The Trials And Tribulations Of Becoming A Swat Commander

Captain Kolman (ret.), formerly of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, founder and first Director of the National Tactical Officers Association, and who authored one of the first SWAT textbooks in 1982, now brings forth a unique book that not only captures the substantive information required by new SWAT commanders but also its culture. Successful resolution of critical incidents is most often the result of basic concepts and principles implemented by knowledgeable, experienced and well-trained personnel under the direction of decisive leaders, but new SWAT commanders may not have benefited from coming through the ranks and SWAT pipeline and could be at a considerable disadvantage as they accept command. In a manner not previously used for SWAT education and training, Captain Kolman introduces the officer to substantive information, culture and a methodology to approach various missions. In doing so, the reader is led on an educational journey through a series of dreams that ultimately culminates in a fictitious SWAT Commander successfully resolving a high-risk incident. Each chapter builds on the previous one and allows the hypothetical characters passing through each chapter to evolve in knowledge, judgment and maturity. The book is a testimonial to the need for departments to provide or obtain contemporary, appropriate training for both command and operational personnel, so that working together they can effectively manage and resolve critical incidents with minimal risk to everyone involved. In addition to being a valuable asset to any SWAT school, including commanders, the seasoned operator will find this publication an entertaining and informative review. Read it at least once. Few people can capture the wisdom of SWAT in such an articulate and engaging manner.