SWAT: Methods for developing your ability to deliver SWAT and Tactical roles in Film & TV

The International Stunt Academy presents a short guide to SWAT and how Stunt & Action Actors can train for SWAT roles in action films & TV. Let's start with what SWAT actually is...

SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) is a specialized unit within law enforcement agencies that is trained to handle high-risk situations. SWAT officers are highly trained in a range of tactics, including hostage rescue, high-risk warrant service, barricaded suspect situations, and counterterrorism operations.

As an action film actor or stunt performer, playing a SWAT role requires a specific skill set and training to aid you to portray the role convincingly.

Here are some interesting facts about SWAT to get you started

1. The first SWAT team was created in the 1960s by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in response to an increase in violent crime.
2. The first SWAT team used surplus military equipment, including weapons, uniforms, and vehicles, which they modified for police use.
3. The original LAPD SWAT team consisted of 15 officers who were selected for their marksmanship, physical fitness, and ability to work as a team.
4. SWAT teams are now found in almost every major city in the United States, as well as in many other countries around the world.
5. SWAT teams are trained in a wide range of tactics, including hostage rescue, high-risk warrant service, barricaded suspect situations, and counterterrorism operations.
6. SWAT officers use a variety of specialized equipment, including body armor, tactical helmets, breaching tools, and less-lethal weapons such as tasers and pepper spray.
7. Many SWAT teams also have access to military-style vehicles, such as armored personnel carriers, to provide added protection during high-risk operations.
8. Despite their fearsome reputation, SWAT teams are called upon to handle a wide range of situations, including natural disasters, search and rescue operations, and even community events like parades and festivals.
9. The use of SWAT teams has been controversial at times, with critics arguing that they can be overly aggressive and militarized. Some communities have called for reforms to ensure that SWAT teams are used only in the most serious and necessary situations.
10. Despite these controversies, SWAT teams continue to play an important role in law enforcement, providing a highly trained and specialized response to some of the most dangerous situations that police officers may face.

Basic training to help prepare you, before you begin Tactical Training:

To portray a SWAT officer convincingly, actors and stunt performers need to receive specialized training in the following areas:
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1. Research
   Actors should research the role of SWAT officers to understand the job requirements, equipment, tactics, and protocols. They can read books, watch documentaries, and consult with experts to gain a deeper understanding of the role.
2. Physical fitness
   SWAT officers are required to be in excellent physical shape, so actors should focus on building their strength, stamina, and agility. They can work with personal trainers to develop a workout plan that includes cardio, weight training, and martial arts.
3. Tactical training
   Actors should receive tactical training from experienced SWAT officers to learn how to handle weapons, use cover, breach doors, and clear rooms. They should also practice communication and teamwork skills to effectively work with other officers in high-pressure situations.
4. Weapon training
   SWAT officers are trained to use a variety of weapons, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Actors should receive weapon training to learn how to handle these weapons safely and effectively, and to understand the proper techniques for shooting, reloading, and clearing jams.
5. Equipment training
   Actors should also receive training on the specialized equipment used by SWAT officers, such as body armor, helmets, breaching tools, and less-lethal weapons like tasers and pepper spray.
6. Role-playing
   Actors can practice their SWAT roles by participating in simulated scenarios that mimic real-life situations. They can work with experienced trainers to develop their reactions and responses to various scenarios, and to improve their communication and teamwork skills.
7. Mindset
   Finally, actors should adopt the mindset of a SWAT officer, which includes remaining calm under pressure, staying focused on the task at hand, and making split-second decisions in high-risk situations.

By following these steps, actors can gain the skills and knowledge needed to realistically portray SWAT officers on screen.


Tactical Training and Sample Scenarios 
So, now you have yourself in shape, you've done your research and you've adopted the mindset, its time to gear up and get into the training scenarios.

Here's a some tactical training work that actors use to improve their working knowledge and awareness of scenarios and develop their ability to add authenticity to a SWAT role:

• Introduction to SWAT training. Review of the role of SWAT officers, equipment and tactics, and protocols. Physical fitness assessment and development of personalized workout plan.
• Tactical training: Cover and movement drills, communication skills.
• Weapon training: Handguns, basic marksmanship, safe handling, and shooting techniques.
• Tactical training: Clearing rooms and building searches.
• Equipment training: Use of body armor, helmets, and other protective gear.
• Tactical training: Breaching techniques and tools.
• Weapon training: Shotguns, shooting on the move.
• Tactical training: Hostage rescue scenarios.
• Equipment training: Less-lethal weapons, such as tasers and pepper spray.
• Tactical training: Counterterrorism operations.​

• Tactical training: Vehicle assaults and convoy operations.
• Weapon training: Rifles, shooting from different positions.
• Tactical training: Barricaded suspect scenarios.
• Equipment training: Use of night vision and other specialized equipment.
• Tactical training: Simulated high-risk situations and review of progress.

Further reading and reference materials

​If you're interested in learning more about SWAT and how to train to play a SWAT role convincingly, there are a number of resources you can check out:

1. Books: There are several books available that provide an in-depth look at the history, tactics, and training of SWAT teams. Some recommended titles include "SWAT Tactics" by John Giduck, "The Anatomy of a High-Performance SWAT Team" by Charles Remsberg, and "SWAT Battle Tactics" by Scott Reitz.
2. Documentaries: There are also several documentaries available that provide a behind-the-scenes look at the training and operations of real-life SWAT teams. Some recommended titles include "SWAT: Tactical Force," "Inside the SWAT Team," and "Police Tactical Training."
3. Online Resources: There are a variety of online resources available for actors and stunt performers who want to learn more about SWAT training. Some useful websites include the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the SWAT Roundup International.
4. Training Courses: Several training courses are available that provide hands-on training in SWAT tactics and techniques. These courses are typically offered by law enforcement agencies and private training organizations. Some examples include the Tactical Defense Institute, the Sig Sauer Academy, and the National Tactical Officers Association.

​By exploring these resources, actors and stunt performers can gain a deeper understanding of SWAT training and tactics and improve their ability to play a SWAT role convincingly on screen.