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Clients & Testimonials

The Instructors at STS have provided training for numerous federal, local, & state law enforcement agencies as well as military personnel to include: U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air force, U.S. Marines, & U.S. Coast Guard. STS Instructors have also provided training for various Special Operations units such as: U.S. Marine Corps S.O.T.G, U.S. Air force PJ / CCT, U.S. Naval Special Warfare S.E.A.L. Teams & Special Boat Units, U.S. Army Special Forces, & many federal, local, and state S.W.A.T. & Emergency Response Teams.

Below are Testimonials from some of our clients:

On behalf of the University of Pennsylvania, I would like to thank you and the Special Tactical Services Team for the work you recently completed with the University's Police Department. Recent world events have demonstrated that all of us must be prepared to ensure our own security. The STS Executive Protection course went a long way to sharpening our team's skills and el1hancing the force's ability to maintain security. Keeping the University Executives and VIPs safe is a positive step in maintaining the peaceful environment conducive to the University's main mission of education, and commitment to its student body that they can live and learn in a safe environment.

Thank you very much for your time and commitment. My conversations with members of the University's Police force indicate that the course was well run, demanding, highly insightful, extremely practical, and very thoroughly and thoughtfully instructed. It is apparent that not only did the team enjoy their week with you, but came away with new and improved skills. I am certain the team and the University look forward to continuing its relationship with STS. I am sure that they would stand behind me in recommending your services to fellow Universities and Police forces across the United States."

Thank you again.

Sincerely,

John A. Fry
Executive Vice President

"The Firearms Course held at Hampton Police Range Excellent Course. I am a retired Police Sergeant from Newport News and Served on TACT Team for Eight years. During that time I never received this quality of training given the past two days. Hope to attend more of your training in the Future and I am going to recommend your training to the Chief of Police of the Port Authority. Thanks for the training and best of luck to you and your staff in the future."

Freddie L. White
Virginian Port Authority Police

"I recently had the pleasure to participate in your Hostage Rescue / High Risk Warrant course in Frederick, MD. In my eight years of law enforcement, I have never experienced training of such high caliber. Ken Thatcher is an absolute professional, well versed in his craft. He teaches by example, citing real life experience, and demonstrate the applicability of the tactics he employs. The course, while only one week in duration, covered a wide range of information and hands-on training. The motivating instruction enabled our entire team to learn the tactics presented, and pushed us to excel. The training was well planned with no downtime, resulting in an excellent learning environment. I feel privileged to have attended this training and highly recommend STS to any agency seeking to excel in the tactics arena."

Eric D. Stanley
Frederick Police Department
Special Response Team

"It was a pleasure and a privilege to participate in your training. Ken Thatcher is a no non-sense, true professional. The training presented by STS was realistic, real world and fundamentally founded. I would highly recommend this course to other Law Enforcement professionals."

Dwight E Sommers
Frederick Police Department
Special Response Team

"The course was outstanding. I would like to thank you for the work that you do, and for bringing in expert training personnel, like Ken Thatcher. During the week you and Ken provided us with priceless information. The course provided all of us with opportunity to develop new tactics, gain a new perspective for training and operational situations, and improve as tactical personnel. Thanks again."

Robert M Grob
Frederick Police Department
Special Response Team

"I found your course very informative. You stated you would explain "why" it works and you did. I've attended other training during my career where that was not done. Not only did you explain why, but also you were able to perform and demonstrate movements that were taught. Ken is a wealth of knowledge, which was more than impressive. I have never been instructed by individuals who possess and present their knowledge so well. Tactics learned are simple and make sense. Our team benefited from your program and resolved several tactical problems we have endured over the past several years. Thanks and good luck."

Greg S Gautney
Frederick Police Department
Special Response Team

"During my 26 years as a Police Officer I've had the opportunity to train with agencies at all levels of government, both military and law enforcement. Also at the Amsterdam Police Academy and the PIOV in the south of Holland. I've also had the privilege to train at a couple of the better-known firearm schools in the United States. During the week of March 11, 2002, Dale and Bill of Special Tactical Services came to Philadelphia and presented a course on Executive / Force Protection. I can honestly say that their knowledge, ability, presentation and hands on approach to the subject matter were beyond my expectations. I hope to be able to train with these gentlemen again."

Joseph A Hasara
University of Pennsylvania Police Department
Tactical Supervisor, Emergency Response Team

"I had the privilege of meeting and being trained by Dale and Bill. Being a police officer for 10 years, I have had various types of training. I can say without hesitation that the "Executive Protection Training", which is taught by above STS instructors transcends all others. The instructors were realistic, confident and knowledgeable on the method of protection. The most important part is that the instructors made the course FUN. I learned a lot this past week and would like the opportunity to train with these guys again in the future."

