Military training for civilians could save your or your family’s life. The next time an active shooter is on the loose at your kid’s school or the mall. If you find yourself in the middle of a street robbery or riots, you may be glad you took some Military training for civilians courses.
Civilians have access to great tactical training courses that can take their shooting, medical, and mental skills up several notches and give them the tactical edge they need in life-threatening situations.
This post will look at 18 of the best Military training for civilians courses available today.
This list is not in any order.
What is the Best Military Training for Civilians?
Tiger Valley
Tiger Valley is a premier firearms training facility on a 168-acre site in Central Texas. Founded by law enforcement officers that saw a training gap in the average department tactical training courses.
After separating from the Army, my wife and I attended the Level I Tactical Pistol Course. I did not know how much I did not know about shooting, and I have some experience.
At the end of the second day, I could barely hold my gun. We were all in muscle failure because we would shoot reload mags, shoot reload mags, and shoot reload mags.
Years after taking the class and taking others, I still think that Tiger Valley is one of the best places to learn to shoot.
Level I Tactical Pistol Course
This course aims to teach the shooter sound fundamental abilities. The skills necessary to safely deploy a handgun attract shooters. We’ll go through things in a straightforward to complicated manner. Basic shooting fundamentals such as grip, stance, and trigger control are discussed first.
Students are tested to demonstrate their accuracy and consistency. The students will be introduced to drawing from a holster, appropriate weapon handling, malfunction techniques, and reloading quickly.
Subjects Covered:
- Pistol(9mm Minimum)/Holster
- 1200 Rounds Ammo
- Three Pistol Magazines and Pouches – Bring more, less time reloading.
- Back-up Pistol – Mary’s Kimber took a dump, so a backup is a great idea.
- Cleaning Supplies
- Copper and Powder Solvent
- Eye and Ear Protection
- All-weather Clothing
- Elbow and Knee Pads – Some of the ranges are rocky.
- Water/Snacks – The town is a reasonable distance away
Price: $450 Two Days
Thunder Ranch
Occupying 900 acres of beautiful Southern Oregon, Thunder Ranch is a premier firearms training facility. They have the room and knowledge to create unique scenarios to challenge you and get you into the tactical mindset.
From the West of Brown Range, the Jungle course with its camouflaged targets, Collins Ridge adds both altitude and distance, and Terminator 3 is a two-story indoor shoot house, to name a few.
Defensive Shotgun
The shotgun has been neglected for its antiquated features, yet it remains an excellent choice for personal protection with the appropriate load.
Most individuals own at least one and frequently underestimate its usefulness in problem-solving.
Subjects Covered:
- Safety
- Operation
- Loads
- Reloads
- Malfunctions
- Deployment
- Patterning
- Movement
- Communication
- The use of cover and concealment.
Requirements:
- Shoulder shooting pad
- Side saddle, if possible
- Belt bag for shells
- Elbow and knee pads
- Eye and ear protection
- Sunscreen
- Clothing for all types of weather
Ammunition Requirements:
- 400 bird
- 150 00 buck
- 25 rifled slugs
- NOMINAL
Price:$1,200
Front Sight Firearms Training Institute
Whether you’re a first-time shooter wanting to learn the proper skills the right way, or you are in law enforcement or the military and want to increase your life-saving skills, Front Sight is the place to go.
4-Day Uzi Submachine Gun Course
This comprehensive training in the tactical usage of the submachine gun will leave you in complete command and control of one of the most popular small arms on the planet.
Subjects Covered:
- Modulating the trigger (single shots or 2 round bursts while on full auto)
- Engaging targets from muzzle contact distance out to 50 yards
- Use of Deadly Force and the Law
- Color Code of Mental Awareness
- Civil Liability
- Stopping Power
- And more
Requirements:
- 16 to 17 years old
- The minimum age is 11 if taking the course with a parent or guardian.
- Submachine gun, sling, and magazines provided by Front Sight for $200
- Ammunition must be purchased from the Ammo Bunker at Front Sight.
Price: $2000 +$200 for Gun + $ Ammo
One Shepherd’s Warrior Leader Program (WLP)
One Shepherd’s Mission: “To provide the highest caliber of leadership education through experiential decision-making within a fully immersive learning environment.”
The WLP is a six-semester program that lasts seven days each week for 42 training days. During the week, warriors live in a field environment and conduct daytime and nighttime patrols. Tented quarters, food, blank ammunition, and all mission-critical equipment are available (AR15, MILES 2000 radios, optics).
