SWAT
Operator Loadout
SWAT operators are equipped according to their primary mission.
Weather this is high-rick warrant service, hostage rescue, barricaded
suspects, or counter-narcotics operations, SWAT is uniquely equipped to
handle these scenarios.
SWAT uniforms serve several purposes and may be either standard military
BDUs or nomex flightsuits. First, it is a functional piece of heavy-duty
clothing and second, it is intimidating to most suspects. Tactical uniforms
are usually thicker and looser fitting than other uniforms, providing
protection from the elements and the effects of OC and CS gas. BDU's offer the
advantage of being offered in several different weights, materials and
colors. Flightsuits offer considerable advantages over traditional BDUs
in several instances. A good Nomex flightsuit is fire retardant, and in
the highly flammible environment of a drug lab, this is advantageous.
Being one piece flightsuits are easier to change into adn also make it more
difficult for things to get next to the wearer. As an example, traditional
untucked BDUs will allow flames underneath the shirt where a flightsuit will
not. Also, on long crawls, a scout may find himself dragging gravel down the
front of his uniform.
A typical SWAT operator carries about 50 pounds of equipment. Some typical equipment may include:
- Uniform - BDU's or flightsuit
- PASGT Kevlar helmet or other tactical headgear
- Nomex flightgloves and balaclava
- A good pair of boots
- Long gun
- Sidearm - in tactical holster
- Tactical Vest - either with integral body armor or over body armor
- Tactical radio with earjack
- Earplugs
- Flashlight
- Multitool
- Knife
- Goggles
- Gas mask
- Camelback or canteens for long deployments
Optional and mission-specific items include:
- OC/CS Gas
- In pocket - 4 or 5 rubber doorstops
- In pocket/pouch - 10 foot roll duct tape
- In pocket/pouch - small expandable dental mirror
- In pouch - 2 flashbangs
- In pouch - 1 white smoke or CS gas
- In pocket - 20 feet of para cord
- On belt - 4-6 flex cuffs
- In pouch - compression bandage
- In pocket/pouch - 2-4 cyalume lightsticks (white)
