• OPOTC-certified peace officers, deputies, and troopers employed full- or part-time by an Ohio law enforcement agency.
• Tactical medics (TEMS) are also eligible if they are OPOTC certified as Ohio peace officers, assigned to a tactical team, and employed full—or part-time by an Ohio governmental agency.

This course builds on the OTOA Basic SWAT class, advancing students’ skills through contemporary principles and tactics to develop more proficient operators. Instruction emphasizes principles over rigid tactics, reinforcing that response protocols rooted in fundamentals lead to safer, more effective outcomes, while violations of principles result in poor tactical performance.

The OTOA does not teach one specific “Tactic.” The OTOA instructors teach “Principles.”

• The OTOA response protocols are built around basic principles.
• Violation of basic principles develops into poor tactics.
• The applications of fundamental principles lead to safer tactics.

• Develop advanced tactical decision-making under stress.
• Apply principles-based tactics to high-risk and evolving situations.
• Enhance communication and team coordination during real-world incidents.

Start Time: Each day begins promptly at 8:00 AM. Training runs approximately 8 hours daily.

Lunch: Provided breaks each day, but meals are not included. Bring food and water.

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

MANDATORY BODY ARMOR:

• Tactical body armor or plate carrier with Level II or III armor.
• Concealable Level II or III body armor is acceptable if tactical is not available.

PRIMARY WEAPON SYSTEM: AR-15 variant or sub-gun

• 3–4 30-round magazines
• Mounted sling and weapon-mounted light (extra batteries recommended)
• ZEROED before Day 1

SECONDARY WEAPON SYSTEM: Pistol

• 3 magazines minimum
• Weapon-mounted light recommended
• 500 rounds per system — NO GREEN TIP, ARMOR PIERCING, OR STEEL CORE AMMO

FORCE-ON-FORCE EQUIPMENT:

• OTOA provides UTM bolt, blue mag, UTM ammo for AR platform
• Students bring agency-conversion kits and marking rounds
• NO 5.56mm Simunition® FX allowed
• 9mm and .38 Simunition® FX permitted

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:

• Uniform, gloves, eye/ear protection, ball cap, pen, notebook
• Food/water, bug spray, sunscreen, weather gear
• Medical — EpiPen for known allergies
• Force-on-force protective gear is recommended

OPTIONAL: Ballistic shields, mirrors

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.

Students are responsible for arranging their lodging, transportation, and meals.