About the Course
Classroom Portion:
During this portion of the course you’ll learn about basic AR-15 parts and functions, cleaning and maintenance, and accessorizing your rifle. This course is designed to teach you how to operate your AR-15 safely and properly, whether for recreation, hunting, sports, or personal defense.
Live Fire Instruction:
Get hands-on experience when learning about safe and effective operation of your AR-15. During live-fire instruction, you’ll cover concepts like “confirmation of zero,” while engaging in practical and cumulative drills that apply to the defense of yourself, your loved ones, and your home.
Student Focused Philosophy:
This is a knowledge-focused course, meaning, the only requirement needed to attend is a willingness to learn. Certified Instructors explain the “why” behind the fundamental skills of safe and effective AR-15 operations, giving you a holistic understanding of what’s being taught.
Building Confidence and Competency:
We focus intensely on building your skillset and familiarity with the AR-15 platform, which boosts confidence in your own abilities. A foundational understanding of the platform, paired with a boost in confidence, helps ensure you are better prepared in the event of a dynamic critical incident.
Your Instructor
Tom F.
Tom has been an armed professional for the past two decades and has been a firearms instructor for the past 10 years. Outside of being an instructor, his background is in Law Enforcement and high level Executive / Dignitary Protection Operations serving as operations director and team leader in various high profile and high risk details - domestically and internationally. Tom has achieved certifications as an Anti-Terrorism Specialist, Forensic Investigator, and numerous other industry specific accolades. In 2013, Tom launched a security and investigations firm offering executive level protective services in several states throughout the United States.
While still working in the private sector, Tom founded SKILLSET Defense Academy to bring his training and experience to our students and has built a cadre of world class instructors to teach alongside him. His goal with SKILLSET is to bring his skills and the skill set's of other top tier instructors under one roof to maximize the training and knowledge delivered to students.
Tom is an NRA instructor, a NRA Range Safety Officer, a USCCA defensive firearms instructor, and a P.O.S.T certified Tactical Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor (Peace Officer Standards and Training). He holds additional instructor certifications in workplace violence prevention, Active Shooter Response, and has been featured in numerous publications discussing safety, security, and home defense.