Georgia Firearms and Security Training Academy

Georgia Firearms and Security Training Academy (GAFASTA) is a veteran-owned operation providing firearms training and security certifications throughout Georgia. Their reach spans Atlanta, Gainesville, Athens, Rome, and Savannah, with classroom and range facilities in Monroe and Flowery Branch.

The academy operates an 80-acre outdoor firearms training facility at 3161 State Hwy 11, Monroe, GA 30656. The facility supports both classroom instruction and live-fire qualifications, accommodating everything from individual students to group and business training programs.

40-Hour Unarmed & Armed Security Guard Course ($450) Blended training with online modules plus classroom/range time. Covers: - Introduction to Security and Officer Conduct - Crisis Response (2 modules) - Interviewing Victims and Witnesses - Protecting Crime Scenes - Law of Arrest - Report Writing (2 modules) - Security Officer Safety - Firearms qualifications with 150 rounds ammunition

Students must pass all online tests (100% minimum) before attending the 8-hour range qualification. Upon completion, students earn both 24-hour Unarmed and 15-hour Armed certificates and register with Georgia Secretary of State for their Blue Card.

Continuing Education Armed Security Officer Course ($300) Designed for security professionals renewing licenses. Includes online videos covering Terrorist Patrol, Active Shooter Defense, Crime Scene Protection, Public Relations, Sexual Harassment, Self Defense, Victim/Witness Interviewing, and Security Officer Safety.

• •NRA Basic Pistol Safety — foundational course teaching students to safely protect their home and family
• •NRA Intermediate Level — builds on fundamentals
• •NRA Advanced Tactical — advanced defensive techniques
• •Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) — Georgia carry laws and permit requirements
• •Tactical Shotgun — shotgun-specific training
• •Tactical AR-15 — modern rifle platform instruction
• •NRA Pistol Instructor Courses — for those wanting to teach

Active Shooter and Domestic Terrorism Training Critical for schools, businesses, and places of worship. Covers identification, prevention, and response procedures based on recent incidents and lessons learned.

Situational Awareness Teaches everyday threat recognition for individuals, families, and co-workers. Includes continuing education credits for real estate agents.

Room Clearing and Building Security Complex protocols for securing areas from threats. Designed for homeowners, business owners, and church security teams.

Use of Deadly Force & Georgia Carry Laws Detailed instruction on O.C.G.A. 16-3-21, drawing techniques, close quarters combat, and when deadly force is legally justified in Georgia.

Less Lethal Defense Options Examines pros and cons of alternative personal protection methods.

NRA Refuse To Be A Victim® Program Personal safety strategy development and threat avoidance techniques.

All courses start in the classroom with basics through advanced instruction. GAFASTA's stated goal: give students "Wow Factor" information beyond just fundamentals. After basic pistol training, students can honestly say they can protect their home and family with what they learned.

The academy offers tailor-made programs for groups, businesses, and individuals, with flexible scheduling through their training coordinator.

For firearms range training, students should bring: - Pistol (rental available) - Quality holster (no inside-the-waist-band or cloth/nylon) - 2 magazines - 5 dummy rounds or snap caps - Amplified ear and eye protection - Tactical flashlight (thumb-operated) - 150 rounds of ammunition - Beverages and lunch

• •Annual Qualifications Required: Armed security guards must re-qualify annually with their duty weapon through a Georgia Board Certified firearms instructor.

Chief Rodney Smith leads training operations. The academy has been featured on 11 Alive News discussing active shooter response and holiday season security threats.