By Lieutenant Jeb Bozarth
When people hear “SWAT,” they think of heavily armed officers, high-risk raids, and dangerous situations. And while that’s accurate, what most don’t realize is how much of what we train for in SWAT can—and should—be shared with civilians. In fact, the same tactics, mindset, and preparation that protect law enforcement officers in life-or-death situations can empower everyday people to protect themselves and others in times of crisis.
That’s the mission behind Critical Training Solution (CTS). We don’t just train police—we train teachers, business professionals, students, church members, and anyone who wants to be ready for the unthinkable. Because in today’s world, survival is everyone’s responsibility.
It Starts with Mindset
The most important thing I learned in SWAT wasn’t how to shoot or clear a room—it was how to stay calm and make decisions under extreme pressure. In high-threat situations, your brain doesn’t rise to the occasion—it falls back on your training. That’s why mindset matters.
At CTS, we train civilians to develop what we call a “survivor’s mindset.” That means understanding that bad things can happen, knowing how to respond, and being mentally prepared to act—not freeze. We teach people that safety isn’t just about strength or speed; it’s about confidence, clarity, and commitment.
Situational Awareness Saves Lives
Elite police units spend countless hours developing situational awareness: the ability to read a room, spot threats early, and stay ahead of danger. Civilians can—and must—learn to do the same.
In our training sessions, we walk people through everyday settings—offices, schools, restaurants—and teach them how to recognize exits, identify cover and concealment, and notice suspicious behavior. You’d be surprised how much more confident people feel once they’ve been shown how to think tactically in familiar environments.
Situational awareness isn’t about living in fear. It’s about living smart.
Run, Hide, Fight—And Then What?
Most civilians are vaguely familiar with the “Run, Hide, Fight” model for active shooter response. It’s a good starting point, but by itself, it’s not enough.
At CTS, we take that foundation and build on it. We teach people how to evaluate their surroundings quickly, how to decide which option makes sense in real time, and what actions to take when the police arrive. We also address the “what ifs”—what if you’re with kids, what if you’re injured, what if others are panicking?
When you walk through those scenarios ahead of time—when you rehearse them in your mind or on the training floor—you’re far more likely to respond effectively when it counts.
Realistic Training for Real-World Threats
One thing I’ve carried from SWAT into every civilian training class: realism matters.
People don’t learn best from PowerPoints or lectures alone. They learn by doing—by running drills, responding to stress, and practicing physical actions like barricading doors or applying trauma care.
That’s why CTS focuses on interactive, hands-on sessions. We bring in role players. We simulate chaos. We create safe, controlled stress that mirrors what people might experience in a real crisis. Because if you can perform under stress in training, you’re more likely to survive under stress in real life.
Leadership Is for Everyone
In law enforcement, we know that leadership isn’t about rank—it’s about action. In an emergency, anyone can become a leader. And sometimes, that leader is a teacher, a front desk worker, or a high school student.
That’s why every CTS training emphasizes personal leadership. We encourage people to speak up, take charge when necessary, and help others stay calm. When chaos breaks out, leaders make a difference—whether they wear a uniform or not.
The Goal: Empowerment, Not Fear
Our goal at CTS isn’t to scare people. It’s to empower them. We don’t want people walking around paranoid—we want them walking around prepared.
When civilians get the kind of training we give to law enforcement, they gain something powerful: confidence. They stop wondering, “What would I do?” and start thinking, “I know what to do.” That shift can save lives.
Final Thoughts
I’ve spent decades in law enforcement, and I’ve seen the best and worst of humanity. What gives me hope is knowing that we can prepare people to face threats with courage and clarity.
Bringing SWAT principles into civilian training isn’t about turning people into cops. It’s about giving them the tools to survive until help arrives—and sometimes, to be the help others need.
If you’ve ever thought, “I wouldn’t know what to do,” it’s time to change that. Because the truth is, survival is a skill—and like any skill, it can be taught.