Mantis Strategic Defense

Mantis Strategic Defense operates out of Medford, Oregon with a simple mission: build confident, capable shooters through training rooted in real-world military and law enforcement experience. Their instructors aren't just shooting instructors—they're veterans, former SWAT officers, and active law enforcement contractors who understand what works under pressure.

Their curriculum breaks down into three performance levels:

Static Performance focuses on fundamentals and accuracy from fixed positions. You're building the baseline—proper grip, sight alignment, trigger control, consistency. It's where everyone starts, whether you've never touched a gun or you're refreshing after years away.

Dynamic Performance is where it gets real. Movement, stress, decision-making under pressure. Shot timers break down your performance, identify weaknesses, and measure improvement. Courses include target identification while moving, communication in team scenarios, and adapting to changing threats.

Proficiency Performance demands advanced weapon handling combined with tactical movement, communication, and shooting effectively while everything around you is happening fast. These classes are structured for military, law enforcement, SWAT, and qualified civilians capable of operating at that level.

Mantis is the go-to for Oregon's private security workforce. They're DPSST-certified instructors offering:

• •Armed Security New Hire (24 hours, 3 days): $300. Two classroom days at their Medford location, one day range qualification.
• •Armed Security Refresher: $150 per course
• •Unarmed Security New Hire (14 hours): $200
• •Unarmed Refresher: $75 for 4-hour recertification
• •Additional Firearm Qualifications: $25 per firearm make/model (required annually under HB 2527)

They work with 18+ security corporations as in-house DPSST instructors across the Rogue Valley.

• •Private lessons available: 4-hour sessions ($200), 6-hour sessions ($400), 8-hour sessions ($600). Groups of 5+ get 25% discount.

Michael Rexius (Co-Founder) — Born and raised in Medford. Qualified for elite Air Force SERE training before COVID disrupted his military plans. Turned his passion for firearms history and constitutional rights into professional instruction. Holds NRA certifications in pistol, rifle, shotgun, and range safety. DPSST-certified armed and unarmed security professional. Leads USPSA competition training.

Josh McOmber (Co-Founder, Chief Operations) — Former law enforcement and U.S. Air Force Security Forces. Served on rapid response teams, trained in wildland firefighting (Type 2), riot control, and Capitol Building security. Now contracts with U.S. Marshals as a Corrections Detention Officer. Focuses on knowledge transfer and community self-protection.

Josh "JB" Brewer (Lead Law Enforcement Cadre) — U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former SWAT officer with battle-tested tactical experience. Leads all law enforcement and military instruction. Brings a no-nonsense, safety-first approach to high-stakes training.

Aaron "Tierney Arms" (Lead Long-Range & Gunsmith Cadre) — Licensed FFL with expertise in precision rifle builds and gunsmithing. Specializes in precision bolt-action rifles capable of consistent hits beyond 1,000 yards. Handles in-house slide milling, optic installations, and Glock repairs for civilian and law enforcement clients.

Mantis hosts visiting instructors throughout the year. Recent and upcoming events include:

Beyond training, Mantis provides:

• •Glock Repair & Armorer Services — Certified Glock armorer on staff
• •Slide Milling & Optic Mounting — Custom slide cuts and optic package installation in partnership with Tierney Arms
• •RSR Group Distributor — Access to optics and tactical accessories through RSR wholesale group

Mantis chose their symbol deliberately—native to the Pacific Northwest, representing persistence and courage. The mantis embodies the balance between knowing when to act and when to remain still, reflecting the critical decisions in self-defense. It blends in, survives through calculated approach, and teaches that staying calm under pressure is what makes you effective when action becomes necessary.

Josh McOmber (DPSST, Business Operations): 541-414-7568 Michael Rexius (Basic Firearms & USPSA): 541-816-1583 Josh "JB" Brewer (Law Enforcement/Tactical): 949-226-9386 Company Email: [email protected]

Their approach: educated, intentional shooters who understand the why behind their weapon and the purpose behind every shot.