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Using Ballistic Shields in CQB Environments

March 4th, 2013

ballistic shield cqb train

I am an advocate of ballistic shields. They are not only appropriate for law enforcement clearing (slow methodical mode) or safety clears, but, with current weight reductions, can be employed in the slow dynamic technique mode which is a bridge technique between dynamic entries and law enforcement clears.

Slow Dynamic Technique Explained

Today’s Level IIIA shields are lighter and more maneuverable. Shield drivers can move rapidly with them and teams can engage in a bridge technique between the two opposite ends of the maneuver spectrum which I call the “Slow Dynamic” technique.

This method of offensive shield tactics was developed by a former member of the FBI’s HRT and is based on the “heavy/light side” of dynamic room entries.

Movement is conducted in a “careful hurry” manner and usually does not exceed the speed of a fast walk. I like to get the shields into a room first.

Categories Body Armor, SWAT
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A-TACS LE Camo

by Richard

January 23rd, 2013

A-TACS showed off their new LE Camo pattern at the 2013 SHOT Show last week. The new pattern uses grays, blues and black to create a unique pattern that is supposed to work well with existing black duty gear the officers may already be using.

Categories SWAT, Uniforms
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SWAT Team Leader Development Course

by Richard

September 14th, 2012

NTOA

SWAT Team Leader Development

Date: October 10/22/2012 -10/26/2012 (5days)
Location: Lee’ Summit Police Department
Registration Information: http://ntoa.org/site/training-calendar.html
Cost: $670.00 per student

This five-day training is designed for law enforcement personnel responsible for deploying as a SWAT team leader, or as a supervisor who is responsible for the training and deployment of tactical teams. The focus is on pre-incident training, planning, organizing and the tactical decision-making process used in the resolution of high-risk operations.

Categories SWAT, Training
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SWAT Attitude

by Randall

April 30th, 2012

A Few Words on the SWAT Attitude…

I have lately been talking with a few SWAT guys about their perspectives of their tactical teams. While I won’t go into politics or particulars, I will say a central theme in my many discussions has revolved around attitude.

Not as in Attitude with a capital “I’m a badass SWAT guy, so blah, blah, blah.” Attitude, as it relates to a positive approach to training for and execution of high-risk operations. A shared bad morale will destroy a Team from the inside out.

SWAT art

Categories SWAT
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DELTA Light Ball – Flashbang Alternative?

by Richard

March 13th, 2012

DELTA Flash Bang River Rock Designs announced a new distractionary device that may be a suitable alternative to a flashbang in some circumstances. The Dynamic Entry Lighted Tactical Access, or DELTA, light ball uses a “…super-bright strobe effect and steady-light illuminator [to] initially dazzle and confuse the bad guys and then lights up the target area like daylight.”

While the additional stunning/distraction from a concussive bang is absent, I could see where this might be an alternative to the traditional flash-bang in some limited circumstances. Drug labs or other locations where flammable chemicals are expected to be present would be one example.

What do you SWAT guys think? Sound off in the comments section below.

Categories SWAT
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Armored Mobility Provides Lightweight Level III

by Randall

February 4th, 2012

Richard, Aaron, and I were meandering around after lunch at 2012 SHOT Show Media Day when we came across the Armored Mobility, Inc (AMI) display. We were able to speak at length with company president Michael Berritto III, who was proud to show us his innovative Mobile Armored Shield (MAS).

Quite a few things stood out about this ballistic shield. At NIJ Standard 0101.06 Level III, AMI states the MAS will stop (pistol and) rifle rounds to include:

7.62mm X 51 M80 NATO FMJ
5.56mm LeMas Urban Warfare
5.56mm M193 FMJ
6.8mm 110 gr OTM
30-06 M2 FMJ
7.62mm X 39 M43 Steel Core FMJ
12 Gauge High Velocity Slug
(Armored Mobility notes–will not stop 5.56 M855 green tip)

The 15” X 38” Mobile Armored Shield does this at a weight of just 16 pounds! Many shields on the market possess only Level IIIa capability at nearly double the weight. The 18” X 38” MAS weighs 22 lbs.

Categories 2012 SHOT Show, Body Armor, SWAT
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