32-hour

Advanced Tactical Carbine FULL
The course reviews fundamentals for the safe use of the tactical carbine/urban rifle in a SWAT or patrol application. Subjects covered include safety, deployment, loading, malfunction clearance, stress operation, specialized drills and representations of short and mid-range confrontations. Students will have the opportunity to perform both dim-light and night-time engagement techniques. It is designed to prepare the student both mentally and physically for lethal confrontations. Pre-requisites: minimum 1 year active deployment with firearm

Equipment list

• Center fire rifle, magazine fed with at least six magazines and a sling
• Pistol with duty belt, holster and magazines
• Ammunition — good quality, factory loaded
• 1000 rounds rifle
• 200 rounds pistol
• Knee and elbow protection
• Eye and ear protection
• Gas mask/gloves
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Extra batteries for optics (if so equipped)
• Day pack with hydration system, snack foods such as power bars or trail mix.
• Sun block and insect repellant
• Field notebook and pencil

Instructor Bio
Constable Bret Pagnucco is an 18-year veteran of the Edmonton Police Service. A former full-time tactical team leader, he was also previously assigned to the training division as a firearms and patrol tactics instructor. His responsibilities have included the coordination of tactical section training and recently required the development and implementation of the Patrol Carbine and Immediate Deployment Programs for his agency's 1,200 officers. The recipient of numerous awards, Constable Pagnucco received his agency's highest award for bravery in 1993 and was presented with an NTOA Award of Merit in 2001.

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Advanced Tactics FULL
This is an advanced course that will focus on deployment and tactical considerations on three movement disciplines including Barricade, Hostage Rescue and High Risk Warrant Service. This is a fast pace course with no classroom instruction. Pre-requisites: Students must have attended NTOA's HRW, HRT and Barricaded Operations courses

Equipment list

• SWAT uniform
• Leather gloves
• Boots
• Rain gear
• Body armor
• Chemical agent mask
• Load bearing vest (optional)
• Ballistic helmet (optional)
• Goggles
• Primary entry weapon (MP5, shotgun, entry carbine)
• Light mount for weapons (highly recommended)
• Training weapons
• Protective gear (head, face, neck, hands and groin)
• Training weapon capable of shooting 9mm training ammo (handgun/entry weapon)

Instructor Bio (TBD)

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High Risk Warrant Service FULL
This course is designed for police SWAT personnel to familiarize the student with the elements of a high-risk warrant service. Concepts involving warrant planning; intelligence gathering; target site scouting; use of diversion; breaching; methods of executing the warrant, including dynamic entry, breach and hold and contain and call out will be covered.

Equipment list

• SWAT uniform
• Boots
• Rain gear
• Body armor
• Chemical agent mask
• Load bearing vest (optional)
• Ballistic helmet (optional)
• Goggles
• Primary entry weapon (SMG, shotgun)
• Secondary weapon (Pistol)
• Light mount for weapons (highly recommended)
• Training weapon capable of shooting 9mm training ammo (handgun/entry weapon)

Team Equipment (if available)

• Ballistic shield
• Mirrors for searching
• Ram
• Halligan tool

Instructor Bio
Deputy Rick Rector is an 18-year member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. He has served more than eight years with the department's Special Enforcement Bureau and is currently assigned as a special weapons team scout. Deputy Rector routinely instructs department members and police personnel from around the nation in weaponry and tactics, and is a lead instructor for the NTOA's High Risk Warrant courses.

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Hostage Rescue Tactics FULL
The Hostage Rescue Tactics track will expose tactical personnel to intermediate and advanced skills needed to resolve a hostage situation. Topics include hostage rescue concepts; emergency intervention tactics; command and control; crisis negotiations concepts and hostage rescue force options including an overview of marksman/long rifle operations, stronghold, covered pile and mobile rescues. Practical movement using a combination of stealth and dynamic techniques will be emphasized.

