SWATMOD offers POST certified armored vehicle operations training.

Our courses are held at our facility in St. Cloud, MN

We not only educate on the operation and hazards of operating armored vehicles but also on preventive driving skills/habits and maintenance knowledge to avoid costly mechanical situations and repairs. This is one of those situations where the investment pays for itself!

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2025 Schedule & Course Details:

• September 29th - Basic armored vehicle driving and operations

• September 30th - Armored vehicle recovery (hands on tactics) and basic rescue operations.

• October 1st - Rescue tactics with armored vehicles, including live-fire exercises.

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Location:

SWATMOD HQ - 3866 31st ST SE, St. Cloud, MN 56304

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Time of Courses:

0900 - 1800 (this includes a 1 hour lunch break)

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Registration Link: SWATMOD Training Registration

Classes are a first come first serve basis.  Once a class is full, we will not be accepting anyone else into that class to allow for a more hands-on training experience - so be sure to register right away!

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General Class Information:​

Day 1 - Sept 29th 

A. MODULE 1 - History Tactical Armor 

1. Military use and history 

2. Law Enforcement/Security forces use and application 

3. Makes and Models (Civilian & Military)

 

B. MODULE 2 – Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services

Operator-level maintenance is the first and most critical level of the maintenance system.  Routine PMCS evaluates the operational status of equipment and identifies mechanical  problems. Every commander must have a sustained and supervised preventive maintenance  (PM) program that involves officers, and provides feedback. PM programs enhance professional development of officers, instills maintenance consciousness throughout the organization and ensures unit and department readiness. 

1. Basic Mechanical Checks and Procedures 

2. Electrical Checks and Procedures 

3. Hydraulic Checks and Procedures 

4. Armor and Structural Inspection Checks and Procedures 

C. MODULE 3 – Proper Storage/ Gear Load out- Mission Specific 

1. Discuss Exterior Storage and Precautions 

2. Discuss Interior Storage and Precautions 

D. MODULE 4 – Operations 

1. Starting and Stopping 

2. Emergency Driving and Breaking 

3. Basic Turns, Maneuvering and Steering Techniques 

4. Intersections, Highways and Railway Crossings 

5. Incline Slopes and Decline Slopes 

6. Backing and Ground Guides 

7. Parking and Storage 

8. Passing and Obstacle Avoidance 

9. Off Road Driving Skills 

10. Water Crossing & Natural Disaster Rescue Skills 

11. Bridge and Roadway Reconnaissance 

12. Utilization of Ground Guides and Navigational Techniques 

13. Practical Exercises of All Skill Sets Listed 

E. MODULE 5 – Personnel Rescue With Entrapment TTP 

1. Rollover Survivability and Extrication 

2. Water Survivability and Rescue 

3. Electrocution Survivability and Rescue 

4. Door and Hatch Dangers with Mitigation Techniques

5. Practical Exercises

F. MODULE 6 – Field Examinations and Testing (Instructor Observation) 

1. Urban Operations Driving 

2. Rural Off Road Operations Driving 

3. Admin 

 

Day 2 - Sept 30th

A. MODULE 1 –Vehicle Recovery TTP (Tactics-Techniques-Procedures) 

1. Towing and Recovery Basics 

2. Winch Operations 

3. Mechanical Advantage Patterns & Setups 

4. Pulley and Snatch-block Applications 

5. Kinetic Rope Rescue & Recovery Applications 

6. Mire Factor Field Calculations 

7. Kinetic Rope Tactical Entry & Perimeter Applications 

8. Practical Exercises 

B. MODULE 2 – Basic Rescue Operations Using Armored Vehicle 

1. Planning a Tactical Rescue 

2. Load out and Deployment Considerations 

3. Vehicle Placement on or near Crisis Site 

4. Use of Cover and Security 

5. Use of Litter and Medics 

6. Urban & Rural Considerations 

7. Cover & Concealment  

8. Counter Terrorism & Active Shooter Use and Deployment 

C. MODULE 3 – Field Examinations and Testing (Instructor Observation) 

1. Vehicle Recovery TTP 

2. Tactical Vehicle Deployment Rescue TTP 

3. Admin 

 

Day 3 - Oct 1st

A. MODULE 1 – Officer/Civilian Rescue Using Armored Vehicle & Live Fire 

1. Planning a Tactical Rescue 

2. Load out and Deployment Considerations 

3. Vehicle Placement on or near Crisis Site 

4. Use of Cover and Security 

5. Use of Litter and Medics 

6. Urban & Rural Considerations 

7. Cover & Concealment  

8. Counter Terrorism & Active Shooter Use and Deployment 

9. Mobile Patrol Using Armor 

10. Practical Exercises LIVE FIRE 

B. MODULE 2 – Field Examinations and Testing (Instructor Observation) 

1. Vehicle Recovery TTP 

2. Crew Rescue and Extrication TTP 

3. Tactical Vehicle Deployment Officer/Civilian Rescue TTP 

4. Admin​