Q&A for How to Join the SWAT Team

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Do I need to face any pain tests?

Community Answer

Like in some police departments, you may have to get tasered before you can join. This is so you do not abuse your taser.

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Do you have to get tased to become a SWAT officer?

Community Answer

Some police departments include tasing in basic training for regular police officers, so it is possible that you might face this again in SWAT training.

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Is joining the military police a good way to get some experience if I want to join a SWAT team?

Community Answer

Yes, it will help a lot, especially if you get training in long arms (assault rifles, carbines, SMG) and policing.

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Are women able to join?

Community Answer

It depends on the department/ agency policies, but generally speaking, across the U.S., the answer is yes.

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Should I go the college route or the military route to join a swat team?

Community Answer

Going into the military won't guarantee you a spot on a SWAT team, but the training will certainly help you get into superb shape. It's up to you, really.

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Can you join the SWAT team after being in the military with no police experience?

Community Answer

You'll still have to start off as a regular officer before being considered for the SWAT team, but military experience would definitely look good on your application.

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Does someone have to be born in the United States to join the SWAT team?

Community Answer

No. As long as you are a U.S. citizen, you are eligible to join.

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Can I join SWAT if I am in high school in India?

Community Answer

No, you have to be a U.S. citizen, and go through regular police training before you can be considered for the SWAT team.

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Can an Indian citizen join a SWAT team?

Community Answer

No. You have to be a U.S citizen.

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If I was born in Mexico, but got my U.S. citizenship. Am I still able to join a SWAT team?

Community Answer

Yes. You would be a U.S. citizen and one of the requirements is that you have to be a U.S. citizen.

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Does joining the SWAT team earn you a salary?

Community Answer

Yes, it's a job.

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If I major in criminal justice, then get commissioned as an Infantry officer, will it increase my chances of getting on a SWAT team, or should I go with military police path, instead?

Community Answer

Either is a good way of getting to join a SWAT team.

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Do SWAT team members or police officers have higher salaries?

Community Answer

Most of the time, the salaries will probably be about equal, although SWAT team members might be paid slightly more or receive more overtime pay.

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Question

Would I be able to be a sniper with no military experience?

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Community Answer

You have to have hands-on experience with snipers or a gun similar to a sniper.

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Question

Do I need to be a great student to get into the SWAT team?

Community Answer

No, not necessarily.

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Is it necessary to go to a university in order to be on the SWAT team?

Community Answer

No, although it looks good on your application.

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Can someone with European citizenship join a SWAT team?

Community Answer

No, you must have U.S. citizenship. It can be obtained by taking a naturalization test.

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Can I join SWAT if I have ADHD?

Community Answer

Some units don't accept people with ADHD. Contact your local office and ask.

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Question

Why do SWAT teams wear so much armor?

Community Answer

SWAT teams often respond to situations where a suspect may or may not have a firearm. The armor is to protect each member from suffering major wounds.

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Question

Can I join a SWAT team without being a police officer for 3 years?

Community Answer

No, you have to have 2-3 years being a officer before you can join SWAT. Also note that you may not find a SWAT opening in your area––you might have to move. You will also need to be selected, so prepare from the day you join the force, to be the right sort of candidate.

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Question

Does a SWAT team need to handle hazardous materials?

Community Answer

Yes, in the SWAT team, you are equipped with weapons such as rifles, pistols, and even snipers.

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Question

Is this a 24/7 job or are there days on and off?

Community Answer

It depends on the department, you get days off obviously but if you are in the area, then you have a chance of being called up.

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Question

Are there ways to immediately become a SWAT team member right out of high school, without being an officer for a few years?

Community Answer

As mentioned above, the SWAT team needs to have a good amount of experience on firearms and policing. You usually have to attain that experience through being a policeman.

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Question

Do you get a gun if you have a SWAT shield?

Community Answer

Almost every SWAT personnel is equipped with some sort of firearm to better defend themselves from threats, so the answer would be yes.

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