Physical rigors, mental fortitude test SWAT recruits’ true grit

They came from different ranks and units, with cargo pants and duty belts, looking prepared for the rigors of a test that would open the doors to one of the police bureau’s most elite teams.

Around a conference room table at the Pittsburgh police bureau’s North Side headquarters last week, they looked unfazed when a lieutenant reminded them that the SWAT team is an around-the-clock commitment, for both them and their families.

“If this is what you want to do, you’re expected to be here for the call-outs,” Lt. Joseph Tersak told the nine candidates before they set out on the daylong tryout. “Thank you for your interest. And good luck.”

But, as a message scrawled on a white board inside their heavily armored truck would caution, “Luck is not part of this operation!”

Instead, a mix of physical stamina and mental fortitude would help them pass this test. But even passing doesn’t guarantee them a spot on the tactical unit, which is expanding from 39 to 46 members.

Those who qualified during tryouts last week must also excel during even more strenuous basic and advanced SWAT training before they are ranked and finally chosen by the police chief.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10235/1082022-53.stm#ixzz0xTOePjc7

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