Equipment list

• Individual SWAT uniform and equipment used on call outs
• Primary entry weapon (SMG or rifle)
• Secondary weapon (pistol)
• 500 rounds - Primary entry weapon (when live-fire facilities is available)
• 100 rounds – Secondary weapon (when live-fire facilities is available)
• Body armor
• Load bearing vest (optional)
• Ballistic helmet
• Goggles or eye protection
• Light mount for weapons (highly recommended)
• Rain gear
• Day pack with hydration system, snack foods such as power bars or trail mix
• Sun block and insect repellant
• Protective gear (head, face, neck, hands and groin)
• Field notebook and pencil
• Training weapon capable of shooting 9mm training ammo (handgun/entry weapon)

Instructor Bio
Lee McMillion has been a police officer for the City of Los Angeles (LAPD) since May of 1988. Lee became an element member in Metropolitan Division, D Platoon (Special Weapons and Tactics) in April of 1996 and became an element leader in June of 2003. Lee became a sergeant in May of 2007 and was transferred to 77th Street Division where he was assigned to morning watch patrol as a field supervisor. In January of 2008, Lee became the officer-in-charge of the 77th Street Special Problems Unit. In January of 2009, Lee returned to Metropolitan Division, D Platoon (SWAT) as a field supervisor. As a SWAT sergeant, Lee is responsible for supervising and in-the-field decision making germane to the resolution of SWAT incidents as well as participating in training and the deployment of SWAT personnel. Lee's additional responsibilities include supervision of snipers, firearms training cadre, lead climbers, and tactical waterborne. Lee has been involved in the resolution of literally hundreds of SWAT incidents and has trained local, state, and federal entities from all over the United States.

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The Less Lethal Impact Projectiles Instructor Course is a train the trainer course designed to familiarize attendees with less lethal weapons, impact munitions and deployment tactics. Topics to be covered include instructor development techniques, less lethal force philosophy, case law, policy issues, technology overview, deployment tactics, product demonstrations, and less lethal practical scenarios.
The Flash Sound Diversionary Device Instructor Course is a train the trainer course designed to familiarize attendees with flash sound diversionary devices (FSDD). Topics to be covered include history of diversionary devices, definitions, and nomenclature, legal aspects of diversionary devices, policy issues, preparation and deployment of diversionary devices, and practical application.
The Chemical Agent Instructor Course is a train the trainer course designed to familiarize attendees with chemical munitions. Topics to be covered include history, products and characteristics, delivery systems, hazards, decontamination, gas masks, and general tactics as they relate to the use of chemical agents.

Equipment list

• Eye protection
• Ear protection
• Gas mask
• Nomex Gloves
• Clothing such as BDU's that are suitable for physical activity. Students will be outside at times and will take part in range activities.
• A change of clothes to wear after chemical contamination
• Agency Approved Chemical Agent Mask (APR)

Students who have not received an approved level 1, 2, or 3 chemical agent exposure to CS or OC will be required to have an exposure for completions of this course. However, a waiver is available to students who have already been exposed. Students who complete the waiver will be exempt from the level 1,2, and 3 exposure requirements. It is recognized that many students participating in this course have already been exposed to CS or OC.

All students will be exposed to pyrotechnic CS for fit and evaluation of their masks.

Instructor Bio
Sgt. Don Whitson has been a certified police officer since 1984 and was hired by Fort Collins (CO) Police Services in 1988. He was a narcotics K-9 handler for nine years and served with the Selective Enforcement Unit for seven years. His duties included gang intervention, narcotics investigation, career criminal apprehension and undercover operations. Sgt. Whitson is currently assigned to the Special Operations unit as a full-time SWAT team leader and is an explosive breaching specialist. He is an adjunct instructor for the NTOA and instructs courses in Response to Active Shooter, Hostage Rescue, Explosive Breaching, Warrant Service and SWAT Tactics. Sgt. Whitson is the lead instructor and author of the Response to Civil Disorder course for NTOA. He also instructs and co-authored the train-the-trainer course for less-lethal including diversion devices, specialty impact weapons and chemical agents. Sgt. Whitson is certified as a less-lethal instructor by the FBI and Armor Holdings. He is also a certified instructor for Pepperball Technologies, FN 303, TASER and Simunition. Sgt. Whitson was selected to the training cadre for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office for Domestic Preparedness for Managing Civil Action in Threat Incidents. He is delegate at the International Law Enforcement Forum (ILEF) for Minimal Force Options.

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Multi-Assault, Counter Terrorism Action Capabilities (MACTAC) FULL
This course will develop the student's basic skills in Multi-Assault, Counter Terrorism Action Capabilities (MACTAC) to a proficient level that will enable the student to immediately deploy a contact team or squad able to locate, close with and neutralize violent assaults and/or terrorist acts.

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Operators Defensive Tactics for Combative Subjects
This hands-on course covers defensive tactics for SWAT and patrol personnel. Derived from a multiplicity of martial arts styles, this course features unarmed defensive tactics and focuses on the three areas of physical tactics that apply to dealing with aggressive/combative subjects: pugilistic techniques, takedowns and ground fighting. Also includes weapon retention techniques for operators deploying shoulder weapons during HRW, HRT and barricaded subject situations.

