Advanced Defense Solutions

Advanced Defense Solutions LLC trains civilians and law enforcement in firearms, defensive tactics, and personal protection across Arizona. What sets them apart: both instructors hold active law enforcement positions and are Arizona Supreme Court Subject Matter Experts in use-of-force—the state's highest court recognizes their expertise.

Kevin C. Jeffries works as the Officer Safety Specialist for the Arizona Supreme Court's Education Services Division. He developed the firearms and defensive tactics curriculum for Arizona's Probation Officers and holds certifications as an NRA Tactical Firearms Instructor, NRA Handgun Instructor, AR-15 Armorer, Glock Armorer, TASER Instructor, and Simunitions Instructor. He's presented nationally for the American Probation and Parole Association and was named National Chairman of APPA's Health and Safety Committee in 2011.

Lance R. Nickell is a Lead Firearms Instructor for the Maricopa County Probation Department with 29+ years in law enforcement. He's been recognized three times by the Arizona State Supreme Court as the State of Arizona Firearms Instructor of the Year and holds the same certifications as Jeffries. Lance competes at USPSA matches and has won multiple medals at the Arizona Police Games.

The Basic Pistol/CCW class is their most popular offering. Course outline covers gun safety, range rules, nomenclature, gun selection, use-of-force laws, carry systems, ammunition selection, marksmanship basics, and live fire. For Arizona CCW permits, the class exceeds Arizona Department of Public Safety requirements, and they supply all forms, envelopes, and on-site fingerprinting for free.

Intermediate Pistol focuses on drawing, holstering, malfunction clearing, trigger control, reloading, and footwork.

Advanced Combat Pistol is "high speed, low drag"—covers efficient draws, multiple reload types, adverse shooting positions, failure-to-stop drills, multiple threat scenarios, and advanced footwork.

Tactical Rifle (5 hours, $150) is for AR-15 owners who want to move beyond static benchrest shooting. The course covers: - AR-15/M4 nomenclature and mechanical operation - Disassembly and reassembly - Rifle fundamentals and reloading - Malfunction clearance techniques - Presentations from low ready and safety circle positions - Threat assessment and area scanning - Shooting positions: standing, kneeling, sitting, prone - Tactical drills with movement

ADS offers three tiers:

1. Initial Certification Course – Similar to Basic Pistol but with church/school-specific topics. Includes all fundamentals plus organization-specific scenarios. Exceeds Arizona DPS requirements for CCW permits; on-site fingerprinting included.

2. Annual Qualification Course – Pass/fail pistol qualification with refresher training on drawing/holstering, carry systems, stable shooting platforms, and footwork.

3. Advanced Team Training (Stress Inoculation) – Customized realistic scenarios and drills. Available at their facilities or on-site at your location.

For groups of 2-8 people, ADS offers private range time with personal instruction. Classes are fully customizable—they can provide everything so attendees just show up, or participants can bring their own firearms. Companies use it for team building with collaborative goals, or pure recreational shooting. They've received some of their highest reviews for these events.

They offer courses tailored to officer or agency needs (Arizona Peace Officers only). Call for details and pricing.

"They eased my fears and were very patient. I have been afraid of guns all of my life, never wanted a gun, but our current society has changed all of that. I would highly recommend Advanced Defense Solutions LLC." — Sharla Blischok

"I leave shocked at how much I learned in such a short time." — Dixie M.

"Both instructors were knowledgeable, safe, and made the learning exciting. They taught us to have a healthy fear of firearms." — Chris R.

"Good pace and I learned a lot about trigger control. My grouping improved almost immediately." — Dave K.

Thousands of officers and civilians have completed their courses in defensive tactics, firearms, and related disciplines over the years.

ADS serves Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Sun City, Sun Lakes, Avondale, and the East Valley region of Arizona.