Comments by Past Attendees

The only way to know, for sure, if a school is worth attending, is to ask someone who has been to a previous school.  Please feel free to contact, at random, the attendees for critiques and references.  If you are in need of more references please call NASTA at 614-392-4001.

Basic SWAT Course Spring 2010

"The instructors were very knowledgeable and did an excellent job of relating the information to students.  This was one of the best courses I have attended in a long while." Roger Hyden, Ross County Ohio Sheriff's Office.

"Experience.... it is a plus (and a bonus) to have instructors that have lived what they are teaching."  William Haines Minerva, Ohio Police Department.

"All of the instructors were very experienced and well prepared.  Great attitudes and interaction with the students."  Roger Watkins, Lorain, Ohio Police Department.

"Learning environment was great.  Excellent course. Learned a lot of valuable/ life saving info for my Team."  Chris Clark, Ross County Ohio Sheriff's Office.

"I thought the team building skills were original and set the foundation for the entire week's training." Teresa Hunt, Hamilton County Police Association SWAT.

"The Instinct/Tactical Shooting was awesome, all tactical officers and Patrol officers should have exposure to this." Jason Madormo West Whiteland Twp. PA Police Department.

"Experience is the best teacher.  I would recommend this course to anyone in law enforcement."  Tom Nicklas S. Mary's Police Department.

"I have taken NASTA courses before and I always come away from training with better tactics and self confidence."  Gil Barker Sandy Township Police Department.

"Best training I have attended since being out of Army.  The instructors were very knowledgeable, didn't have the "it's my way or the highway" mentality.  They treated everyone with respect".  Chris Smith, St. Mary's Police Department.

"Positive encouragement, experienced, teaches a "can do attitude".  Manages a classroom in such a way as to make it relaxing yet students stay alert and attentive."  W. Todd Caltagarone, St. Mary's Police Department.

"Instructors took time with every operator to give constructive criticism that made a great difference."  Sergeant Kris Kruzelak, Sandy Township Police Department.

"Thier years of experience- hands on teaching.  I would recommend this course for any street officers as well, especially in rural areas."  Jerome Nevling, Clearfield County Sheriffs Department.

"Thanks fellows, looking forward to the advanced class."  Mike Hoskavich, Clearfield Police Department.

"I would recommend this training to anyone in law enforcement."  Joe Stanton, DuBois Police Department.

"The best training I have attended in my 15 years of law enforcement."  Officer Bill Karback, Lincoln Park, New Jersey Police Department.

"The instructors were very supportive and encouraging, excellent at teaching and encouraging team work." Patrolman Teresa Hunt, Hamilton County Rangers, Cincinnati, Ohio.

"The best way to learn is through hands on experience, the best way to be taught is through experienced individuals.  NASTA combines both and instructs an excellent Basic SWAT Course."  Patrolman Jason Dimick, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey Police Department.

"The instructors provided real experience with the course material making the information more credible."  Patrolman Jason Madormo, West Whiteland Township, PA.

"This was a great class in experience.  This is due to the fact that we learned from guys who do this every day and practice what they preach."  Officer Dustin Roy, Dubois City Police Department, Indiana.

"I would want the instructors watching my six anytime.  Keep up the superior training."  Officer Steve Maholtz, Dubois City Police Department, Indiana.

"Great tactical firearms training, most advanced shooting I have ever done in my military and law enforcement experience."  Officer Brian Steel Mountain Lake, New Jersey Police Department.

"Outstanding training, second to none. OHH RAH!" Sergeant David Mayhood, Boonton, New Jersey Police Department.

"The overall course was superior. Exactly the framework required to build a competent and capable Team."  Chief Robert Tovo Mountain Lake, New Jersey Police Department.

"The instructors were great cops, and teachers.  I liked the way they praised our work as well as giving us criticism."  Officer Jeff McCloskey West Whiteland Pennsylvania Police Department.

"Overall course is very good and I have gained some valuable knowledge."  David Johnston Curwensville Borough Police Department.

"The instructor's years of experience and the ability to keep it simple to understand."  Greg Neeper Clearfield Borough Police Department.

"Their instructions were clear and easy to understand, never belittled other classmates.  I want to thank them all for a great job."  Keith, St. Mary's.

The Dynamic Entry Class was superior and best hands on training in 13 years.  Mark Bosland Lincoln Park, New Jersey.

The tactical firearms incorporated superior reloading drills and movement shooting.  Sergeant Rick Jennings Pequannock, New Jersey. 

Even though our team's tactics and training are similar your experience convinced me to try your method and maybe incorporate it into our system.  Sergeant Fred Ernst Passaic, New Jersey.

The instructors were experienced, knowledgeable, and personable.  Brother police officer, cop to cop not teacher to student philosophy.  Officer Anthony Simone Lincoln Park, New Jersey.

Great class by experienced men. These guys are combat proven and able to share their life experiences as a valuable learning tool!  Detective Commander Rich DiCarlo Passaic County, New Jersey.

Perfect coverage for the basic school.  I am looking forward to future NASTA training.  Bill Cahill Westown-East Goshen PA.

Instructors treated us like intelligent adults.  Not trying to put everyone down.  Officer Rusinko Rocky River Police Department.

All three instructors were knowledgeable, skilled, and more importantly all were committed to sincerely educating officers to help each to excel.  Kevin Bielozer, Westlake, Ohio Police Department.

The overall course was superior, definitely gave me a good strong base to build on.  James Rubincan, West Goshen Police Department.

The instructors were articulate, presented information and principles in a logical and useful order.  Mike McFarlin, Glascow Police Department.