Train like you fight

[Oobray]

I know the common opinion of “train like you fight” but my question is about the reality of this. I work in law enforcement. Sometimes plain clothes, sometimes in full tactical gear. Obviously the same techniques that can be performed without tactical gear are difficult or impossible with the gear. Problem is, my gym won’t allow me to train in my gear and when I’ve done it at my home gym it likes holes in the mat (gun holster etc.)

Any suggestions?

[mynewunit]

Where do you train with your "unit"? Do you have a training room, situation room, or gym at the department? I don't think the holster is the piece I would worry about training with, but I could be wrong. I think it would be more useful to training in the the vest and helmet.
Obviously we are talking about BJJ, but I think it might be more useful to do a different type of training in full gear. Try a run in full kit. Maybe some turkish get ups, and kettle bell swings. Or finally just some common movements you would make while in tactical gear, beach crawl, bear crawl, change position (on back, knees, prone, crouch, stand) randomly so you are comfortable changing from anyone position to any other position without necessarily progressing through an intermediate position. Seems like a the opportunity for some reindeer games the first of the month to get the squad and race across the parking lot in full gear.
The real answer of train how you fight is that you may develop bad habits training out of gear. Once you "Jock up" you are heavier, impinged, and have different strength and weaknesses. Training in gear helps you with your technique in addition to learning when to break the rules. I remember Leif talking about taking off their eye protection when they were running because the sweat would obstruct your view. Maybe you need to take off some gear for a specific situation.
Last, I am pretty sure I could get a line of a dozen guys who would love to grapple with a SWAT guy in full kit on some Saturday morning, even if it was just carpet or grass.
Keep it up. Looking for ways to improve and migrate wisdom from other fields to yours is leading on the path.