NCJ Number
218060
Journal
Tactical Response Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Dated: March-April 2007 Pages: 80-85
Date Published
March 2007
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes Israel's 4-day Advanced Counter-Terror SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) School course.
Abstract
The course is designed for SWAT operators to combat both active-shooter and religious-extremist terrorism scenarios. The first day of the course consists of a brief explanation of Israeli antiterrorism doctrine and a display of the Israeli point shooting method for rifle/carbine (all dry fire). The method is described in this article. Next, students are taught how to close as quickly as possible on a target once the target is down. This involves the Israeli technique of "sprinting" with the weapon in hand. If the instructor yells, "Target up," students are taught a shuffle stop that involves taking a quick stance for firing. On the first day, students are also taught rapid multiple target engagement, which involves defending against and attacking multiple terrorists who may be located in spread positions. Day two focuses on tactics for spotting a suicide bomber and techniques for approaching and passing walls, as well as turning corners. This article explains how the techniques taught by the Israeli school differ from those taught in America. Team approaches for clearing buildings are also taught on day two. Day three involves the following activities: how to engage terrorists in a heavily crowded area, how to move efficiently through a crowd, engaging threats with a pistol from the passenger side of a moving patrol car, and a final live-fire qualifying test that simulated settings of urban warfare. Day four involves room entry and clearing in an empty school using four-person teams. Static targets are set up in the rooms throughout the building.