SWAT Competition Fun With a Purpose

Chantilly played host to the 4^th Annual Regional SWAT Competition, as units from across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area squared off to put their skills to the test. Teams came from as far away as Harrisonburg, Va. and Staunton. The Fairfax County Police Department entered two teams, the second of which is training for SWAT team duties.

The competition consisted of five events: an obstacle course, urban sniping, handgun accuracy, sniper initiated assault, and tactical rescue. All the events required physical as well as mental preparation, just as team members would need for a real-life mission.

"It's physically exhausting," said FCPD officer Brad Faust after completing the obstacle course. "Physical fitness is definitely paramount, but if you're not a smart operator, you're going to be that much worse off."

Faust is a member of the secondary FCPD team, and relishes the opportunity to learn from some of the best trained officers around.

"These guys are top-notch to begin with, so it's great getting to work with them," Faust said.

Another added measure of difficulty was that the teams did not know what event was next until just minutes before it took place, testing the quick decision making required when on a mission.

While Fairfax County residents should certainly feel safe with the quality of training their police have, there were equally impressive units on hand. The U.S. Capital Police, whose jurisdiction includes all federal buildings, as well as the FBI, sent teams to compete.

FCPD deputy chief Steve Sellers recognizes the importance of working with these other units, and stressed teamwork, not just within an individual team, but the whole area as well.

"In this area, we work on a regional approach, so we all share resources when it comes to SWAT teams and tactical teams," said Sellers. "If something big happens across the border then we're called over, and vice-versa."

The event drew many families of officers, as well as a few casual fans.

"It's really engaging. You see a lot of families out here," said Sellers. "You hear kids saying, 'Hey grandpa, good job,' so it's fun to watch."