Articles

Technology July 22, 2026

The Modern Tactical Team: Building Capability without Overloading the Operator

John G. Stephenson Walk through any tactical equipment display or team staging area today and one thing is clear: Modern SWAT operators have more options than ever – better armor, lighter helmets and improved communications. Thermal devices, night vision, drones, robots, rifles, optics, breaching tools, medical gear, less-lethal options, tactical vehicles, and a growing list of specialty equipment all promise to make teams safer and more capable. Most of it can be valuable. The problem is that every new piece…

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Training & Education June 4, 2026

The Limits of Qualification: Preparing Officers for Real Gunfights

By Larry J. Nichols Too often, law enforcement firearms training is built around passing a test instead of surviving a violent encounter. Protection means shielding yourself from injury, danger or loss. For many people, that means buying a firearm, installing cameras or reinforcing a home. Those measures may create a sense of security, but they require limited skill. Defense is different. Defense is active. It means responding to a real attack and fighting through a violent encounter. To survive that…