Equipment list
This course is primarily conducted in a matted training area designed for grappling and defensive tactics training. Each student must be either a full-time law enforcement officer or a member of the armed forces. Also, students will be required to actively participate in all of the defensive tactics training in order to receive a certificate of participation from the NTOA. Students must be in good physical condition since this is a physically demanding course.

Students will be required to wear comfortable workout clothing, such as sweat pants and T-shirt. Students are encouraged to wear wrestling shoes on the matted training area. No other shoes will be allowed on the training mat. Students are encouraged to bring a towel and an extra set of workout clothing each day.

Instructor Bio
George Ryan has been a police officer for the Los Angeles PD since 1991. In that time he has worked a variety of specialized units including the Special Problems Unit, CRASH (gang suppression), and Metropolitan Division. Since January of 1998, Officer Ryan has been assigned to LAPD's prestigious SWAT team where he is responsible for serving high risk arrest and search warrants, providing security and protection for VIPs visiting Los Angeles, responding to terrorist activity, hostage crises, and armed and dangerous barricaded suspect situations, and training department personnel.

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Resolution of Barricaded Suspect
This course will expose students to procedures and tactics to resolve an armed and barricaded suspect(s) situation. Topics include basic guidelines for resolution, the force continuum and its applications, the proper deployment of containment and entry personnel, criteria for deployment, team movement (covert), officer rescue, legal ramifications and use of diversionary, chemical and less-lethal devices.

Equipment list

• SWAT uniform
• Leather gloves
• Boots
• Rain gear
• Body armor
• Chemical agent mask
• Load bearing vest (optional)
• Ballistic helmet (optional)
• Goggles
• Primary entry weapon (MP5, shotgun, entry carbine)
• Light mount for weapons (highly recommended)
• Training weapons
• Protective gear (head, face, neck, hands and groin)
• Training weapon capable of shooting 9mm training ammo (handgun/entry weapon)

Instructor Bio
Sgt. Luke Sherman is a 15-year veteran of the Tulsa Police Department. He holds a bachelors degree of science in Criminal Justice from the Northeastern State University. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1999 and has been a supervisor in numerous different patrol functions as well as vice and task force units specifically designed to counter drug and gang problems. He served 10 years with the Tulsa Police Department Special Operations Team as both a tactical operator and then Assistant Team Leader. During this tenure on SOT, his duties included high-risk warrant services, barricaded suspect incidents, dignitary protection, hostage rescue and tactical training and instruction for the Team as well as the membership of the Department.
Sgt. Sherman has been involved with tactical instruction for the past 9 years and is currently working on his 6th year as an instructor for NTOA where he is an instructor in Basic/Advanced SWAT, Hostage Rescue, Chemical Agents, Less Lethal munitions and Flash Sound Diversionary Devices. He also is an instructor with the PepperBall Jaycor system as well as being a firearms instructor with the Tulsa Police Department since 1996. He is recognized as an expert in both State and Federal Courts in the area of tactics and how they relate to narcotics investigations compiled from his experience during the service of 700+ warrant services (many of which were high-risk warrant services). Sgt. Sherman currently serves as a Central Regional Director for NTOA.

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Specialized Tactics for Operational Rescue and Medicine FULL
NTOA's new STORM course is a comprehensive 4-day course that adapts and applies the standard of care created for the military and a wartime environment to the civilian tactical law enforcement setting. This course will empower the tactical medical provider with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply evidence based and combat proven life saving medicine and perform high-threat immediate extraction during high-risk operations.

Equipment List

• Tactical uniform
• Ballistic armor
• Tactical helmet
• Protective mask
• Eye/hearing protection
• Duty and tactical weapon (inspected by training staff)
• Individual medical equipment (Operator preference)
• Weather gear (rain gear/cold weather clothing)

Training weapon capable of shooting 9mm training ammo (handgun/entry weapon)
Protective gear (head, face, neck, hands and groin)

Instructor Bio
Lieutenant Mark E. Gibbons is the commander of the Maryland State Police, Emergency Operations Section within the Special Operations Command. Lt. Gibbons commands four sub-units including the full time Special Weapons Team (S.T.A.T.E.), Hostage Recovery Team, Underwater Recovery Team and Tactical Medical Unit. Before returning to Special Operations, he commanded the Cumberland Barrack in Western Maryland. During Lt. Gibbons' career he has held positions within Special Operations as an Operator/Tactical Medic coordinator and within Aviation Command as the risk management director, section supervisor and trooper / flight paramedic. He has worked road patrol in Frederick and Montgomery County. Prior to joining the Maryland State Police in 1990, First Sergeant Gibbons served as a fire fighter/tactical paramedic with the St. Petersburg (Florida) Fire Department and worked part-time as a flight paramedic for Bayflight, a hospital-based helicopter program. While in St. Petersburg, he was instrumental in establishing tactical medical units within the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and St. Petersburg Police Department. First Sergeant Gibbons received his National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians paramedic license from the College of Health Sciences in Roanoke. While in Virginia, he worked as a paramedic with the Roanoke Life Saving Crew and Roanoke City EMS System.

