First off hope this is the right spot, I figure since it’s a training related question it would be, and am hoping some instructors would chime in with suggestions.
Quick background, active USAF for 11 years, time is almost up, probably going reserve, just tired of active duty BS. Have had several combat related training course, some real world expierence. I currently instruct classes on various subjects. Also currently seaking more combat related instructor certificates like self aid buddy care, combat medic type classes, it’s only thing currently offered.
I got to thinking, I love shooting, taking apart/assembling firearms, building them. I enjoy teaching, being able to help others learn and give them tools to help in critical situations if need be. With that said is there a demand for these medic type and fire arms instructors in the civilian world? And if so, what other qualifications might help to get to that point? Considering taking some of the NRA Instructor course like pistol, rifle, etc.
I’m not looking to start my own training facility, at least not at this point. But would like to get on with some of the other training agencies, in the area I wish to go to. So is this something even worth looking into? I’m all about hard work, but at the same time I don’t want to waste my time and money getting some of the certificates out there if the odds are super slim I will get anywhere. I even also considered becoming a CHL instructor.
So if any instructors out there have some suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated. Also if if deponds on area of the country we are considering just north of Atlanta or the Charleston SC area.
I would say that if you are trying to make a living by doing it, don’t (have a day job). If you are looking to do it on the side, have fun and make a little extra cash, have at it.
My advice:
Teach what you know and are good at.
Be able to prove that you are good at it.
Honestly, there are a whole lot of guys on the instructor circuit, some that very good, many that are ok, and a whole lot that are in over their heads. If you want to teach high speed things, you better have had significant time doing high speed things. Frankly, lots of guys want to teach the shiny, when the market could use a lot more fundamental.
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I couldn’t agree with you more. In all honesty I don’t think I would be very good a the high speed drills, not unless I was able to afford lots of ammo for lots of practice. I am more concerned with the fundamentals.
I guess what I’d really like teach things like basic pistol/rifle techniques, assemble and disassembly, minor gunsmithing, maybe basic survival techniques, combat medic type stuff(basic triage I guess you could say, more advanced that just cps). CHL/CWP classes.
I am just not sure if there is a need for this. And I am not sure being able to do all these things would make me marketable or not. I see lots of people doing the advanced stuff. But I would think they have to start somewhere, unless they are just self taught.
You are right, everyone has to start somewhere, unfortunately there are a lot of guys out there at the local level who have the same ideas.
In many areas you can start out if you have a range and host classes - if you are competent at the basics you can fairly quickly build a following of shooters you started with basic CCW, then Pistol 101 and then Pistol 201, get a couple of those classes under your belt with a group of guys who shoot at your range and start hosting local events - IDPA, Action Pistol, 3-gun, trap, skeet. etc.
I know two guys who have done this on their own ranges, both are competent, and both have full-time day jobs in the LE field. Both businesses are growing, but it will be a long time, if ever, before their facilities become a full-time source of income.
Look around some and make sure you have reasonable expectations as to what you can accomplish - as an example, I’m not sure basic disassembly and assembly classes are going to get you much traction.
There are SOOOO many shooters with tons of real-world experience in the market that your skillset is severely lacking. Quite a few Special Operations veterans, and a metric ****ton of Army and Marine infantrymen with multiple deployments, shooting courses, and medical courses.
My point being, if you want to be successful, I suggest you set yourself apart by obtaining some high level accomplishments in the civilian world of shooting (IDPA, etc).