Philip M Lydon Sr
University of Pennsylvania Police Department
Detective, Hostage Negotiation Team

"In my 12 years of police work this has been, by far the BEST training that I have ever participated in. You guys know what you are doing and to have real world instructors giving real world training is the key to having a successful training program, not somebody who stands up there and tells somebody else's war stories. I learned a great deal from you guys and hope that I will be able to apply it when the time comes. I look forward to training with you in the future."

Anthony J Richio
University of Pennsylvania PD
Detective, Emergency Response Team

"I just took the M60 course and I have to say that, that has got to be the best weapons course I have ever had the chance to take. Although I am a experienced shooter there were still skills that I learned that would make me a better all around shooter. My instructor Steve, for the class room part, and John at the range should both get a BZ for the work and time they put in. I would recommend this to any one who wanted to get on some of that action."

Julio E Hernandez
USN

"I was honored with the opportunity to attend the M60 Operator / Waterborne Training Course, and I must admit, I was somewhat intimidated by the fact that I was going to learn about a weapon I had never fired before, let alone touch. However, from the first hour of introduction to this weapon, and the mindset in which the course was presented, I felt very at ease and knew immediately I was going to come out of this knowing all I needed to know about this weapon, it's function and nomenclature. Dale started this class of 10 with a very professional attitude and mindset, with a teaching style and presentation that was not only easy to follow, but simple to learn and grasp in the context of this weapon. Dale never hesitated to go out of his way to assist each and every student in the aspects and operation of the M-60. His teaching techniques and style of presentation made it possible to not only retain the information and knowledge needed to operate and fire this weapon, but he personally involved himself with the students to ensure they were completely comfortable and proficient with it's operation and mechanics. From the classroom to the field, his expertise and professional instruction continued to be proven through the actions of his students when it came time to apply the knowledge gleaned from them. Through demonstrations and reiteration, Dale brought each and every student to the point of confidence in their ability to operate the M-60 Machinegun, both on land and boat. Another instructional technique I personally enjoyed and benefited from was the "Stress Factor" that was incorporated into the course. The "Awareness" and the "Keep your head on a swivel" philosophies were essential in teaching the student to "think" and "concentrate" not only on what they had to do with the weapon, but to also be aware of what's going on around them. The one on one approach allowed the student to not only correct their mistakes and adjust efficiently to malfunctions or situational aspects, but also enhanced the student's ability to function and operate under stressful conditions. I personally walked away from this course knowing that I now had the ability and confidence to operate the M-60 Machinegun, a weapon I was initially unfamiliar with. My expertise is totally due to Dale, a professional whose techniques and knowledge led not only me, but also a class of 10 through a safe and enjoyable course of instruction. As a firearms instructor, I gleaned from Dale specific aspects of presentation that I can now take back to my command and interject, in as much of a professional manner, to others who will be manning a fixed or waterborne position with the M-60. Thank You Dale, and to the STS Staff, for your desire to enhance weapons training in those who may need to defend themselves or their installations in a time of need. I would not hesitate to recommend your services to anyone or any corporation who desires to become more adept and confident in the area of weapons / tactical procedures / expertise. Again, Thank you for an enjoyable course and for the professionalism you presented in teaching the M-60 Machinegun course."

Ken W. Littlejohn
GS-05 Patrolman

"After many small arms courses over the last 20+ years in two services and by a few different nations, I really didn't expect much from this M203 pilot course, except the usual textbook run of the mill course of fire. Especially, by something the Navy was sponsoring, which is typically absurd tactically. After attending the M203 grenade launcher course, I was thoroughly impressed with the instruction given. These gentlemen know their business, and deliver a great deal of stream-lined information in a short time that is immediately adapted for range and real-life applications that all novices can utilize for target engagement. The additional personnel from our command who also attended the course had never used the M203. Now they are extremely effective grenadiers that the command can utilize safely for target engagement and neutralization. Oh yeah, and these guys have a blast teaching you too..."

MMC/SS Jacobs
USS Boise SSN 764

"This was the most intense, detailed, and exciting training I have ever attended since entering the military. The STS instructors put things in a whole different perspective for me. The M-60 course was rigorous and intense, but was the best weapons training I have received. I will now be able to give better guidance and information to the junior personnel on my boat on weapons and watch standing. This course also taught me how to sight and fire a weapon better than I had in the past. This course was excellent. I feel that all personnel onboard our ships and commands should experience the quality training we got with STS! Thank you for the opportunity to better myself as a person, a sailor, and a watch stander!"

ET2 David Curley II
U.S. Navy

"I have been to many small arms schools and classes in the Navy and I use to consider myself fairly knowledgeable in Small Arms until I attended the M-60 Training. The training I received was outstanding; the way the material was given to the students they could understand it to be able to go from classroom time straight to the range with little trouble with the weapon."
V/R

MM1/SS James H. Cox
U.S. Navy

"Awesome course. I am on a submarine and we never get this kind of intense training on small arms. Highly recommend it for the rest of the sub force. Awesome course!!!"

