The Mission
To instruct citizens on the decision making process and application of offensive and defensive tactics in armed combat using the Skill Acquisition Model
SAM exists in a world where the knowledge, skills, and talent required to effectively perform tactical maneuvers at a high level can be taught effectively to all civilians, regardless of background or experience. Given the right resources and knowledge, anyone can learn how to decisively engage and defeat an opposing force using modern techniques learned and perfected in armed combat, and it is the right of every citizen to know and implement these skills within the confines of the law. Learning how to learn is the most important tenant of the SAM education system, and the Skill Acquisition Model can be applied to any high-stakes knowledge transfer endeavor.
Our Values
Safety - All classes accept risk, but that risk will be mitigated as much as possible
Inclusion - It is the right of all citizens to know and practice these tactics within the confines of the law
Excellence - Tactical education is dangerous when administered poorly and most effective when considered and practiced carefully
Accountability - SAM instructors and staff hold themselves to the highest standard, and must receive and incorporate feedback regularly to maintain that standard
Constant Growth - SAM always seeks to learn, grow, and adapt to the changing battlefield, wherever that may be
Co-Founder
ZV
ZV's extensive background in wilderness medicine and the highest levels of fitness, with a combat deployment and more than a few government contracts thrown in, has shown him the need for an education model that effectively teaches high-stakes skills quickly. His brain-child, the Skill Acquisition Model, comes from years of teaching in both formal and informal settings, and his expertise in CQB comes from eating, drinking, living, and breathing this stuff for years. As a member of the National Guard, he continues to serve his community on and off the battlefield.
Co-Founder
JD
JD brings over a decade of diverse military experience, specializing in austere insertion small team reconnaissance and special weapons teams. He developed a leadership style and an understanding of skills building through his time as a AMGA mountain guide and through variouse leadership positions during deployments and activations with both the DOD and Homeland Security. His leadership spans across high-stakes, high-pressure situations, where strategic decision-making and adaptability were critical. Embracing ZV's Skill Acquisition Model became second nature, and upon realizing its ultimate utility, found a path to continue to provide for the community and translate hard fought skills into transferable knowledge.
Director of Media
JH
JH is a wild man. He wears a lot of hats for SAM, but the bottom line is that when things need to happen, he makes it happen. From community outreach to media to stories about his days as a male stripper, JH brings a wealth of knowledge and ability to the table. As an early adopter of the Skill Acquisition Model, JH understood early on how powerful this learning tool can be, and uses it regularly on the competition shooting circuit and when working with military training units. Don't let the long hair fool you; JH is a true professional.