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Tactical Explosive Entry
This course introduces tactical operators to the concept and practical application of tactical explosive breaching. Topics covered include the theory of explosives and explosions, safety and recognition of explosives, firing devices and accessories, construction of non-electric firing systems, theory of explosive breaching, construction/placement and firing of wood and metal door breaching charges, calculating net explosive weight and safe stand-off distance, target analysis and barricaded doors.

Equipment list

• Range training uniform (long sleeve)
• Range boots
• Nomex gloves
• Ballistic vest
• Handgun
• Holster and belt
• Knife (pocket or tactical)
• Eye protection (goggles)
• Ear protection
• Helmet

Instructor Bio
Oscar Barragan has been assigned to the Sheriff’s Department for 19 years, 4 of those years at the Special Enforcement Bureau. He is the lead Explosive Breacher at the Bureau and has attended our 2 week Basic course and a 6 day course given by global assets. He has administered two 2-week explosive breaching courses for our unit to various departments throughout the country including the U.S. Military Special forces units. He prepares all the explosive breaching training here at our Bureau and teaches explosive breaching for the NTOA.

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Tactical Pistol FULL
This course is designed to enhance an officer's handgun and shotgun shooting skills. Topics to be covered are weapon handling skills, muscle memory drills, shooting on the move, engaging targets that are on the move, deployment from and around vehicles and tactics for building searches and low-light shooting.

Equipment list

• Duty gun belt and pistol, with three magazines
• 1500 rounds factory handgun ammunition
• Duty flashlight
• Appropriate range attire, including long sleeve shirt
• Eye and ear protection
• Ball cap
• Knee pads recommended

Instructor Bio
Isaac R. Lopez has been with the Orange County Sheriff's Office in Orlando, Florida for over 19 years, with more than thirteen years of tactical experience with the department's part-time team. As a former assistant team leader with SWAT, his experience includes the service of high-risk search warrants, the safe custody of barricaded subjects, and the resolution of hostage situations. Currently a sergeant assigned to the firearms range with the Training Division, he is a member of IALEA and is an NRA tactical instructor. Sgt. Lopez has also worked various dignitary protection and security details. Certified by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to instruct general topics along with defensive tactics and firearms, he holds certifications in less-lethal projectiles, police rifle, submachine gun and shoot house training. Sgt. Lopez has a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Florida State University.

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Tactical Precision Long Rifle FULL
This course exposes tactical personnel to effective long rifle deployment techniques and procedures. Topics include weapons selection and maintenance, use-of-force issues, rapid deployment, coordinated fire, hide and operational position selection. Practical range training will include cold bore rifle data, rapid bolt manipulation, extreme angle shooting, scope validation data, moving targets, range estimation and rifle data, target identification, dim light and no light scenarios, as well as assorted qualification and stress courses of fire.

Equipment list

• Department training uniform (BDU, etc.)
• Inclement weather gear
• Elbow/knee pads
• Hearing and eye protection
• Canteen/CamelBak
• Duty-scoped rifle with shooting sling
• 300 rounds duty ammunition
• Optics
• Cleaning gear
• Note-taking devices
• Flashlight
• Duty protective mask
• Compass

Optional equipment

• Night vision scope for duty rifle
• Shooting mat
• Range finder
• Calculator
• Spotting scope
• GPS
• Ghillie suit
• Hide-making material
• Weight-bearing harness
• Drag bag

Instructor Bio

Sgt. Anthony P. McVeigh has been a member of the Greenburgh (New York) Police Department for the past 17 years where he is currently assigned as the Commanding Officer of the Special Operations Unit.  He has been a tactical operator for more than 15 years and has served as an entry team member, sniper, sniper-section leader, executive officer and commanding officer during his tenure with S.W.A.T.  Sgt. McVeigh is also a New York State certified Paramedic Instructor-Coordinator and has more than 23 years of EMS and advanced (technical) rescue operation experience within his Department.  He is a U.S.M.C. infantry veteran and has participated in combat operations in the Persian Gulf and counter-drug operations while serving as a member of his unit’s Surveillance and Target Acquisition (S.T.A.) platoon.  Sgt. McVeigh holds numerous tactical and rescue instructorships and certifications and holds both an A.A.S. and a Bachelor of Science Degree.  He is honored to have served as an N.T.O.A. instructor for more than eight years.