Subjects Covered:
- Warrior Basic Course – Price: $275
- Land Navigation Course – Price: $275
- Warrior Advanced Course
- Light Leaders Course – Price: $275
- Mission Command Course
- Leader Reflection Course
- Situational Training Exercises (STX)- Price: $275
- Field Training Exercises (FTX)- Price: $350
Price: $500 for the entire semester, discounted from $900
Sig Sauer Academy
SIG SAUER Academy is a 140-acre facility in Epping, New Hampshire, with state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor ranges, tactical training areas, urban settings, a shoot house, a maritime training area, and force-on-force villages.
The SIG SAUER Academy offers a comprehensive range of more than 110 courses for civilians, law enforcement agencies, and military personnel.
SIG SAUER Classic Line Pistols Armorer Certification
This hands-on program focuses on the mechanical functioning, complete disassembly/reassembly, maintenance, troubleshooting, and field repair of these pistols: SIG SAUER (P220, P224, P225, P226, P227, P228, P229, and P239) while maintaining the factory warranty.
Responsible gun owners who have completed safe gun usage and handling training, such as SIG SAUER Academy Handgun 103 or equivalent, can attend the class.
Subjects Covered:
- Introduction to SIG SAUER pistols
- Examination of the SIG SAUER safety system
- Disassembly and assembly procedures: slides, frames, magazines
- A thorough examination of all pistol operations
- Inspection procedures
- Troubleshooting
- Operational function checks
- Sights: installation, adjustment
- Alternative maintenance methods
Price: $470
Green Eye Tactical
Eric Dorenbush, a former 1st SFOD-D Operator, started Green Eye Tactical a mobile training and consulting firm to adapt modern and combat-proven tactics to responsible Military, Law Enforcement, and Civilians.
“If you are looking for entertainment training or an easy button to progression, I am not who you are looking for.” About Page.
Urban Movement and Tactics
The Urban Movement and Tactics Course are designed to teach urban movement skills and subtleties. You’ll learn the same fundamental skills that operators go through throughout training.
To develop a firm foundation for further advanced education, emphasis will be placed on the fundamental principles and a thorough grasp of strategies.
The methods and tactics taught in this course are the same as those used and validated by conventional and Special Forces in real-world operations. They’re taught by battle veterans with combat expertise.
Subjects Covered:
- Land Warfare Tactics
- Principles of Patrolling
- Individual Movement Techniques
- Movement Formations
- Hand and Arm Signals
- React to Contact
- Break Contact
- Corners
- Intersections
- Use of Cover
Requirements:
- Ballistic Helmet (For Deliberate Corner Clearance. Students without this item will not be allowed to conduct this task)
- Vest or LBE
- Suitable Outdoor Footwear
- Gloves
- Eye Protection
- Active Hearing Protection
- Knee Pads
- Elbow Pads
- Ability to Hydrate
- Ability to Carry Magazines (5 magazine capacity recommended)
- Rifle (w/ sling) and/or Pistol (w/ holster) suitable for training
- Zeroed Sights/ Optics (Students may arrive early for zeroing time)
- Five magazines minimum per weapon system
- 850 rounds (may be split between weapon systems)
- Weapon Cleaning Equipment
- Weapon Oil (CLP type)
- Chamber Flag
- Inclement Weather Gear (Rain/Heat/Cold)
Price: $495
Tactical Rifleman
Who is a Tactical Rifleman?
“An acceptably capable citizen that seeks to be an asset to their family and community by developing in themselves HUMILITY, COURAGE, RELEVANT SKILL, and INTESTINAL FORTITUDE.”
With the caliber of instructors (Army Special Forces), you will not be disappointed with any course offerings.
Hight Threat Travel
This course will give you and your family the tools and the proper mindset to survive if caught in a High Threat Area while traveling.
