What are the steps to joining the swat team?

Question

i live in maryland and after getting out of the military i plan on getting on the swat team. what are the steps that i would have to take, during college and after getting out of the military, to become a member of the swat team?

Answer 1

Depends on what agency you join.  They all have different physical and time requirements.  And of course you have to make sure you join one that actually has a SWAT Team.  

The civilian department I served in didn't even have an application process.  You could not volunteer.  They had to invite you first.  

You sound like you have a good plan to build a good combination of both education and experience.  You'll probably have a good shot at getting onto the teams in about 2 years patrol time.

Answer 2

You do not have to be a police officer first like the person above me stated. There are several different pathes to obtain your goal. The Marine  corps with help your chances greatly. A military background teamed up with a college education will make you go far in life.....

Join the Marines.....work hard!

Go to college......Work hard (GPA looks good on a resume if its impressive)

Do an internship with a police force while in college....

Apply for S.W.A.T. after you graduate college.

Best wishes!

Answer 3

You have to first become a police officer and work your way through the ranks.  After you've worked Patrol for a few years you can apply to SWAT but it's not easy to be selected.  You have to be in good shape and go through a battery of tests, etc...  You can't just join a SWAT team.

Answer 4

All Departments that I worked for selected their SWAT members internally.  Depended on experience and other qualifications.