When it comes to close quarters battle (CQB), every second counts, and every piece of gear must earn its place. Tactical shields are a critical tool for law enforcement and military teams conducting high-risk room clearing operations. These shields don’t just provide ballistic protection, they shape the way teams move, communicate, and dominate confined spaces.
Why Shields Matter in CQB
In tight environments like hallways, small rooms, stairwells, and urban interiors, traditional cover is often non-existent. Tactical shields offer mobile cover that allows the entry team to advance under protection, create angles, and safely confront threats. They’re often deployed as part of a stack, the shield lead absorbs and deflects incoming fire while other team members secure sectors and flow through the room.
The right shield allows a team to:
- Push through thresholds with confidence
- Protect the shield operator and team behind them
- Maintain visibility through viewports or other cut-outs
- Control and direct movement with ergonomic handling
- Quickly respond to threats without compromising maneuverability
At RTS Tactical, our shield lineup is purpose-built for these scenarios. Let’s break down how each shield fits into CQB.
RTS Tactical Level III+ Rifle Special Threats Mini Shield
Best for: Vehicle Teams, SROs, K9 Handlers, Campus & Hospital Security, Executive Protection Teams, Individual Patrol Officers, CQB/Tactical Entry Teams, Undercover Units.
The RTS Tactical Level III+ Rifle Special Threats Mini Shield brings rifle-rated protection in an ultra-compact form, allowing solo officers or first responders to maneuver quickly in confined areas. Its lightweight profile and exposed handle design make it ideal for fast-moving entries or one-person engagements where agility is essential, or two-man teams where coordinated movement and quick shield transitions are critical. When you're first on scene, this is the shield that keeps you mobile and protected.
RTS Tactical Centurion Ballistic Shield
Best for: SWAT Teams, Entry Units, and Law Enforcement Professionals.
With its curved design and rifle protection, the RTS Tactical Centurion Ballistic Shield is purpose-built for leading a team through high threat environments such as forced entries, active shooter situations, and hostage rescues.Its single curve profile enhances structural integrity while providing an ergonomic hold for rapid deployment in high-stakes situations. Featuring an enhanced ambidextrous handle system and an optimized weight distribution, this shield allows for greater control and reduced operator fatigue, ensuring comfort and stability during extended missions.
RTS Tactical Lead Entry Ballistic Shield
Best for: Entry Units, Tactical Operators, and Law Enforcement Professionals.
The RTS Tactical Lead Entry Ballistic Shield is a lightweight shield that offers effortless handling, allowing operators to maintain peak agility during forced entries, high-risk warrants, and critical response scenarios. The RF1-rated bolts ensure full ballistic integrity at all impact angles, delivering next-level performance where it matters most. This shield redefines ballistic protection with its patent-pending boltless viewport, eliminating weak points in the glass while maximizing durability under extreme conditions.
RTS Tactical LEGION Ballistic Shield
Best for: SWAT Teams, Tactical Response Units, Active Shooter Response Teams, Breach and Clear Teams, High-Risk Warrant Service Units, and Law Enforcement Professionals.
The RTS Tactical LEGION Ballistic Shield features RTS Tactical’s unique contours and a large ballistic viewport for enhanced visibility and protection. Utilizing patent-pending viewport technology, hardened steel ballistic-rated bolts and new technology systems ensures you become the hero, protecting allies and engaging threats simultaneously. Our innovative system removes all bolts and adhesives, eliminating gaps and vulnerabilities found in traditional designs. Tested to be three times stronger than conventional adhesives, it ensures a zero-gap barrier for superior clarity, durability, and protection. Heavy-duty rubber bumpers on the corners absorb shocks and protect against wear, ensuring the shield remains reliable in real-world operations. Proudly manufactured in the USA, built to the highest quality standards to meet the demanding needs of modern tactical teams.
RTS Tactical Gladiatore Ballistic Shield
Best for: Entry Teams, Solo/Group Operators, Tactical Units, SWAT Teams, School Resource Officers (SROs), Executive Protection Details, Patrol Officers, Active Shooter Response Teams, and High-Risk Warrant Units.
The RTS Tactical Gladiatore Ballistic Shield is designed to withstand multiple rifle threats from various angles. Its strategically placed cutouts allow operators to stabilize their firearms, ensuring precision in the most demanding situations. With ballistic-rated bolts for enhanced structural integrity and a compact 18” x 24” design, this shield offers superior protection without sacrificing speed or versatility. Proudly made in-house in the USA, the Gladiatore is mission-ready for law enforcement, military, and security professionals who need unmatched defense in the field.
RTS Tactical Active Shooter SWAT Ballistic Shield
Best for: SWAT Teams, Active Shooter Response Units, School Resource Officers (SROs), Hostage Rescue Teams, and Crowd Control Units.
The RTS Tactical Active Shooter SWAT Ballistic Shield is ergonomically designed and compatible with long range guns and LED lights. This shield is contoured for extra protection and lightweight for easy and rapid motion. The shooting ports are easily accessible in horizontal or vertical positions and offer increased head coverage against other shields. The SWAT ballistic shield comes designed with a view port and an Improved Weapon Mount Platforms each side of the shield so first responders can safely present their weapon and effectively neutralize single or multiple threats.
Final Thoughts
CQB operations demand clarity, confidence, and capability. Shields give teams the edge they need when the environment works against them. At RTS Tactical, we’re proud to offer ballistic shields designed with real-world feedback from law enforcement officers, tactical instructors, and military professionals.
Whether you’re operating solo, part of a stack, or tasked with protecting your campus/community, there’s an RTS Tactical shield that fits your mission.
Looking to outfit your team with CQB-ready protection?
Schedule a department consultation or request a quote at RTSTactical.com and get your team the best shield they need to lead on the frontlines.