Subjects Covered:
- Mindset – Classroom
- Surveillance Detection (Mobile) – Classroom
- Route Planning – Classroom
- Attack Site Recognition -Classroom
- Route Planning – Prac app( taking them out and showing how we would do it)
- *Homework – Continue to Build Routes
- Escapology – Classroom (handcuffs, tape, flex cuffs)
- Close Combat Shooting Mindset – Classroom
- Close Combat Shooting – Prac App – Range( Day/Night)
- Mission Drop Brief – Classroom
- *Homework – Continue to Build Route Packets
- Individual Protection Combatives – Dojo
- Rehearsals/Intel updates/Gear Prep – Classroom
- Mission Action – In Town
- Mission Debrief – Classroom
- Graduation – Classroom
Requirements:
- Pistol – 300 rnds per person
- Pistol concealable holster
- Concealable pistol mag holster
- Weapon or handheld flashlight
- Eye pro
- Ear pro
- Cup protection
- Mouthpiece
Price: $1125
Sheep Dog Response
Tim Kennedy founded Sheep Dog Response. If you don’t know the man, he is a Green Beret Master Sergeant (Special Forces) and sniper. He has fought professionally with the UFC, Strikeforce, the WEC, ShoMMA, and HDNet Fights and has started a few companies.
He has many courses, but the one that fits best with this article is,
Active Shooter Online
This course teaches you that no one chooses to be the victim.
Subjects Covered:
- Firearm Fundamentals
- Stress-Induced Weapons Training
- Eliminating Threats
- Situational Awareness
- Caring for the Wounded
Price: $29
LaSorsa & Associates
LaSorsa & Associates is a globally recognized and respected security training company. They also provide Companies, Governments, and Private Families with top-notch security personnel.
Evasive Driving Experience Course
Private individuals have an interest in improving driver performance. This driving experience will provide realistic content suited to emergencies that you may find yourself in while on the road.
The Evasive Driving Experience course will teach you the ins and outs of evasive driving, accident avoidance, emergency braking, and skid control.
Subjects Covered:
- High-Speed Vehicle Maneuvers, Braking & Skid Control Exercises
- Accident Avoidance & Swerving-to-avoid Exercises: Roadblocks
- Emergency Escape Turns: Bootleg Turn (Mayday) & J-Turn (Switchblade)
Tactic Carbine Gluttony
TACTIC was founded by Chris Forrest, who has an extensive background as a Navy SEAL and an overseas government contractor.
They have many courses, from Firearms, Medical, Close Quarter Combat, and one of the most critical, Avoiding Violence.
Avoiding Violence Course
Whether going home late at night or dealing with someone who makes you uncomfortable, we all have those times when we need to make a split-second decision.
Understanding how criminal minds work, what they say to target someone, and how to “trust your instincts” may make all the difference between violence and success. Participants received thorough instruction on recognizing and countering predatory behavior and assault.
This course is recommended for men and women 13 and older.
Price: $225
Max Velocity Tactical
Combat has proven, adapted, and legal light infantry tactics, techniques, and procedures are the main emphasis of the Max Velocity Tactical courses. A background in and experience with SOF / special forces are supplemented by close protection/paramilitary contracting work.
These are the real deal and the skills, methods, and procedures taught in them are common knowledge for anyone who has gone through Ranger School or SFQC. Tactical sessions aren’t just a rehash of essential military publications or training; they’re tailored to fit the needs of civilians, military personnel, and contractors based on real-world operational experience.
VTC Romney: HEAT Reconnaissance
HEAT Reconnaissance is a four-day class focusing in detail on the planning and conduct of the reconnaissance patrol. This class is heavily influenced by the LRS background of the Chief Instructor, Scott.
This is a Force on Force class (no live fire), and no training prerequisite exists. Patrols will face the real possibility of enemy contact and subsequent IA drills.
Subjects Covered:
- Reconnaissance Patrol Theory.
- Gear selection and setup.
- Hand/arm signals.
- Fieldcraft/camouflage & concealment.
- Patrol Formations.
- Immediate Action (IA) Drills.
- Fieldcraft lane.
- Multiple Patrols.
- Observations Posts.
- Surveillance methods and techniques
Price: $800
Costa Ludus
“Costa Ludus conducts training for the game of life.” Techniques and skills acquired in training might one day be applicable outside of the classroom, such as on the streets or battlefield, determining life or death.
Handgun Elements Theory 1 (HET1) Course
The intermediate or better shooter will learn the fundamentals of handgun shooting in this course. The class begins with a discussion on mindset before moving on to the fundamental principles of accuracy, acceptable accuracy under dynamic stress, and how to appropriately balance speed and precision with good weapon handling.
