Advanced SWAT Description

To host this training, email training@otoa.org

IMPORTANT - It is HIGHLY recommended that students have attended and completed the OTOA Basic SWAT school (or equivalent) to participate in this class.
Questions about "equivalent"? Send an email to training@otoa.org

The OTOA Advanced SWAT class lasts five days, including one (1) live-fire range day.

This class is designed to enhance the basic principles learned in the OTOA Basic SWAT class and introduce students to contemporary principles and tactics, enabling them to become more skilled operators.

Topics include immediate action drills, enhanced firearms proficiency, skill builders, hostage rescue principles, and small team operations

Class starts at 8:00 AM, and the training days are eight hours long.

Advanced SWAT School Equipment List

The following is a detailed list of what the OTOA recommends each student bring to the 5-day Advanced SWAT training

BODY ARMOR / BALLISTICS

Body Armor is MANDATORY for this class.

Any of the following three options is acceptable:

  • Ballistic body armor
  • Plate carrier and Level II or Level III soft body armor
  • If you DO NOT have "Tactical Body Armor," Concealable Level II or Level III body armor is acceptable

Ballistic helmet (if issued)

FIREARMS

Primary Weapon System (long gun) AR-15 variant or sub-gun

  • (4) 30-round magazines are optimal, (3) 30-round magazines at a minimum are required
  • All rifles and sub-guns are required to have slings mounted
  • All rifles and sub-guns need to be zeroed BEFORE day one of SWAT week
  • Weapon-mounted light is mandatory. Bring extra batteries.

Secondary Weapon System (pistol)

  • (3) pistol magazines minimum
  • Weapon-mounted light recommended.

Ammunition

  • 500 rounds For EACH weapon system
  • NO GREEN TIP, ARMOR PIERCING, OR STEEL CORE AMMO

FORCE-ON-FORCE EQUIPMENT

OTOA RED TEAM training cadre are all certified Scenario and Safety Certification Training Course graduates.

Students are encouraged to bring agency-owned weapon conversion kits and marking cartridges.

Simunition © FX .556mm marking cartridges are NOT PERMITTED in any OTOA training UNLESS otherwise approved by OTOA headquarters. All other Simunition © branded marking cartridges in 9mm and .38 caliber are permitted.

Force-on Force conversion kits and marking cartridges for AR platform rifles (5.56/.223 ONLY) will be provided to each student in the course that does not have agency-owned force-on-force conversion kits and marking cartridges.

PERSONAL & OTHER EQUIPMENT

ANY / ALL EQUIPMENT for a tour of duty, range day, “call out” or SWAT / SRT activation

  • Tactical team or training uniform – mandatory
  • Gloves – we recommend gloves compatible with weapons manipulation
  • Clear wrap-around eye protection – mandatory on range day and force-on-force training days
  • Hearing protection – mandatory on range day
  • Ball cap – mandatory on range day
  • Pen and notebook – mandatory for each day
  • Water and food – NO MEALS ARE PROVIDED
  • Bug spray and sunblock - recommended
  • Inclement weather gear for both cold and wet weather - recommended
  • Simunition © / Ultimate Training Munition (UTM) /Force on Force protective gear – recommended

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT TO BRING

  • Ballistic Shields
  • Mirrors

MEDICAL

If you are allergic to bees, outdoor plants, or animals, please bring your epinephrine pen or other medication.

Life-threatening allergies and pre-existing injuries or conditions must be reported to the OTOA training staff on day one of training.

Lodging, Travel and Food:

The course cost does not include ammunition, lodging, transportation, and food.

  • Attendees are responsible for their ammunition, lodging, transportation, and food.

Any tactic, technique, or technology covered at any OTOA advanced training or annual training conference MUST be applied in compliance with the United States Constitution, the Ohio Revised Code, and the rules and regulations of an attendee’s employing law enforcement agency.