Why Take Training from 305 TAC?
I’m trying to write more blog posts for no one to read. Apparently, that helps with the algorithm. This is one of the hardest ones for me to write. I came from an organization where you did not brag on yourself. Learning to sell myself is challenging. So, with that said, let me explain where I came from and why you should maybe consider listening to me, reading the blog, or taking training from me.
Once upon a time, no …joke… there I was. The short version is that I retired from the US Secret Service in January of 2022 after 25 years in Federal Law Enforcement starting with the US Border Patrol. After my field office time and protection time (in the Intelligence Division) I was assigned to the Academy (James J. Rowley Training Center). The Control Tactics section was looking for instructors, so I volunteered to go there. I spent 18 months there and then became the Backup for the Judgement and Tactics Section.
All in all I spent four years teaching Use of Force in some way, shape, or form. It was hands down one of the best jobs I have ever had. While I was in those two assignments, I went to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center for some of their instructor courses. I also went through the USSS Firearms Instructor class and then was mentored by some truly great instructors. Because I was in a tactics section and was not comfortable teaching basic tactics yet, I took the EAG Tactical Shoot House course. I already knew Pat Rogers from previous Carbine Operator courses, but I started really learning from him in that class. Plus, I met John Chapman, currently half of Forge Tactical. Later, I also met John Speers, the other half of Forge, through a different EAG class. I’ve taken both Shoot House Instructor and CQB Instructor from Forge Tactical. The number and quality of people I met through Pat just continues to amaze me.
After I left the Washington, DC area I moved to the DFW area. I was a firearms instructor for the office and conducted some basic tactics and basic Tactical Emergency Casualty Care training. In 2017, the USSS stood up the Regional In-Service Training Program (RIST). I was selected as one of the first class of instructors. I was also selected in the first class of field instructors when the USSS began its transition from the MP-5 to the SR-15. When the Glock transition began, I was again selected for an early instructor class.
My last two years with the USSS I was the Regional Training Program Manager responsible for Texas and the surrounding states. In RIST we taught firearms, control tactics, tactical emergency casualty care, CPR, and small detail training (things like movement with a protectee in a building, motorcade operations, etc). My background as an EMT since 1996 really helped when teaching the medical classes. In between all that, I managed to earn a blue belt from Ryan Young of Kama Jiu Jitsu.
What that all means to you is that I have a lot of experience teaching stuff. I have taught a lot, and I mean taught, not just reading a PowerPoint. I can make you a better shooter if you’re a normal gun guy. If you are classified in USPSA or IDPA, you know who to go to in order to improve your class. Hint: that isn’t me. What I offer that is different than many other instructors is a significant background in use of force law. I love teaching. I especially love teaching new shooters. But even if you’ve been shooting a while, if you recognize a need to improve, I can help you.
In closing, whether you get training from me, from Forge Tactical, or from other instructors—just get some training. No one ever reacted badly to a situation due to too much training. I know for a fact that there are people who were not shot because I or other officers/agents were serious about our training. Be that light in the dark that pushes yourself to make the right decision.