Austin PD SWAT will be hosting basic sniper school at the APD public safety training center on September 15th -19th.  The class will be a comprehensive course that will not only teach you the foundation of building a precision rifle and the proper fundamentals to achieve maximum accuracy but the student will be operationally ready to deploy.  The beginning of the course will focus on areas such as rifle setup, scope leveling, zero confirmation, tracking and developing a basic but detailed knowledge of the weapon system and how to use it. Students will be instructed on ballistics to include modern ballistic software and current trends within the law enforcement sniper community.  The second half of the class will build a foundation in camouflage, deception, hide construction, live role player scenario-based training as well as numerous important operational skills required by agencies to field legally defensible snipers.  Our instructor cadre consists of full-time swat snipers and former snipers with years of experience. Additionally, students dive deep into case law and legal liabilities for the LE marksman.  This course is designed to prepare the student with the confidence to deploy on their own upon return to their agency and set a foundation for the continuation of training. Upon completion the student will be added to a network of accessible resources.  This course is highly sought after and has been rated as one of the best sniper courses in the state of Texas for new law enforcement snipers to begin their journey. Agencies can rest assured their student will return with the education necessary to protect the communities in which they serve. 

Active LEO or MIL only.  Must be on a sniper team or in a unit that is starting your training with this class.  All background information will be verified.  Course will be sponsored by popular brands in the industry to include a final shooting challenge on day 5 that will test all skills learned throughout the week of training. 

APD BASIC SNIPER SCHOOL EQUIPMENT LIST

Ammunition

500 rounds of match grade DUTY ammunition.

NOTE: No armor piercing or frangible ammunition.  No .338 or .50 caliber.

Weapon System

Precision rifle capable of 1 MOA or better accuracy (no exceptions)

Precision Optic with a minimum of 10x magnification with associated tools needed to make adjustments

Bipod capable to canting left and right

Adjustable rifle sling with carabineer

Rifle data book

Rear support bag

Support Gear

Shooting tripod capable of standing height

One piece cleaning rod and bore guide with brushes

Appropriate cleaning equipment to include a carbon remover and a non-ammonia based copper solvent

Chamber mop

Blue Loctite

Gas mask

Personal Items

Callout gear (armor, LBV, gloves, or any gear required by your department SOP)

Sniper pack or drag bag/ Hearing protection

Individual camouflage (veils, hoods, sheets, covers)

Binoculars of at least 7X

Shooting mat (optional)

Index cards or quarterback sleeve to document dopes (optional)

Laser rangefinder/Note taking material, pen, pencil (laptop computer optional for classroom)

There is no particular host hotel however the primary training location will be at 4800 Shaw Ln, Austin Tx, 78744 at the APD public safety training center.  I suggest pick a hotel that is NOT near downtown or in the Lamar/Rundberg area.  The domain or north Austin areas will be a better choice.  For question regarding this course, please contact the instructor at michael.castillo2@austintexas.gov

TTPOA believes in bringing in some of the best instructors in the country to share their knowledge and experience. If you have requests for a specific instructor or course, contact your Regional Director.