Competition Details/Schedule

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THE OPERATIONAL ORDER FOR THE 2025 SKILLS COMPETITION IS AVAILABLE NOW. PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR DETAILS.

Go Hard or Go Home

Skills, strength, character, communication, and determination. How do you perform as individuals and as teams against your national and international peers? Find out by participating in our Skills Competition.

The Skills Competition is designed to test skills, training, endurance, communication, and teamwork, but these competitions are not training. From marksmanship, to hostage rescues, to our obstacle course, you'll find our competition exciting and challenging every year.

Test Your Mettle

Just as the title of the event implies, it is a skills competition, not a training event. (The Mock Prison Riot portion of the tradeshow comprises training events, but the Skills Competition portion does not.) In the development of each event, every effort is made to put in place specific tasks that are universal in nature and need. Whether you are a part-time operator from a small department or a full-time operator from the largest department, there are skills that any and all team members should be able to demonstrate on demand. As previously stated, this is not a training event, though competing in the event does have some definite and extensive training value. Stress inoculation is recognized in training circles. The competitive nature of this event provides the real stress that is often very difficult to incorporate into your regular training.

The skills events themselves are designed to reward a team that conducts the proper intelligence gathering, team preparation, and task/mission rehearsals and then properly executes the plan. The competition has repeatedly proven the idea that a good plan, which is well rehearsed, is far better than the perfect plan with no rehearsal.

The Obstacle Course event rewards well-conditioned teams and teams who exhibit sound teamwork.

The team competition has drawn up to 30 competing teams from local, state and federal corrections, law enforcement (both domestic and international) as well as military. This provides an excellent networking opportunity as well as a broad base of knowledge from which to draw and gauge your own team’s mission readiness and performance under stress.

For 2025, the Skills Competition will be held on Sunday, Monday: 4-5 May. There will be a mandatory Team Leader meeting on Saturday, 3 May 2025, starting at 5 pm at the MV Coleman Training Center onsite at the decommissioned West Virginia Penitentiary. The site will be open from 9 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, 3 May 2025, for Team Leaders and their Teams for walk-throughs and briefings. The day will culminate with the Team Leader only meeting at 5:00 pm. A standard safety briefing is conducted as well as any basic housekeeping issues. A review of the Operations Order for each event is conducted, followed by a walk-through of the event area with the Lead Judge of the event reviewing or demonstrating each scored task(s). Questions are permitted.

It is then the Team Leader’s responsibility to properly relay the information provided at the briefing to his or her team. Just as in a real-world mission, this is a critical skill for the Team Leader. It may not be scored, but deficiencies in this area will absolutely show themselves during the competition. Communication skills are just as important as physical skills. 

Command and Signal

The following applies to all Team events:

• An Event Coordinator/Senior Judge will be located at the event starting area to provide event briefing, monitor times and pre/post event weapons inspections.
• Additional Judges will be stationed throughout the event area to monitor hits/misses, dummy placement, safety violations etc.
• The competing Team Leader will be the only team member authorized to address issues/concerns to the Senior Judge at each respective event.
• All team communications will be face to face.
• Hand held devices (phones/radios) of any kind are prohibited from use or carry by participants during the event.
• Judges will utilize 2-way radios to coordinate the events.

We look forward to hosting your team for this event, and hope you enjoy the team building skills and camaraderie our competition offers!

Please note that the Tactical Skills Competition is designed and judged by the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation Special Operations - Tactical Section. The WV DCR does not compete in the event. The WV DCR has extensive experience executing the Mock Prison Riot and Skills Competition. 

THE OPERATIONAL ORDER FOR THE 2025 SKILLS COMPETITION IS AVAILABLE NOW. PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR DETAILS.

