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Every tactical team has unique training needs. Here are tips to help you develop
the most efficient and functional training system to fulfill those needs.
TIP 1: Compile a checklist of BASIC requirements
Consider the most fundamental design criteria needed for hands-on training.
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Determine what is required for certification programs.
- State certification
- Unit and team training
- Individual training
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Determine basic requirements the training system must satisfy.
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Safety – Many factors must be considered to satisfy safety requirements.
- Most roof and floor live loads must exceed standard building codes (100
PSF minimum).
- Wall and roof surfaces must be flat so they can be safely rappelled, laddered,
and walked on.
- Windowsill heights must be designed high enough to prevent accidental falls.
- Rake trim and windowsills should have a beveled edge so as not to cut or
damage rappelling ropes.
- Door swings should not be an obstacle in a passageway.
- Stair platforms must be of a distinct profile as to give a different “feel”
than the floor deck.
- Metal floor decks should have a maximum 1” recess to prevent personal
injury.
- Number of Rooms – This depends on the available personnel resources.
- Will resources allow for multiple operations simultaneously?
- Room Sizes – Determine the intended use of the space and the
number of personnel, including students and instructors, likely to be involved
in a single exercise. Include space to be occupied by any required props.
- FYI: Spaces used for search and rescue are generally large and may involve
more
personnel than typical exercises.
- Material Integrity – Typically, training systems are non-insulated,
non-heated buildings. The materials used should be selected to best avoid deterioration
due to freezing and thawing or other weather related conditions. Training systems
are subjected to more physical abuse than ordinary commercial or industrial
buildings and these considerations should also be made clear to the designer.
TIP 2: Consider ENVIRONMENTAL conditions
Identify circumstances that represent challenges beyond the fundamentals. This
list may also contain features that are not necessary for the basic function
of the system but would enhance the training experience.
- High concentration of garden apartments? Consider a balcony.
- Industrial risks prevalent? Consider a caged
ladder.
- Confined space rescue training needed? May want to include an elevator
shaft.
TIP 3: Consider possible FUTURE modifications
Make provisions within the basic requirements for possible future modifications.
Planning for future modifications in the preliminary stages can make changes
not only possible, but also easier and cost effective.
- Changes in building height
- Converting rooms into confined spaces
TIP 4: COMPARE and SHARE Design Ideas
Compare – Compare the checklist with existing
training structures. Visit other sites and review designs of pre-engineered
buildings to determine if any will satisfy your basic requirements. Be aware
of any unique features you may want to incorporate in your design.
Share – Now it’s time to convey the system
design requirements to Tactical Training Systems. We understand the semantics
of tactical training terminology and, based on your training system requirements,
will create a design concept.
Now you are able to REVIEW and ACCEPT!
Having conveyed your specifications to us, your ideas will now begin taking
shape. Compare the proposed design with your needs. Look for adherence to the
basic functions and all safety and structural demands. Accept the design when
certain it will allow you to do everything expected.
Cost is a factor in the acceptance of the design. You may have developed
an estimate of the final cost, including design and building prop costs. TTS
can provide accurate cost projections upon completion of the design. When
the completed design is accepted, expect an updated estimate. Make sure the
estimate includes anticipated costs such as:
- Bonds
- Filing fees
- Permits
- Soil tests
- Applicable taxes
- Insurance
- Freight
- Any variance for local building codes since a training system is a “simulated”
building
Whatever your needs, whether small or large, include them all in your master
plan. What may seem like an unnecessary feature today may become a significant
part of your future training efforts. Follow these tips in preparation for the
design of your system and you will be certain to have a tactical training facility
that meets the unique needs of your team.
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