Device Exposure Students, in this module, will experience the psychological and physiological effects of NFDDs first hand. Students will also witness how CBRN agents could be aerosolized by the deployment of an NFDD. Module Twenty Eight – Dynamic Clearing Techniques Practical Exercise In this module, students will experience all of the limitations and concerns of performing dynamic entries in PPE first-hand. After performing several entries without PPE, later in the module students will don PPE and encounter increasingly more difficult tactical challenges, including armed terrorists (instructors) who are bent on a shootout (with training weapon systems). Module Twenty Nine – Tactical Angles In this module students will be exposed to tactical angles, including how to identify them, how to open and close them and why a team would choose to do so. Tactical considerations surrounding the use of PPE and respiratory protection systems will be discussed. Module Thirty – Tactical Angles Practical Exercise Students, in this module, will experience first-hand how the noise of the PPE, communication difficulties due to PPE and APR or PAPR systems and field of view limitations due to APR or PAPR effect how students identify and address tactical angles. Module Thirty One – Slow and Deliberate Clearing Techniques This Module will build upon the Tactical Angles block and will cover Slow and Deliberate Clearing Techniques. Slow and deliberate techniques are considered some of the safest entries a team can perform under “normal”, but they are also the most difficult and probably the most taxing on the team members. Slow and deliberate entries are not necessarily the safest entries in a CBRNE environment and may actually be the most dangerous. Numerous tactical considerations dealing with Slow and deliberate entries in PPE in a CBRNE environment are covered. Module Thirty Two – Slow and Deliberate Clearing Techniques Practical Exercise In this module students will experience first-hand tactical considerations and challenges performing slow and deliberate entries in and out of PPE. Students will encounter increasingly more difficult scenarios including mock CBRNE environments coupled with mock IEDs that require them to don PPE and utilize a slow and deliberate technique. Module Thirty Three – Improvised Explosive Devices and Explosive Materials Incidents Participants, in this module, will be introduced to the various types of explosives and explosive materials incidents they may encounter in their careers. Emphasis will be placed on improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by examining various bodies, fillers, triggering systems, and delays that are commonly found with IEDs. Stand-off distances and public and self-protection issues are discussed within the module. Module Thirty Four – Improvised Explosive Devices Practical Exercise In this module, students will make entry into a building structure both with and without pre-intelligence about the presence of IEDs. Students will be shown and required to utilize techniques with pole cameras, mirrors and lasers to locate the possible presence of not only terrorists (instructors) but IEDs and their components. Module Thirty Five - Range Practical Exercise #2 This module builds upon the previous live fire range session which allowed instructors to feel comfortable with the safety and proficiency level of each student regarding their firearm skills. In this module student will engage targets while on the move – TDS principles and operate in PPE. Module Thirty Six – Citizen and Team Member Recovery Techniques While all students in this course should be well familiar with the citizen and or team member process, this block is different in that evaluates recoveries in CBRNE environments, recovering casualties due to CBRNE agents v. gunshots or trauma, and tactical considerations involving recoveries in PPE. Module Thirty Seven – Citizen and Team Member Recovery Techniques Practical Exercise This module places students in several challenging scenarios that expose them to various issues involving encountering terrorist suspects (instructors) who attempt to keep a rescue team away from the casualty by providing sustained fully automatic rifle fire (training weapons), casualties caused from chemical agents, and recoveries on victims inside a CBRNE hot zone. Students will encounter first-hand limitations and tactical considerations created by PPE usage. Module Thirty Eight – Chemical Munitions and Delivery Systems While this module is a refresher course for many and does not make certified end users out of the students, it does address various tactical considerations when working in PPE and introducing agents into CBRNE hot zones or clandestine chemical or biological agent laboratories. This module does not certify the students to deploy chemical munitions. Module Thirty Nine – Less Lethal Munitions and Delivery Systems This module provides students with a look at deployment of LTL rounds with and without PPE. This module does not certify the students to deploy LTL. Module Forty – Vehicle Assaults Vehicle assaults should be very familiar to all of the students in this course. However, this module will introduce many students to the fairly recent and seldom used technique of column assaults. Column assaults considers and compliments the operator’s SNS response much better than most commonly used assault techniques. Students will be exposed to a variety of tactical considerations involved with performing vehicle assaults while in PPE. Students will also hear about the importance of situational awareness and the possibilities of terrorist working together in multiple vehicles. Module Forty