Saturday, 3 May 2025

Time: 9 am - 5:00 pm Event locations open to Participating Teams

Time: 5:00pm Team Leader (Team Leaders ONLY) Briefing and Walk-Through

Teams will be assigned a starting order at the Team Leader meeting on Saturday evening.  Agencies with multiple teams will go in consecutive order.  Once each event is completed, the teams will have 15 minutes to recover, re-equip and report to the next event.  Schedule of events are as listed below beginning on Sunday with events 1, 2, 3.  Events 4, 5, and Super Swat on Monday.  The schedule is subject to change as a result of  weather conditions or any other logistical issues that may arise. 

Team Leaders will identify any participants for the individual Super SWAT events at this meeting as well.

Each competing team may include up to 20 members who may be assigned to any of the team events.  Agencies with multiple competing teams cannot switch members between those teams.  There will be no more than 30 participating teams for the Skills Competition.  Initial registrations will be for a single team.  If slots are still available within the 30-team limit, agencies wishing to run a second team will be permitted to, up to the 30-team limit.  If there is an excess number requesting the second team, the additional teams will be selected by drawing at the Team Leader briefing on Saturday.

The Team Leader walk thru is just that, for team leaders or their designee only. Only one representative from each competing team may attend the walk-through. It is the team leader's responsibility to then pass any information gained to their team. If your team leader does not attend this meeting, there will be no additional briefings. 

Team members may see the event locations during the 10:00 am-5:00pm Saturday time listed above, however there will not be any question/answers during that time. Any questions should be communicated to the team leader to ask during the formal walk-through.

Please note the following:

• Events and schedules are subject to change. Scheduling priority in the event of adverse weather, or other contingencies, is given to the Team Competition.
• To participate in the Skills Competition, you must have a team of five operators and up to 20 alternates that you can switch out for the various events.
• There is a $50 non-refundable registration fee for every attendee.
• The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WV DCR) plans, manages, and executes the Skills and Super SWAT Competitions. The WV DCR does not have teams or operators participating in the competition.
• For teams that may be traveling by plane, weapons can be made available. These will be limited to AR type rifles, Glock Handguns (9mm/.45) and Remington 870 Shotguns.
• "Sim” weapons and ammo are used extensively throughout the events. There is also regular use of Flash/Sound Distraction Devices (FSDD) and various soft impact rounds for the shotgun and 37/40 mm systems.

*Any questions regarding the Skills and Super SWAT Competitions may be directed to Major Ronnie Williams at 304.558.2036, or by email at [email protected].

SATURDAY, 3 May 2025

TIME:        0900-1700 EVENT LOCATIONS OPEN TO TEAMS

TIME:        1700  Team Leader (ONLY) Briefing and Walk thru

Teams will be assigned a starting order at the Team Leader meeting on Saturday evening.  Agencies with multiple teams will go in consecutive order.  Once each event is completed, the teams will have 15 minutes to recover, re-equip and report to the next event.  Schedule of events are as listed below beginning on Sunday with events 1, 2, 3.  Events 4, 5, and Super Swat on Monday.  The schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions or other logistical issues. 

Team Leaders will identify any participants for the individual Super SWAT events at this meeting as well.

Each competing team may include up to 20 members who may be assigned to any of the team events.  Agencies with multiple competing teams cannot switch members between those teams.  There will be no more than 30 participant teams.  Initial registrations will be for a single team.  If slots are still available within the 30-team limit, agencies wishing to run a second team will be permitted to, up to the 30-team limit.  If there is an excess number requesting the second team, the additional teams will be selected by drawing at the Team Leader briefing on Saturday.

THE TEAM LEADER WALK THRU IS JUST THAT, FOR TEAM LEADERS OR THEIR DESIGNEE ONLY.  ONLY ONE REPRESENTATIVE FROM EACH COMPETING TEAM MAY ATTEND THE WALK THRU.  IT IS THE TEAM LEADER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO THEN PASS ANY INFORMATION GAINED, TO THEIR TEAM. 

TEAM MEMBERS MAY SEE THE EVENT LOCATIONS DURING THE SATURDAY, 0900-1700 TIME LISTED ABOVE, HOWEVER THERE WILL NOT BE ANY QUESTION/ANSWERS DURING THAT TIME.  ANY QUESTIONS SHOULD BE COMMUNICATED TO THE TEAM LEADER TO ASK DURING THE FORMAL WALK THRU.

