TTPOA Podcast – Train-Up's Series: Training SWAT Team in Practical Shooting

Episode Date: November 19, 2025
Hosts: Derek and Brandon
Guests: Brian and Chauncey

Episode Overview

This episode, number four in the TTPOA Train-Up series, focuses on the challenges and best practices of introducing practical and performance shooting skills into SWAT team training. The discussion centers on navigating generational differences, the value of competition-based drills, fostering buy-in among veteran and new team members, and the overall goal of evolving law enforcement firearms training culture to be more skill-oriented and adaptable.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Practical Shooting in SWAT: Segregating Tactics and Skill (00:24–04:14)

• Main Idea: Implementing performance-based, practical shooting into SWAT training requires separating tactics from gun-handling skills.
• Quote:
  • “Take the tactics and push them all the way to the side. Shooting is shooting.” – Host (01:46)
• Approach: Focus range days strictly on shooting skills without letting arguments about tactics interfere.
• Failing as Learning:
  • “SWAT guys hate failing in front of their bros. But guess what? Get another chance at it. Let's go. You're gonna fail; hold yourself accountable.” – Brian (02:44–03:04)

2. Designing Training to Mirror SWAT Realities (02:16–03:20)

• Use short, objective drills that mimic real movements encountered in SWAT operations, such as moving through vision barriers.
• Strict Evaluation:
  • “We’re gonna grade this with a fine-tooth comb... we're gonna be super, super strict about this.” – Brian (02:35–02:44)

3. Old Guard vs. Young Bucks – Bridging Generational Gaps (04:14–07:07)

• Inter-team Dynamics: Tension often arises when younger team members return from advanced classes eager to share new methods, while experienced members may resist change.
• Enabling New Talent:
  • “There’s some old guys need to get the hell out of the way of the new guys in some areas. Argue with results, man.” – Brian (05:18)
  • Example: A younger team member named Martin impresses the team, leading to more openness and peer-to-peer teaching (05:39–06:45).
• Leadership Responsibility:
  • “If you’re an old guy on the team and you’re not letting those guys do that, you’re just doing a disservice to your team.” – Brandon (07:05)

4. Building Buy-In and Fostering Contribution (08:13–11:13)

• Getting Buy-In: Have team members identify perceived shooting deficiencies, then collaboratively develop drills to address those gaps.
• Leadership Style:
  • “It can’t be a dictatorship. There’s a time and place for that, but in training, keep it light enough so dudes can smoke and joke…it’s got to be enjoyable. It can’t be an ass whipping.” – Brian (09:02–09:26)
• Empowerment:
  • “If your young guys just leveled up your whole squad, you’re winning as a TL (team leader), dude.” – Chauncey (10:24–10:38)
• Admitting Improvement:
  • “If it’s better, admit it. Admit it. You’re only as good as the people that work for you.” – Chauncey (11:04–11:13)

5. Measuring and Validating New Approaches (11:13–14:56)

• Performance Metrics: Concrete results—teams should allow new approaches to be tested and adopted if they demonstrably improve performance.
• Actionable Advice:
  • “Go to these classes, but don’t just go and then expect a parade. Work on that stuff, present it, polish it up, and then share it back.” – Brandon (12:46–13:09)
• Critical Reflection:
  • “We all know you better know your s*** when you start teaching because it’s going to get you better.” – Brandon (13:03)
• Team Learning: Encourage attendees from external classes to relay not just content but also critical assessments of training value (13:28–13:55).

6. Role of Team Leaders and Facilitators (14:56–16:39)

• Facilitation: Leaders should create environments where beneficial ideas are enabled and not stifled, even if it challenges veterans’ egos.
• Quote:
  • “You’ve absolutely got to be a facilitator for your guys…If somebody brings something to the table that can benefit us, then facilitate that.” – Brian (15:00–15:23)
• Sense of Progression: Recognize the natural timeline of passing the torch as older members approach retirement or step back (16:08–16:29).

7. Changing the Culture & Law Enforcement Shooting Paradigms (17:29–25:47)

• Outside Instructors’ Impact: Bringing in respected instructors can catalyze buy-in and present the same concepts in a new way.
• Cultural Momentum:
  • “Just keep freaking grinding, man… it is catching on.” – Brian (22:05)
  • TTPOA conferences now feature higher caliber, skill-focused instructors compared to previous years (22:41–23:38).
• Encouraging Persistence:
  • “Keep pushing. Eventually you'll win out. My advice: you keep working on you to get better and then let the rest work out.” – Brandon (24:29–24:49)
• The Necessity of Self-Motivation:
  • “If you want to get good at shooting a gun, it’s a selfish ass thing. You got to be selfish about it.” – Brian (24:50–24:57)
  • Use resources (books, online, peers) and maintain a critical, striving mindset.

8. Continuous Learning and Sharing (25:23–26:58)

• Embrace continued education, professional shooter visits, and peer exchange, recognizing that not all knowledge must come from in-house.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Accountability and Culture Shift:
  “It’s a slow grind, man. But just don’t stop.” – Brian (21:15)

• On Old vs. New Approaches:
  “Back up 18, 20 years ago, it was the freaking PPC bullshit. Rinse and repeat…when I compare that to what’s out there today, man, it is night and day.” – Brian (23:15–23:46)

• On Leadership and Humility:
  “Be a leader and listen to your people. Give them the option to show you. And if it’s better, admit it.” – Chauncey (11:00–11:04)

• On Team Growth:
  “If you’ve got a group of guys that leveled up the whole squad, you’re winning.” – Chauncey (10:34)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Introducing the topic of practical shooting in SWAT: 00:24–01:46
• Competition and accountability in shooting drills: 01:57–03:05
• Generational challenges—old heads vs. young bucks: 04:14–07:07
• Building buy-in and fostering a collaborative training environment: 08:13–11:13
• Proving out new training approaches and learning from classes: 11:13–14:56
• Facilitator role of team leaders: 14:56–16:39
• Changing law enforcement shooting culture: 17:29–25:47
• Encouragement for continuous improvement and use of modern resources: 25:23–26:58

Tone and Language Style

The episode maintains a candid, direct, and at times humorous tone, reflecting the dynamic camaraderie of SWAT culture and the hosts’ desire to see actionable progress in law enforcement firearms training.

Summary Takeaway

The episode delivers a pragmatic roadmap for integrating practical shooting standards into SWAT team training by supporting newer members, measuring results objectively, enabling leadership to act as facilitators, and embracing both internal improvements and external instruction. The core message: keep striving, be open to growth, and never stop pushing the performance standard—for yourself and the team.