S.W.A.T. Magazine: The TV Show!

I just spent the last two days working on my latest project and I am seriously more excited about it than I have been about just about any project in recent history.

In 2001, while still working as a full time police officer, I started writing regularly for S.W.A.T. Magazine. I had written several articles and become a prolific contributor on the internet forums prior to going to joining S.W.A.T., but I was really excited. The chance to write on any topic I chose and be associated with such an established and respected magazine was a huge opportunity. Over the first few years, I probably averaged more than 1 article per issue. Between features, a column and the occasional “staff article” gear review, I spent a fair amount of energy creating content. Most of it, of course, ended up being related to training issues. In fact, to this day, the first article I ever wrote for S.W.A.T., on the topic of reality based training, remains one of my favorite articles. It was written in about an hour, immediately after I was asked by the publisher, Rich Lucibella, to join the staff. The library of training review articles including E.S.I., T.E.E.S., S.P.E.A.R., G.R.A.C.I.E. and many other schools is also a body a work that I am extremely proud of.

Over the last several years, my contributions to the magazine have dwindled to an article or two a year. The demands of running my own business, overseeing the development of the Combat Focus Shooting program, keeping up with the aggressive production schedule of the Personal Firearms Defense series and, most recently, taping The Best Defense series, have pulled me away from the magazine in a way that I have regretted. Thankfully, our editor, Denny Hansen, still accepts the articles that I find time to send!

Late last year, I approached Rich with revisiting an idea that we had only talked about in passing over the years: S.W.A.T. Magazine TV. After some serious conference calls amongst the staff and some advice seeking from my Gun TV Mentor, Michael Bane, by the end of December the decision was made. S.W.A.T. Mag was going to the airwaves.

Rich and Denny have been incredibly supportive over the years and working with them on SWAT TV has been great!

Fast forward to yesterday morning: Rich, the Hatch crew and I all standing on a range in southern Indiana with a group of my students on the first official full day of taping for the new show. Later in the day, we got Rich into the act and in front of the camera as well.  This morning, Denny joined us in front of the camera and this afternoon we really got into the meat of the show with Sheriff Ken Campbell and the legendary Louis Awerbuck doing segments.

Our focus is on the training, tools and techniques utilized by armed professionals in military, law enforcement and private security and the way their choices apply, or don’t, to personal and home defense.

Staff, Students and Guests at the end of the day's taping.

I am really proud to be bringing the integrity, dedication and professionalism of S.W.A.T. magazine to the Outdoor Channel. We have an incredible line up of trainers, locations and guests for the first season, which will begin airing in January on Outdoor Channel, 7:30pm Eastern every Wednesday. I look forward to sharing more information as we get closer to the new year and hearing your feedback about the new show!

Of course, all of the S.W.A.T. Magazine Staffers who are active in the training industry were invited to be part of the show. Louis Awerbuck was one of the first to accept and did a great job during his afternoon of taping!

-RJP