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Waterborne Operations
This class will focus on the basic principles of operating in and around inland waterways and river type environments, boat to vessel boarding operations, boat to land operations, hostage rescue operations, and vessel interdiction and forced boarding.

This class includes a swim test in dark and moving water.

Equipment list and Instructor Bio coming soon

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24-HOUR

Beyond Pipe Bombs: Understanding the Threats of Today's Bomb-Makers
This course will introduce tactical law enforcement officers to common bomb building materials and components terrorists use to create Improvised Explosive Devices. Additionally, we will cover basic tactics, techniques and procedures used by terrorists to target Tactical Operators with an emphasis on the various methods of initiating an explosive device. The course will feature hands on application where attendees will develop and build homemade IED firing circuits, as well as modify commonly available commercial products for use in explosive devices.

Instructor Bio
Eddie Griffiths serves as director of East Coast Operations for Tactical Electronics. His responsibilities include developing and supervising their Advanced EOD training programs. Griffiths is a highly experienced combat veteran Navy Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician with his 20-year career highlighted by an 8-year assignment to Naval Special Warfare Development Group, where he specialized in all aspects of EOD counterterrorism operations. He was responsible for developing and refining IED defeat tactics and procedures employed by EOD operators today during assault operations. Griffiths also has an extensive background in WMD detection and defeat methodologies and has been called upon numerous times to lead specialized EOD teams as part of foreign and domestic WMD Technical Assist Elements

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Hostage Rescue Tactics
Designed for SWAT team members, this course covers hostage rescue concepts, rapid deployment and emergency entry tactics, tactical operations center concepts, crisis negotiations concepts and hostage rescue force options including: marksman-long rifle operations, stronghold assaults and vehicle assaults. This course will conclude with scenario-based training utilizing marking round technology.

Equipment list

• SWAT uniform
• Nomex gloves
• Issued tactical body armor
• Boots
• Rain gear
• Protective mask
• Ballistic helmet
• Goggles/eye protection
• Primary entry weapon
• Secondary entry weapon
• Light mount for weapons, highly recommended
• Training weapon capable of shooting 9mm training ammo (handgun/entry weapon)
• Protective gear (head, face, neck, hands and groin)

Instructor Bio
Lt. Robert Chabali is a 28-year veteran of the Dayton (OH) Police Department where he has served as an operator, team leader and commander of the tactical unit for more than nineteen years. His duties include the supervision and management of major tactical incidents and serves as the incident commander. Currently, Lt. Chabali commands one of Dayton's five districts, which provides uniform patrol, crime prevention and community oriented policing services to its citizens. He instructs internationally for the NTOA in various disciplines, including decision-making in critical incidents, high risk patrol operations, patrol response to violent-critical incidents, and high-risk tactical operations. Lt. Chabali serves as the Midwest Regional Director for the NTOA.

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Tactical Passenger Rail Interdiction
This course is designed for the Tactical Operator whose jurisdiction includes either Amtrak service or Regional Commuter train service. This tubular assault course includes the only known SWAT train of its kind in the world including a locomotive, single level passenger cars, classroom car, 3 tank cars, sleeper car, bi-level car, a breaching boxcar wherein Operators can actually mechanically, weapons and explosive breach rail-specific doors, windows and hardware. One particular car is outfitted to permit simulated explosive entries as it relates to dynamic ladder entries via rail windows.

Equipment list

• Tactical Gear
• Training weapon capable of shooting 9mm training ammo (handgun/entry weapon)

Instructor Bio
Bob Flake is Deputy Chief of counterterrorism and intelligence for the CSXT Police Department and has over 30 years with the railroad. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

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16-hour

The two-day course will cover the basic concepts associated with forcible entry into a structure, to include practical and legal considerations. Proper selection and use of breaching tools will be taught, as well as the use of the shotgun as a tool for breaching.