SUNDAY, 04 May 2025

START TIME:  0800 EST

Team Event #1

Scenario/Mission- Team Obstacle Course

Location-    South Recreation Yard

On the command to start, the team will depart the starting box at the South Wagon Gate and move through the obstacle course.  All team members must complete every obstacle.  Team members may offer assistance. However they may only do so prior to their completion of the obstacle in question.  If an Officer provides assistance after he/she has already completed the obstacle, the assisting Officer will have to complete that obstacle again.  Time will stop when the last team member has crossed the finish line.

Any questions/concerns needing further address will be done so during the Team Leaders walk thru on Saturday evening.

 Team Event #2

Scenario/Mission- Respond and Recover

Location-   North Yard

Situation-  Two inmates were discovered missing during count process.  CCTV footage shows them entering in a restricted area prior to count.   Materials found in their living areas indicate a potential escape attempt is in progress. They have not acknowledged or complied with orders to exit the area.

Execution-   The response team will stage in designated location beside the North Yard pavilion.  On command, the team will exit the start box and move to the first barricade, obtain the 40mm launcher staged on the table and engage the less lethal target with one 40mm impact round through either of the designated openings in the barricade.  Once the target has been successfully engaged, the 40mm will be placed back on the table with the action open and chamber empty. The team may then retrieve the first drag dummy and move it to designated location.  Once the dummy has been placed, the team may move to barricade #2.  There, they will obtain a Remington 870 pump action shotgun from the adjacent table, load and engage the 2^nd less lethal target with a Combined Systems-2581 Super Sock impact round.  Round(s) must be fired through any of the designated openings in the barricade.  Once a hit is achieved, the shotgun will be placed back on the table with an empty chamber and magazine with the action OPEN and safety engaged.   Once the 2^nd target has been successfully engaged, the team may then move to recover the 2^nd drag dummy and return it the the start box.  Time stops when all team members are in the start box.

• Team cannot proceed beyond barricades until their respective targets have been “hit”.
• Either weapon being placed back on the table(s) with the action closed, safety off or with any charged or spent rounds loaded in chamber or magazine will incur penalty.
• Acceptable shooting ports in barricades will be clearly marked.

Admin & Logistics

Personnel-   5

Weapons-    40mm launcher w/ 4 impact rounds 

                   870 Shotgun w/ 4 Super Sock rounds

Team Event #3   

Scenario/Mission- Recover, Breach & Secure

Location-   North Yard

Situation-     An unknown person(s) has entered a local office building, physically attacked persons within.  Assailant is believed to still be on site.   The building consists of one multi-story office area, a large open area and a maintenance/service tunnel.  The number of people in the building are unknown at this time. 

Mission-     The team is tasked with making a safe rescue/recovery of any victim(s), making entry into the structure, defeating any obstacles, searching for, locating & securing all persons found within, engaging and securing any threats encountered.

EXECUTION- Entry team will stage in the rear of the TRRV-Tactical Response/Rescue Vehicle.  On command to initiate, the entry team will exit the vehicle.   The team will move to their chosen entry point, the designated shooter will move to the designated firing point where they will deploy 1- 40mm round (simulated agent) through an open window.  Once the round has been SUCCESSFULLY deployed, the rescue team may approach the structure, assess and render aid to the “victim” and place upon stretcher/litter.  The team will signal to the designated shooter that they are ready to move/evac.  Designated shooter will fire another 40mm round through the window.  The rescue team may then evac the victim back to the TRRV.   The team will then return to the structure and begin their search and clear of the area.   During this operation, the team may encounter multiple subjects (threat/non threat) that must be engaged appropriately.  The team will encounter obstacles/barricades that must be defeated.  Drag dummies will be located in various locations throughout the structure.  These dummies must be moved to the designated location inside the unit before the team exits.  To exit, the team must exit through the opposite point from which they entered.  From exit, they will move back to the start point(TRV), where time will stop when the last team member enters.  All weapons, tools and equipment will be carried from start to finish.

