Tactical Weapons Instructor

Position Overview

Controlled F.O.R.C.E., Inc. (CFI) is seeking an experienced Tactical Weapons Instructor to support the U.S. Navy’s Master-at-Arms Ready Relevant Learning training program.

This position delivers classroom instruction, practical exercises, live-fire training, and scenario-based instruction to develop students’ weapons proficiency, tactical skills, and use-of-force decision-making.

The ideal candidate brings documented armed tactical experience, strong instructional skills, and a commitment to safe, effective training in a high-risk environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver approved instruction in tactical communications, small arms employment, tactical shooting, mission planning, tactical movement, defensive tactics, and non-lethal weapons employment.

• Demonstrate safe, effective operation of the pistol, rifle, and shotgun.

• Provide instructional coaching and safety support during live-fire weapons training.

• Deliver Judgment-based Engagement Training using Small-Arms Marksmanship Simulation systems.

• Coach students through threat recognition, shoot/don’t-shoot decisions, and legally and tactically appropriate use of force.

• Conduct approved practical exercises, interactive scenarios, and force-on-force training using simulation ammunition.

• Teach students to recognize and manage the effects of stress during tactical situations and deadly force encounters.

• Perform Range Safety Officer duties after completing required qualifications, certification, and designation.

• Prepare classrooms, ranges, training equipment, and instructional materials.

• Evaluate student performance, administer examinations, and provide feedback and remediation.

• Maintain required weapons qualifications, instructor certifications, and training records.

• Follow approved curriculum, range procedures, risk management practices, and Navy training requirements.

• Report safety concerns, equipment deficiencies, and student performance issues through established channels.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• At least two years of experience delivering training as an instructor.

• A minimum of five years of documented armed tactical military operational experience involving:

  • Basic tactical communications.

  • Rifle and pistol employment.

  • Tactical shooting and mission planning.

  • Tactical movement and defensive tactics.

  • Non-lethal weapons employment.

  • Tactical hostile-intent decision-making, including shoot/don’t-shoot situations.

• Exceptionally qualified candidates with comparable civilian law enforcement expertise and experience may be considered, subject to individual government review and approval.

• Meet the contract’s Weapons-Based Instructor requirements, including at least two years of operational military weapons-carrying and employment experience or equivalent law enforcement experience with a military or civilian security force.

• Completion of a qualifying small arms instructor course identified in the PWS’s referenced OPNAVINST 3591.1 requirements, with supporting documentation.

• At least one of the following instructional qualifications:

  • Completion of the Navy Instructor Training Course, A-012-0077, or a military service or civilian equivalent.

  • Academic credentials as a teacher or professor.

  • Instructor training through an academic institution meeting the PWS’s required coursework and credit-hour criteria, subject to Navy review and acceptance.

• Knowledge of classroom management, adult learning methods, student motivation, and instructional presentation technology.

• Familiarity with Navy organization, military rank structure, terminology, and shipboard or installation environments.

• Strong verbal and written English communication skills.

Certification and Assignment Requirements

Applicants must meet applicable contract screening requirements and successfully complete required certifications before independently instructing Navy students.

Requirements include:

• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a favorably adjudicated Tier 3 background investigation or accepted equivalent.

• Eligibility for required installation access and a Department of Defense Common Access Card.

• Successful completion of Course Unique Instructor Training (CUIT), instructor evaluations, and assigned weapons qualifications.

• Completion of the applicable Small Arms Line Coach qualification standards and required designation.

• Range Safety Officer certification, including applicable Personnel Qualification Standards, a certification board, and required government designation.

• Ability to achieve a Sharpshooter qualification score with the pistol, rifle, and shotgun and meet required qualifying scores on all applicable courses of fire.

• Weapons requalification at least every 180 days, within the contract’s allowable 15-day window, on weapons taught or potentially assigned.

• Current Tactical Combat Casualty Care certification at the Combat Lifesaver/Tier 2 level.

• Current Adult/Infant CPR instructor certification meeting Navy requirements, including applicable CPR/AED instructor requirements. Stand-alone online training does not satisfy this requirement.

• Successful completion of required arms and ammunition screening.

• Eligibility to possess and handle firearms and ammunition under applicable contract requirements.

• Continued compliance with professional conduct, appearance, safety, and recurring training standards.

Medical, Psychological, and Physical Requirements

Employment in this position is contingent upon successful completion of contract-required screenings and demonstration of suitability for high-risk instructor duties.

• Medical Screening: Successfully complete an in-person medical screening, including psychosocial screening, by a qualified medical provider before beginning instructor duties.

• Psychological Screening: Successfully complete screening by a qualified practitioner establishing psychological suitability to instruct high-risk training before beginning instructor duties.

• Recurring Screenings: Maintain current medical and psychological screenings, with renewal every three years and during contract recompetition or renewal.

• Drug Screening: Successfully complete the required pre-duty drug screening and maintain compliance with the contract’s drug-free training requirements.

• Physical Fitness: Meet and maintain the fitness and conditioning required to perform assigned training activities, including applicable self-defense, tactical, and dynamic maneuvers; weapons qualifications from standing, kneeling, and prone positions; climbing and descending ladders; and moving through narrow passageways.

• Training Environment: Be able to perform assigned duties at heights and acclimate to local environmental conditions, including high heat and humidity.

How to Apply

Submit a résumé detailing your armed tactical operational experience, instructional experience, and weapons qualifications.

Include copies of relevant instructor course certificates, Range Safety Officer credentials, and current training certifications.