Equipment list:

• BDU style uniform with long sleeves
• Boots
• Gloves
• Eye protection
• Hearing protection
• Helmet
• Body armor
• Handgun (w/ 50 rounds ammunition)
• Knife (folding or fixed)
• Manual tools used by your team
• Shotgun with breaching standoff
• Extra frangible breaching rounds if available (some will be supplied in the class)

Instructor Bio

Sgt. Terry Staten has been with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department for more than nineteen years.  He has been a member of the Sheriff’s Department SWAT  Team and subsequent Pima Regional SWAT team for fifteen years.  He started as a team member with a subspecialty of sniper, which he maintained for thirteen years.  He became a Breacher three years into his tenure on the team and has become a recognized expert in the field of breaching.   When the Pima County Sheriff’s Department transitioned into a regional team, Terry played a critical role in recruiting, training and retaining new members from smaller agencies.  Upon his promotion to Sergeant in 2007, Terry became a Team Leader and Breaching Supervisor.  He is currently assigned as a street crime squad sergeant and continues his career as a leader of the Pima Regional SWAT Team.

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Shooting through Mediums FULL
This course of instruction will introduce the Police Sniper to the effects of shooting through intermediate barriers (mediums) primarily focusing on glass. Students will be familiarized with field identification of the different types of glass, engagement issues and effects on the projectile and the terminal ballistic effect on the intended target. Students will be instructed on how to properly conduct Glass Lab testing on various types of glass mediums and will conduct there own tests in a live fire test environment.
Pre-requisite: Students should have at least one year experience as a Law Enforcement Sniper with accumulated ballistic performance data on their sniper weapon system.

Equipment list

• .308 cal sniper weapon system (scoped)
• 50 rounds match ammo
• 50 rounds tactical (bonded) ammo
• Spotting scope Data Book
• Pen or pencil
• Eye/Ear Protection
• Tape measure
• Protractor (Half Circle)
• Weapons cleaning kit Shooting Mat (optional)
• Camera or video recorder (optional)
• Utility Uniform/BDU's
• Headgear (Hat)
• Gloves (For handling Glass)

Instructor Bio
Officer Anderson is currently in his 17th year of service with the Pittsburgh bureau of police, for the past 15 years he has been assigned to the bureaus SWAT team where he is a team leader and lead sniper for the department. Officer Anderson served 10 years active duty Army and his last duty assignment was the U.S. Army Sniper School where he served as Senior Instructor (1987-1990).

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Use of Shield and Armored Vehicle
This course will concentrate of Principles surrounding the use of armored vehicles during rescue operations. Additionally it will focus on prepare the student to lead a rescue operation by form an ad-hoc rescue team with available patrol personnel and the use of patrol related equipment when to wait for responding SWAT personnel is not an option. Furthermore this class will train the in the difference between cover fire and target specific suppressive fire and the principles of applying such tactics during rescue operations.

Equipment list and Instructor Bio coming soon

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Armorer’s Course (Greg Sullivan, The Defensive Edge)

This course will cover topics including the nomenclature, cycle of operation, basic assembly and disassembly of major component parts for the M4 or AR15 weapon system. The curriculum will also include service, maintenance, troubleshooting and diagnostic theory.

This course has been approved for POST Board continuing education credits in MN, SD, ND, WI, CO, MO, FL, TN, MI, NY, NJ, PA, NC, SC, VA, TX, NV, CA, IA, KS, AL, IN, IL, KY and OH.

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SEMINARS

32-hour

SWAT Team Leader Development FULL
Designed for law enforcement personnel who are responsible for deploying in the capacity as a SWAT team leader. As a supervisor who is responsible for the training and deployment of tactical teams. The focus of this training will be on pre-incident training, planning, organizing and the tactical decision making process used in the resolution of high-risk operations. Also included in the curriculum is an overview of SWAT training topics including selection and testing, training issues and liability, National SWAT Standards and critical incident reviews. Practical applications will consist of scouting and planning warrants, small team planning, tactics used in the resolution of critical incidents and reviewing tactical incidents and videos. Attendees and team leaders will participate in group discussions, write operations orders and develop training plans, plus critique and evaluate tactics and decisions based on a principal based SWAT decision making process.

This course is conducted entirely in the classroom with the exception of Day 3 when the students will have to go outside briefly to scout designated houses to be able to prepare an operational plan.