Admin & Logistics

Personnel-   5

Weapons-    (5) Glock 17T – w/ 2 magazines of “marking rounds”

• AR Training Rifle Platform- 1 w/ 2 magazines of “marking rounds”
• 40mm launcher w/ 4 impact rounds

Equipment- Bolt cutters, door ram, hooligan tool

Monday, 05 May 2025

8:00 AM START

SUPER SWAT Competition (Individual)

The Super SWAT Competition will be limited to 30 participants.  This is only open to teams/members participating in the Team Skills.  Participating teams may submit more than one entry. However, it may be necessary to reduce that number if total entries exceed 30.  In that case, the respective Team Leader will make the determination on which competitor(s) will be cut from the competition. 

The Obstacle Course will be completed in its entirety with the addition of a 100lb dummy carry/drag from the end of the O course to the starting point of the obstacle course, where event time will stop.

Event Scoring- Total time

TEAM EVENT #4  

8:30 AM START

Scenario/Mission- Respond & Rescue Relay

Location- North Yard

Situation- An inmate or group of inmates have initiated a disturbance on the North Recreation Yard of the West Virginia Penitentiary. They have assaulted both staff and other inmates. Tower Officers have reported that there are multiple individuals that are injured and the suspect or suspects are still in the area.

Mission- Your team is tasked with conducting a tactical intervention. Securing all parties involved, rendering aid and evacuating any injured persons.

Execution- The Response team will stage at a designated area on the North Yard. Upon command, team members will don protective masks, 1 team member will then move to the equipment table, obtain a box then proceed to the crisis/ barricade site. Said team member must determine the appropriate weapon system and engage the target. Once the target has been engaged, said team member will secure / rescue the dummy or dummies by moving them to a predesignated area. Once the dummy or dummies are secured, said team member will return to the staging area allowing the 2nd team member to begin the scenario repeating until all 5 team members have completed the event. Time will stop when the 5th team member crosses into the staging area.

Any questions/concerns needing further assistance will be addressed during the Team Leader walk thru.

Admin/Logistics-

Personnel- 5

Weapons/Ammo- (1) 40mm Launcher

(1) Remington 870 Shotgun

(5) 40 mm Impact Rounds

(5) 12ga Impact Rounds

Event #5- BREACH, CLIMB & RECOVER

Start time-08:30 AM

Location-   SOUTH YARD-SW CORNER & GYMNASIUM

Situation-   An unknown number of suspects have taken control of the gymnasium and physically attacked persons within.  Some victims have escaped the area by using the fire exit.  Assailants have barricaded interior access points.   Currently, the total number of people (suspects/victims) in the building is unknown. 

Mission-     The team is tasked with making a safe rescue/recovery of any victim(s), making entry into the structure, defeating any obstacles, searching for, locating & securing all persons found within, engaging and securing any threats encountered, exiting and resecuring the building.

EXECUTION- Entry team will stage in the rear of the TRRV-Tactical Response/Rescue Vehicle.  On command to initiate, the entry team will exit the vehicle.   The designated shooter will move to the designated firing point where they will deploy 12ga. Impact munitions at established target(s).  Once the round has been SUCCESSFULLY deployed, the rescue team may approach the targets, assess and render aid to any injured and place upon stretcher/litter and move to designated recovery point(s) near the TRRV.   The team will continue entering the structure and begin their search and clear of the area.   During this operation, the team may encounter multiple subjects (threat/non-threat) that must be engaged appropriately.  The team will encounter obstacles/barricades that must be defeated.  Drag dummies will be in various locations throughout the structure.  These dummies must be moved to the designated locations inside the gymnasium unit before the team exits.  Upon exit from the structure, the entry point must be secured/locked.  From there, the team will move back to the start point (TRRV), where time will stop when the last team member enters.  All weapons, tools and equipment will be carried from start to finish.