Subjects Covered:
- Life Safety Brief
- Proper gear selection and placement
- Establishing a proper zero
- 7 fundamentals (Accuracy Drills, Axis and Mechanics of Recoil)
- 3 Core Fundamentals
- Acceptable Accuracy Drills
- Balance of Speed and Accuracy
- Speed reloads / Tactical reloads
- Instinctive Shooting and Mindset Drills
- Malfunctions
- Movement Drills
- Improvised shooting positions
Requirements:
- Students provide their own ammo: 1400 rounds minimum
- Reliable handgun
- Minimum five (5) magazines
- Quality holster and magazine pouches
- Water hydrating device
- Knee and elbow pads (optional)
- Gloves (optional)
- An open mind
Constellis
Founded as Blackwater, Constellis is a well-known training facilitator. They have many courses that Civilians can take. The curriculum contains training on a wide range of topics, including firearms, defensive driving, and home security programs, as well as counterterrorism, force protection, capacity building, and canine detection.
Elite instructors from Contained in the curriculum are taught by one of our elite instructors to guide training courses ranging from firearms to defensive driving and home defense.
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Participants in the BLS course receive instruction and practice in adult and pediatric CPR/AED skills. This course is open enrollment to anyone. BLS certification can be added to an ACLS or PALS course for $45.
Subjects Covered:
- Assessment
- Compressions
- AED use and special considerations
- Ventilations
- Use of bag-mask device with basic and advanced airways
- Indication for naloxone administration
- Responding to choking emergencies for all ages
ShivWorks
ShipWorks instills life-saving techniques for combatting, fleeing, and surviving assaults.
The Extreme Close Quarter Concepts (ECQC) course is a two-and-a-half-day (20-hour) block of instruction that offers a multi-disciplinary approach to building functional, combative handgun skills at zero to five feet and hand-to-hand combat.
Requirements:
- Reliable handgun
- Minimum two (2) magazines
- Quality holster and magazine pouches
- 275 rounds of ammunition
- Heavy sweatshirt or soft body armor
- Mouthpiece and cup
- Seasonal weather gear
- Ballistic Eye protection
- Ear protection
- Weapon lubrication and cleaning supplies
- Positive attitude
- Open mind
And according to the Warrior Poet, Motrin is the most critical thing to bring.
Fun Bonus Military Training For Civilians
OC Helicopters
Heli- Scuba Diving, yes OC is the 1st and only organization to offer recreational Scuba divers the chance to jump from a Helicopter into the Ocean.
Halo Jumper
High Altitude Low Opening / High Altitude High Opening jumps for the Extreme Adventurer. When I went to Fort Bening Georga for Basic Training, we had to clean the National Infantry Museum for some detail. While there, I saw a uniform that had the Halo wings.
I asked my Drill Sargent how do I get one. He summed it up like this: First, you must be in a unit with a Halo slot, which means Special Forces. That is a two-year pipeline, with Selection and Q Courses. Then you must be selected to attend the Halo school and finally pass.
I did not take that route. But now I can, with some money, have the experience of jumping out of a perfect airplane at 32,000 ft.
Requirements:
- Tandem Jumpers must be 18 years old
- In good health
- Weigh no more than 240 lbs.
Licensed or Solo skydivers:
- Must have a B license
- Be current
- Their own “In-date” skydiving rig with an AAD
- Packed by a U.S. FAA-licensed rigger
- Complete a high altitude jump waiver to participate in this extreme jump.
Price: $7,000 – $57,000
PADI Open Water Diver
Open Water Diver is the first scuba certification level. To be able to dive with a rebreather like your favorite Navy Seal action hero, you will need to continue to learn.
To enroll in the PADI Rebreather Diver course, you must:
- Be a PADI Open Water Diver
- Be a PADI Enriched Air Diver
- Have a minimum of 25 logged dives
- Be at least 18 years old
Vertically Speaking
TRM: Tactical Rappel Master: (32-40 hours per request)
This is an introductory course for rope-coveting climbers looking to learn the fundamentals of rope travel, basic rigging, and safe operation. Basic knots and hitches are covered.
The type, function, purpose, and usage of harnesses, descent control devices, ropes, connections, PPE, and edge protection are all addressed. Anchors for rope climbing that are safe and secure on various structures (both manmade and natural) are discussed, as well as backup anchors.
After completing the course, students must pass two exit exams (operator gear and rope anchor set up with a specific number of critical mistakes) to obtain the certificate.
Conclusion
There you have it, 19 military training for civilians that you can take. These are not boot camps in any way. You do not need prior experience serving in the military or law enforcement to attend.
The bad guys are training their skill sets. Shouldn’t you, the good guy prepare to have better skills?
These classes are serious but fun at the same time. You will meet many civilian and military veteran students that will go out of their way to help you.
