This course is designed to equip SWAT and other specialized tactical personnel with the vertical access skills needed to operate safely and effectively in a wide range of environments, from urban structures to mountainous terrain. The course emphasizes practical rope-based movement, rescue capabilities, and equipment proficiency, using the PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) methodology to support decision-making under operational stress. Instruction focuses on simple, highly functional knots and hitches, modern rope technologies, and techniques that complement a team member’s primary tactical role, ensuring they can perform vertical access tasks with confidence in high-risk situations.
NOTE: Students are required to be assigned to a tactical team or other specialized team that requires rope access capability.
