Blue Sheepdog

The following course is coming up for new SWAT officers. If your team has some new officers that need a good tactical school, consider the training offered by the Hoover PD SWAT Team. The details are as follows:

Hoover PD SWAT Unit - Basic Tactical Skills Course (BTAC 08-01)
March 16-21, 2008, cost: $150.00/officer
Florence, AL

The Hoover PD Basic Tactical Skills Course provides entry level tactical training for newly appointed tactical officers. The course is “tactics intensive” and includes perimeter operations, individual & team movement techniques, entry tactics, gas and diversionary device familiarization, subject control, live fire drills, tactical options and practical exercises.

This is a tactics course involving long hours of movement wearing tactical equipment, indoors and outdoors. Due to the physical nature of the course, it is strongly suggested that all attendees be physically prepared for a long, hot week of hard work. This course is not a “drill instructor” style course. Attendees will be treated with respect; however, a high level of enthusiasm is expected of attendees. The course is fast paced and repetitive, motivation is necessary to achieve all required tasks.

Written and physical skills exams are administered and require a passing score to complete the course. Students cannot miss more than four hours of training or any pass/fail tests.

Students must bring documentation stating the student has completed the APOSTC Physical Agility Course and scored a 90% on the APOSTC Handgun Qualification Course.

Students must be in an “on duty” status with their agency.

During the course, Simunitions equipment will be used. Simunitions can cause bruises and abrasions. It is highly recommended that uniforms be high quality uniforms with long sleeves. Athletic cups are also suggested. Students can bring any Simunitions gear they have, but must mark it and make the instructors aware they have it. It should only be used under close supervision of the instructors.

Students will be exposed to chemical agents (OC/CS mixture) and Noise/Flash Diversionary Devices (NFDD’s). These items cause some discomfort. It is important for students to make sure their protective (gas) mask is functional prior to the course.

The gas exposure exercise is a Pass/Fail exercise and participation is required to successfully complete the course.
The training will start on Sunday afternoon. Other locations will be used during the week. Bring your gear and weapons (unloaded) to the class on the first day.

A successful completion of the course is dependent on many things. Among these things is the focus of the students. Please attempt to eliminate any outside distractions (court, extra jobs, etc) while the course is being conducted. Some of the training days will last into the night depending on the progression of the class. The days are long and the activity is constant. The instructors’ goal is to produce a tactically proficient officer who can think and move under stress as a member of a team.

Please report to the course on time, in uniform and ready to train.

Contact Names and Numbers

Sgt. Curt Carpenter: (205) 444-7662
Lt. Eric Nichols: (256) 760-6573

Equipment List
Tactical Uniform- BDU’s or utilities & cap, (long sleeve shirt and boots with ankle support)
Body Armor- helmet, vest, knee pads, hearing protection and eye protection (clear)
Load Bearing Gear
Pistol Belt- holster, handcuffs, flashlight, magazine pouches
Radio- Bring a spare radio if possible
Handgun- 3 Magazines, 300 rounds of ammunition
Shoulder Weapon- 3 Magazines, 200 rounds of ammunition, sling, weapon light
Gas Mask (with carrier)
Water system- canteens or Camel-Bak
Nomex or Leather Gloves
Pad and Pencil
Binoculars
Cold & Wet Weather Gear
Range Protective Gear (Eye and Ear Protection)
Extra batteries for all electrical items
Advil (or some other over the counter pain reliever)

Stay safe!