What Sort of Training Do The Police Get?

[FMF Doc]

Hey FMF doc, by your handle I assume you're a Corpsman. S/F.

I was in the Corps in the 80's. My unit started cross training w/ various SWAT/SRT teams. We were just in the infancy of HRT/DA missions from the USMC side.

Those SWAT guys were pretty squared away and their weapons handling was commendable. And big egos, but they walked the walk.

Spot on Maine. I have spent a good deal of time with the Marines of 2D MARDIV. I was also lucky enough to train with some of the SEALs up in VA from DEVGRU. Marine Security Forces, Recon, MARSOC...all good guys, but DEVGRU...whole different league. I spent 2 weeks with them in an Advanced Combat Pistol Course. We shot 40K rounds each in 10 days. No police force in the world (escept maybe some of the Isrealis and GSG9) come anywhere near that. As good as even the best SWAT are, they don't have the budget to train like Tier 1 SF does.

 

[leadcounsel]

I believe it's similar to the military. Most Soldiers firearm training is very inadequate. The exception are the infantrymen and Special Operations communties. Air Force and Navy training is nearly non-existant.

Those who are truly competant with their guns are the ones that take the time to do it on their own.

 

[FMF Doc]

I believe it's similar to the military, which for most Soldiers is oddly very inadequate when it comes to firearm handling and training. The exception are the infantrymen and Special Operations communties. Air Force and Navy training is nearly non-existant.

Those who are truly competant with their guns are the ones that take the time to do it on their own.

It is more need based in the military. If you are in a billet that requires use of a weapon, then you will likely receive the necessary training. Only the Marines have the "everyone a rifleman" philosophy. In the rest of the military, training is need based.

 

[twofifty]

Marines' mindset

Firearms training costs the DOD a lot of money. So it's not a priority for the rear echelon trades. This seems a reasonable cost-saving measure ... until the enemy air drops a batallion or two behind your front lines on top of your supply chain.

Marine Corp leaders fully grasp that when all soldiers are qualified riflemen, each is imbued with the warrior mindset. No matter their trade, or how close to the lines they happen to be, each knows they will prevail when unexpectedly tested. Each can depend on the other(s) to put a hurt on the enemy.