Equipment list

• Business casual dress may be worn
• Laptop computer optional
• SWAT Call-Out Forms & Briefing Forms, A.A.R., ops order forms optional
• Recommended reading & students are encouraged to bring to the class for Discussion and Review:
• Leadership and Training For The Fight (BY: MSF Paul R. Howe)
• Sound Doctrine: A Tactical Primer (By: Charles Sid Heal)

Instructor Bio
Sgt. Dan Murphy is with Fort Collins Police Services in Colorado. He has been a police officer since 1984 and a supervisor since 1996. Sgt. Murphy has been assigned to supervisory positions in patrol operations, a county drug task force, criminal impact fugitive unit and currently is the sergeant in charge of the SWAT unit. Sgt. Murphy is an experienced instructor and has taught for the NTOA since 1999 in the areas of basic and advanced SWAT, mobile field force tactics, high-risk patrol tactics, warrant service, hostage rescue, less-lethal munitions and active shooter tactics. He has participated in and/or supervised more than 450 high-risk tactical operations and continues in that role today. He is a court-certified expert in the use and deployment of diversionary devices and has a bachelor's degree in administration of justice from Penn State University.

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16-hour

Clandestine Methods of Entry (Albert Burger, OBE) FULL
Students will be taught how pin tumbler locks work and the varying security of different types of pin tumbler lock. Instruction will be given on how to modify and enhance a set of commercial lock picks to facilitate the opening of pin tumbler and wafer locks.  Additional instruction will be given on “lock impressioning,” a technique allowing the operator to produce a working key.

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Patrol Supervisor Response to Critical Incidents (Fred Farris, Lenexa PD)
This 16 hour course is designed to provide patrol supervisors with the information and tools needed to manage a critical incident prior to the arrival of SWAT. Legal issues, scene management, and small team tactics can give the patrol supervisor tools needed to manage a critical incident scene as well as respond to unfolding events prior to the arrival of SWAT.

Instructor Bio

Fred Farris is a 20-year veteran in law enforcement and is currently a sergeant with the Lenexa Kansas Police Department.  Fred has 14 years in SWAT and has been a team leader for the last 5.  He instructs SWAT Supervision and Command Decision Making and Patrol Response to Active Shooter Instructor for the NTOA and is also an instructor in Taser, less-lethal projectiles, chemical agents and NFDD.  Fred currently sits as Training Coordinator and Board Member for the Kansas City Metro Tactical Officers Association and is a member of the International Law Enforcement Forum working on minimal force options.

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SWAT Supervisors Tactics and Leadership #5: Training Management and Risk Mitigation
Risk Management is a two-day course designed to help team commanders and trainers recognize and mitigate training and operational risks inherent to tactical unit performance. The training is designed around lectures and practical exercises in which class members assess their training events and operational plans against the need for high-risk activities, using the format of identifiable risk from past occurrences and future risk given evolution in suspects' tactics. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to do written risk assessments, institute risk controls and write/conduct safety briefings to ensure that training and operational events are conducted in the safest manner possible

No equipment necessary

Instructor Bio
Commander Thor Eells has been with the Colorado Springs, CO Police Department for over 21 years. He has over 13 years experience with his department's full time tactical team, assigned to the entry team and as the team training officer. Commander Eells has extensive experience instructing in Less Lethal Weapons and Diversion Devices, having taught throughout North America, the Caribbean and Europe. The recipient of 4 Life Saving medals, Commander Eells received his department's "Officer of the Year" award in 1991. Commander Eells has a Masters degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado.

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8-hour

Current Trends in Terrorism
This intensive seminar, based on the most current information available, will focus on terrorist groups and their methods of planning and attack, including communications, group modus operandi and leadership roles, funding, recent terrorist attacks abroad, pre-incident indicators and open source information on potential future attacks.

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Less Lethal Refresher
This course is designed as an update for students who have attended NTOA's 5-day Less-Lethal Flash/Sound Diversionary Device and Chemical Agent Instructor Certification course prior to 2007. Students will learn the most current information on technology, legal, tactical and decision-making issues.

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4-hour

A Practical Approach to Threat Assessments
This course utilizes the Department of Homeland Security's National Response Framework as a guide to developing capabilities on the local and state level for dealing with terrorism and terrorist events.
Information gained from this course will assist your agency in identifying critical infrastructure sites within your jurisdiction that may be attractive targets for criminal acts of terrorism. Once these sites have been identified you will learn a practical approach for conducting Threat Assessments, as well as a number of proactive exercises your agency can use to strengthen bonds between government and the private sector, test your agency's response capabilities, and develop continuous useful information relating to the security of your critical infrastructure sites.

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Combining CNT and Tactical Functions
A team approach review of current incident debriefs using both negotiations and tactical teams to resolve critical incidents ? what negotiators would like their commanders and tactical teams to know.

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Establishing and Operating a TEMS program
This course will discuss the steps necessary to establish and maintain an effective Tactical Medical Program to support high-risk, large scale and extended law enforcement operations.

