This course offers training for SWAT team members with prior basic SWAT training and will address advanced tactics and techniques.

Students will be introduced to and trained in the crucial aspects of hostage rescue operations.

IMPORTANT - It is HIGHLY recommended that the student has attended and successfully completed the OTOA Basic SWAT school (or equivalent) to attend this class. (questions about "equivalent"? send an email to training@otoa.org) 

This course is restricted to OTOA Members AND sworn officers of a United States governmental agency.

Topics of Instruction Include

• Hostage rescue concepts
• Emergency and deliberate entry tactics
• The tactical operations center, and crisis negotiations concepts.

Hostage rescue techniques and force options will be covered in-depth including

• Stronghold
• Vehicle, and tactical precision long rifle options.

The students will complete multiple fast-paced field training exercises that will improve and enhance tactical skills.

Hostage Rescue 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 are required to be zeroed BEFORE day one of Hostage Rescue 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.