Admin & Logistics

Personnel-   5

Weapons-    (5) Glock 17T – w/ 2 magazines of “marking rounds”

• AR Training Rifle Platform- 1 w/ 2 magazines of “marking rounds”
• 12 gauge Shotgun w/ specialty impact rounds

Equipment- Bolt cutters, door ram, hooligan tool

COMMAND & SIGNAL (APPLIES TO ALL TEAM EVENTS)

Event Coordinator/Senior Judge-        Located at the event starting area to

provide event briefing, monitor times and pre/post event weapons inspections.

Additional Judges -   will be stationed throughout the event area to monitor                   hits/misses, dummy placement, safety violations etc.

Competing Team Leader -   the Team Leader will be the only team member authorized to address issues/concerns to the Senior Judge at each respective event.

Communications-     All team communications will be face to face.

Hand held devices (phones/radios) of any kind are prohibited from use or carry by participants during the event.

                                Judges will utilize 2 way radios to coordinate the events.

PENALTIES

SAFETY VIOLATIONS -   will result in a 60 sec. penalty for each violation.

• Safety violations will include any weapon returning to the start/finish box in an unsafe configuration.

-Handguns will be holstered.  If it’s in hand, it’s a penalty

-Long guns will be action open, safety on.  If it’s closed or safety off, it’s a penalty

• Any “dropped” weapon or Distraction device will result in a safety violation. If it hits the deck, it’s a penalty.
• ANY exchange or passing of weapons between team members will be done hand to hand with the weapon in a completely safe configuration. Operators will maintain PHYSICAL control of all weapons at all times.
• Entering an area prior to or during the initiation of a FSDD- flash/sound distraction device.
• All FSDD will be dropped in the “threshold” of the doorway. Devices thrown/deployed too deeply in to the room or an unsafe/unobserved area will be penalized.  Safe areas will be clearly marked.
• Firing at a Non-threat target or otherwise hitting a non- threat/hostage. In this case, misses do count.

Violations that are clearly negligent or of such a gross nature that they

present a danger to team members, judges or observers will result in

disqualification from the event and a score of zero.  An example of such a

violation would be the “negligent discharge” of any weapons system or

munition.

PROCEDURAL VIOLATIONS-   Procedural violations will result in a 30 sec. penalty being assessed.

• Improper placement of any “dummy”.
• Failure to recover any “dummy”.
• Failure to observe designated checkpoints/routes/instructions
• Any failure to wear or loss of any item designated as “Mission essential

     equipment” will result in a violation for each item and each team

     member not in compliance.

MISSES-    Target misses will result in a 30 second penalty for each occurrence.               

• Failure to deploy FSDD into the designated area.
• Failure to fire or make the required number of hits on target

Any violations/penalties assessed will be reviewed with the Team Leader immediately following the event.

Scoring- unless otherwise noted, event scores will be a result of the team’s total time plus any penalties incurred.

Safety Inspections-   will be completed at the staging area prior to each event.  Stationed judges will inspect all weapons and munitions prior to the team moving into their starting position.  Each team member will also be inspected to verify the presence of all mission essential equipment.  The same inspections will be completed at the conclusion of each event, prior to any members being released from the staging area.

All tactical team events except the Obstacle Course require the following as Mission Essential Equipment:

• Helmet (Riot or Ballistic)
• Protective Mask/Eye Protection
• Ear Protection
• Protective vest (ballistic or stab). Carriers are optional but cannot be substituted as a protective vest. Loaners are available.
• Boots- running shoes and sneakers are NOT boots, regardless of color

 PROHIBITED ITEMS

• All less lethal munitions and marking rounds will be provided.  Any teams wishing to utilize their own munitions must declare that at the Team Leader briefing and make arrangements for entry and inspection of said munitions.  The only exception will be the live handgun ammunition for the range event.
• Hand-held electronic devices are prohibited from being on the person of any participating team member while in the on deck position of each event or prior to completion of the event debrief conducted by the senior judge following the teams “run”.