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Managing Stress in Law Enforcement: It's a Tough Job
About one third of American workers experience job stress or burnout to the point where they have a diagnosable mental illness at some point in their career. For police officers these sources of stress include critical incidents on the street and organizational stressors inside their agency. Dr. Artwohl will review the research that looks specifically at the mental health of police officers and will present findings that you may find surprising. Topics will include suicide prevention and coping with a fellow officer's death. She will then present strategies for coping and fostering stress resistance.

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Litigation Avoidance and Techniques for Testifying
This course will cover current legal trends impacting tactical teams including report writing, giving depositions and courtroom testimony.

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Organized Crime/Drug Organization threats to Tactical Teams
This seminar track will address common and current threats to tactical teams that regularly encounter missions involving organized drug and crime syndicates.

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SWAT Supervisors Tactics and Leadership #1: Effective Physical Training for Tactical Team Success and Eating for Performance
This course will cover effective fitness training techniques including interval, speed, agility and strength training. We will also discuss the utilization of heart rate training to optimize Tac Team success in the field as well as specific team position selection. Eating for job performance will be discussed to better help you understand the benefits of proper nutrition.

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SWAT Supervisors Tactics and Leadership #2: Leadership and Lessons Learned in High Risk Warrant Service
This course focuses on lessons learned during the evolution of warrant service tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) over the last 20 years. It includes a review of risk management principles, tactical decision-making and developing appropriate courses of action for warrant services based on the actual mission and is geared toward those who supervise the service of search warrants in the performance of law enforcement duties.

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SWAT Supervisors Tactics and Leadership #3: Lessons Learned in Hostage Rescue Operations
This 4-hour course focuses on lessons-learned during the evolution of Hostage Rescue tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) over the last several years. It includes a review of risk management principles, tactical decision-making and developing appropriate courses of action for Hostage Rescue. This course offers timely information to anyone tasked with the Hostage Rescue mission.

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SWAT Supervisors Tactics and Leadership #4: Lessons Learned in Barricaded Suspect Operations
This presentation will provide in depth analyses of tactics and command decision making during a Barricade suspect operation. It will include a review of recent operations and provide insight of both positive and negative issues that have a large impact on an operation of this type.

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SWAT Supervisors Tactics and Leadership #6: SWAT Selection and Training
This course covers the SWAT selection process including physical fitness qualification tests, oral board questions and associated legal issues. A variety of training topics will be discussed, including basic and advanced concepts, establishing an annual training calendar, developing safe and realistic training scenarios and training documentation.

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The Unintended Consequences of Well-Intentioned Training
This course provides basic insight into the danger areas of both conventional and reality-based training and poses some solutions to these problems. This class builds on the concepts taught in the book “Training at the Speed of Life” by Ken Murray.

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2 hour seminars

Canine and SWAT Operations
This seminar will provide an overview of the various ways a K9 can be applied as another tool for SWAT during activations. The use of K9 to assist on containment, searches of attics, crawl spaces, and other confined spaces, as well as the use of K9 working with an entry team to search for a barricade suspect, will all be discussed.

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Functional Training for SWAT Personnel
This session would provide basic guidelines on how evaluations of occupational task movement patterns can and should be used to create functional exercises that can be safely implemented in a strength and conditioning program to enhance occupational performance and reduce injury risk.

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Physical Fitness Assessments
In order to improve physical fitness (or maintain current levels) and attain continued benefits, it is important to know where to start with a training program – this is where regular physical fitness testing becomes imperative. Physical fitness assessments serve many purposes. They can provide valuable information on current physical fitness status (and by association health status), serve as a baseline for comparison with follow-up assessments, present a starting point for training program prescription, and help establish realistic and appropriate personalized fitness goals. While laboratory-based testing (e.g., a university setting) may be more accurate, most field-based physical fitness assessments require minimal equipment and are easy to administer such that advanced training or certification is not generally required (although is encouraged). This session would discuss validated, population-specific assessment protocols and could provide hands-on practice in administering the assessments in a time-efficient manner.

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Policy and Legal Issues
This presentation will focus on contemporary SWAT policies and current case law that has a direct impact on SWAT teams across the nation.

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The Seven Survivals
While many organizations have a relatively good understanding of how to teach their cadre skills for winning the physical fight, most fall short in training them for six other essential battles that must be won if there is to be a total victory. Absent skills in the areas of psychological/emotional, professional, legal, social, financial and moral/ethical survival, the battle might be won but the campaign ultimately lost. This class addresses the issues associated with developing a Seven Survivals strategy to total victory.

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