One – Vehicle Assaults Practical Exercise Students will, in the module, participate as members of a team that is required to perform multiple vehicle assaults from a variety of different angles. Students will also make approaches on vehicles containing obvious and more covert signs of containing CBRNE agents and will be required to conduct assaults while in PPE. Module Forty Two - Hostage Rescue Operations During this module of instruction, participants will be exposed to the tactics and theories associated with the tactical option involving hostage rescues. The special tactical considerations involving rescue operations in a CBRNE hot zone are discussed as part of the discussion involving the three major types of hostage rescue scenarios. Module Forty Three – Hostage Rescue Practical Exercises During this practical exercise the students will learn to conduct hostage rescue operations using open air, vehicle and stronghold options. The students will learn to utilize direct to threat, dynamic and limited penetration entries during hostage rescue operations. The students will perform HR operations in a simulated CBRNE environment while wearing PPE. Module Forty Four – TIC / TOC Operations During this period of instruction the students will learn about both the Tactical Intelligence Center and the Tactical Operation Center and critical components of both that take place inside during a tactical operation. Additionally, the students will learn how to establish and set up the TIC / TOC. Module Forty Five – Final Written Exam This module consists of the final written exam that consists of a series of questions derived from nearly every module’s objectives. This test will be graded and students must obtain a score of 70% or better on this test to receive a course certificate. Module Forty Six – Comprehensive Final Exercise The Final Comprehensive Exercise will test the participants’ knowledge, skills and abilities obtained from this course. Participants are evaluated as individual members of a team and as a consolidated team during this exercise. The exercise will consist of a high- risk SWAT Operation that will require the students to perform a variety of actions in which they will be rated on. Module Forty Seven – Class Evaluation and Graduation In this final module students will hear final comments from the instructors, perform an evaluation of the class and instructors, receive their student packets, and take a class photograph. Those students who successfully graduate the course will be provided a certificate of training. Mandatory Equipment and Student Prerequisites All students are required to bring the following equipment / items with them to class daily: Writing utensil North American Emergency Response Guidebook (NAERG) Student manuals (after issued) Agency issued Tactical SOP Eye protection Ear protection Ballistic helmet Ballistic vest Web gear Holster Magazine Pouches Tactical vest NFDD pouches Flashlight Weapon mounted light systems (If available) Negative and / or positive pressure respiratory protection system Level C PPE Suit (charcoal or Tyvek® ) APR or PAPR user’s manual (provided by manufacturer of system) Airflow indicators for PAPR systems (if using a PAPR as part of PPE) Spare batteries for PAPR system (if using a PAPR as part of PPE) Agency issued tactical uniform All tactical duty equipment that is normally worn on the operator should be worn each day Primary weapon system (Range days only) Secondary weapon system (Range days only) 1,000 rounds of primary weapon ammunition (Range days only) 500 rounds of secondary weapon ammunition (Range days only) All equipment must be in good working order. If the student brings an SCBA system, then the agency will be required to have on-site appropriate spare cylinders, a fill station, and qualified support personnel to guarantee that the participant will not be excluded from exercises while they are re-filling or changing out cylinders. Funding State and local law enforcement agencies can utilize Department of Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) funds to pay for the course. Of the six programs making up the HSGP, agencies can utilize funds from the following programs: State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program (LETPP) Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) 2004, and 2005 funds can be used for the program. 2006 funds will be available sometime after January. Tuition, housing, meals, lodging, overtime and backfill costs are all allowable expenditures with the SHSP, LETPP and UASI funds. Agencies should experience no out-of-pocket expenses for the Type III SWAT Operator’s Course. Tuition for the Type III SWAT Operator’s Course is $3,900 per student and includes the student manual, student progress book, over $250,000 worth of equipment for use in the course and an instructor to student ratio of no greater than 1/10. CONTACTS This information is strictly geared toward law enforcement officers. Requests for information on law enforcement training courses require verification of employment. This course can also be provided in a MTT. Additional questions involving the course design, delivery or curriculum should be presented to: GTI Training Deaprtment For additional information regarding sales and services, please contact: Brian Naillon, Email Brian Alec Sarrazolla, Email Alec Phone: (208) 938-5510 Toll Free: (866)938-5510 Fax: (208) 938-5507 Government Training Institute, Inc. 8814 Goose Creek Lane Boise, ID 83714 Idaho State University Institute of Emergency Management Michael Mikitish, Program Coordinator Email: mikimich@isu.edu 12301 W. Explorer Suite #102 Boise, ID 83713 (208) 373-1763 http://www.isu.edu/idiem