Elite SWAT Teams Clash in Inaugural PrairieFire National Competition

The Nevada desert echoed with gunfire and tactical maneuvers as the first PrairieFire National SWAT Competition wrapped up this weekend. Under the scorching sun, nearly 40 of America’s finest SWAT units squared off in a grueling three-day contest that pushed the boundaries of law enforcement capabilities. More than just a test of sharpshooting, the event forged unexpected bonds between operators who’d never crossed paths before.

A Test of Skill, Endurance, and Adaptability

The competition, designed to push participants to their limits, took place in the demanding environment of the Nevada desert. Teams faced not only the rigorous challenges of the event but also had to contend with scorching heat and an elevation of 3,000 feet. These conditions added an extra layer of difficulty, truly testing the competitors’ ability to perform under pressure.

Over the course of three days, teams navigated through a series of high-stakes events that tested their proficiency in various aspects of SWAT operations. The challenges were designed to mirror real-world scenarios, emphasizing both individual skills and team cohesion.

Competition Stages: A Test of Tactical Excellence

The PrairieFire National SWAT Competition featured a series of challenging stages designed to test every aspect of SWAT operations. Here’s a breakdown of the key stages that pushed competitors to their limits:

1. Mass Casualty Evacuation (A Ranges – Range 10 & 11): Teams responded to a simulated mass casualty situation, engaging distant targets with rifles, breaching a door, and splitting into two elements for close-quarters pistol engagements. The stage concluded with the evacuation of simulated casualties.
2. Run You(r) Dope (B Ranges – Range 13): This stage tested physical conditioning and marksmanship. Teams ran through varied terrain to engage targets at different distances with rifles and pistols, concluding with a sprint back to the starting point.
3. “Super Star Headshot” (B Ranges – Range 22): A relay stage where teams split into pairs, negotiating obstacles and engaging distant targets with rifles, followed by challenging moving targets and reactive threat/hostage scenarios.
4. Vehicle Bail Out (B Ranges – Range 23): Simulating a rapid response scenario, this relay stage had teams starting from a seated position in a vehicle, engaging distant targets, and progressing through various firing points using both rifles and pistols.
5. Active Shooter (B Ranges – Range 24): Another relay format stage testing rifle and pistol skills, with teams negotiating obstacles and engaging moving and static targets from various positions, including using vehicles as cover.
6. Sniper (B Ranges – Long Range Platform): A precision rifle stage challenging shooters to engage increasingly small targets with limited ammunition.
7. Casualty Evacuation (C Ranges – Ranges 38-40): This stage focused on pistol skills and casualty evacuation, with teams engaging moving targets and performing various shooting techniques before transporting a simulated casualty.
8. “You Better Hustle” (C Ranges – Ranges 30-34): A comprehensive test of physical conditioning, marksmanship, and tactical skills, including forcible entry, use of ballistic shields, and engaging multiple target arrays with pistols and rifles.
9. Pistol Portal Soul Crusher (C Ranges – Range 41): Competitors navigated obstacles wearing gas masks and engaged targets through portals at different heights along a barricade wall.
10. Ladders and Movers (C Ranges – Range 49): This relay format stage challenged rifle and pistol handling, teamwork, and agility, with teams using ladders to access elevated shooting positions and engaging moving and static targets.
11. Downed Officer Rescue (C Ranges – Range 48): A high-pressure scenario testing teamwork and a wide range of skills, culminating in the evacuation of a simulated downed officer.
12. Gunslinger Canyon: Teams navigated rough terrain, engaging targets with pistols and rifles while working their way up the side of a canyon.
13. Run N Gun Canyon: A pistol-only stage where two-person teams navigated rugged terrain in a relay format, engaging obscured targets and finishing with a challenging long-distance headshot.

These stages collectively tested the teams’ proficiency in marksmanship, physical fitness, tactical decision-making, and teamwork, truly encompassing the multifaceted nature of SWAT operations.

Top Performers Shine

When the dust settled, it was the San Antonio Police Department SWAT team that emerged victorious, claiming the top spot. Their exceptional performance set them apart from the fierce competition, showcasing the elite level of skill present in the department.

The final standings for the top five teams in the 2024 PrairieFire National SWAT Competition were:

1. San Antonio PD SWAT
2. Lubbock PD SWAT
3. Oregon State PD SWAT
4. Las Vegas Metro PD SWAT
5. Miami-Dade PD SWAT

These teams demonstrated remarkable skill, adaptability, and teamwork throughout the competition, earning their places at the top of the leaderboard.

Building Bonds Beyond Competition

One of the most significant outcomes of the event was the sense of camaraderie that developed among the participating teams. Despite most teams never having met before, a strong brotherhood emerged over the course of the competition. This bond, forged through shared challenges and mutual respect, underscores the unity within the law enforcement community.

Key Contributors and Sponsors

The success of this inaugural event was made possible through the contributions of several key partners. Notably, the team from Staccato 2011 played a crucial role in assisting with the running of the event, ensuring smooth operations throughout the competition.

For future participants, the organizers highlighted Born Primitive Tactical as a provider of performance-designed tactical apparel. Their gear, specifically designed for this event and global tactical operations, could provide a competitive edge in the challenging desert conditions.

Looking Ahead

The inaugural PrairieFire National SWAT Competition has already generated excitement for future events. Organizers have expressed their eagerness to see all teams return next year, indicating that this competition is set to become an annual fixture in the tactical law enforcement calendar.

As teams departed the Nevada desert, the sentiment was clear: the PrairieFire National SWAT Competition had not only met but exceeded expectations. It set a new standard for SWAT excellence in the United States, combining rigorous challenges with community building and professional development.

The event’s success promises an even more competitive and engaging competition in the years to come, as teams from across the nation prepare to return and prove their mettle in this ultimate test of SWAT capabilities.

Be sure to follow our Match Calendar for future events.