MMC James Mitchell
U.S. Navy

"This course was the best I've ever had. Being the small arms guy on board my boat I need to be completely comfortable with my weapons. Before this training I was fairly comfortable in case a situation did come up. But after this I have no doubt in my mind that I can handle my weapons under the pressure of virtually any situation that would arise. Everyone on the waterfront should experience this along with the 9mm, Shotgun and Rifle courses. Once again Dale and Steve you guys did an awesome job."

Robert Blom
USS Newport News SSN 750

"The course was the best small arms training that I have had in my 15 years of service. The Navy should do more training like this. Would recommend this to anyone who needs training."

Shawn Elston
US Navy SSSU

"I thought that the course was expertly taught. The instructors wanted you to "learn" the weapon, not just "qualify" the weapon. I feel that I am more capable to use the weapon under pressure and be quiet accurate in a time of crisis. Enjoyed being in the class and can't wait to see what you guys do for refresher training/more intense training."

SK3 Michael Weyer, Jr.
U.S. Navy

"I wanted to let you know that I thought that M-60 training course was very well put together and delivered. From the outset, it was clear that the instructors wanted us to know how to operate the weapon, but how the weapon operates, its capabilities, and how to effectively employ this weapon in a combat scenario. The stress inducing part of the weapon shoot was well done, and I was able to push myself to perform past my own level of expectations."

STS3 Jason Swift
U.S. Navy

"The M-60 training I received on 20, 21 September 2001 was the best training I have received since entering the service. The instruction was to the point and very effective. I hope the Navy continues to use the services of STS and expands on the training to include all small arms so that the armed watch standers gain more confidence in their abilities to effectively employ the weapon systems at their disposal."
Thank you again for the training.

STS2/E5 George Benecke
U.S. Navy

"Dale, your class was very direct. A no-nonsense course. Initially I was concerned with the different levels of experience that would be attending the course, but your instruction and drills challenged everyone, regardless of their skill level. Your course dramatically raised the performance and confidence level of our M-16 users. We are looking forward to having you in Austin again."

Craig Miller
Austin, Texas - SWAT

"In my nineteen years in the Navy this is the best gun school I have ever attended! The instructor made me feel at ease, like I was shooting with a friend. This made the course more enjoyable, relaxed, and retainable! Dale is an outstanding teacher, he really knows how to relate to the people he is teaching! He put the information in leman's terms so that there was not a doubt what was being put out! Thanks again Dale, for an experience and a class I shall never forget! One of the great memories of my twenty years of service in the Navy!"

HT2 David Roberts
United States Navy

"If you want 'war stories' go somewhere else. But if what you're looking for is high-speed low drag weapon instruction you must call STS. Few equal their knowledge of weapons and quality of instruction. The technology and design of their target systems is state-of-the-art."

John Crouse
Training Officer
Florence County Sheriff's Office

"To Whom It May Concern,

Mr. McClellan is a gentleman that understands his trade and is serious about his business of shooting and tactics. As a Captain of Marines, I currently have the honor of training Marines in numerous shooting and tactical evolutions. As a Marine I pride myself upon the Marine Corps ethos that "Every Marine is a Rifleman." To validate our ethos, I must have the ability to train Marines in marksmanship and combat shooting skills.

My current billet demands that I must be able to train Marines in combat related marksmanship. In an effort to prepare for this billet, I sought outside assistance. As the unit's primary instructor I wanted to insure that the Marines under my charge were receiving the latest instruction. A fellow officer and friend, who worked at the Hostage Rescue Training Course (HRT) in Quantico, Virginia, recommended Mr. McClellan by name.

Shortly after attending the tactical pistol and shotgun course, I was amazed by Mr. McClellan's instruction. Mr. McClellan has created his own brand of distinct instruction, which exceeds the military standard. Instead of accepting normal training standards, Mr. McClellan is driven to push each student daily with personalized instruction.

Mr. McClellan's techniques are drawn from his real world experiences. More importantly, their instruction is bound by common philosophies such as: common sense tactics, economy of motion, training for best-case scenarios, and induced shooter stress. In addition, they let students ask the question, "Why?" This one word does not bring about debate or impede the instruction. Nor does the question "Why?" get answered with, " I told you so!" The question, "Why?" is embraced, discussed, and applied to demonstrate the validity in Mr. McClellan's instruction. Overall, it is the desire of the instructors to provide the students with the techniques that make sense and which can be safely applied to a unit's training. Mr. McClellan instructs on a level that is suited to the operator level. In addition to instructing operators, Mr. McClellan has the ability to instruct the "trainers."

I highly recommend Mr. McClellan for any firearms or tactical training. His professionalism and dedication is truly noteworthy. He is an expert in his field. If used properly he can evaluate your unit's current status and offer solutions to correct and train any deficiencies. He has my full confidence. "

"The STS training method, which uses each learned skill in teaching the next, is the best I've ever seen."

Jed Babbin
Former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for the Bush Administration

Jed has also written the book " Legacy of Valor " http://www.legacyofvalor.comto purchase this book please go to: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1571972137/qid%3D970970226/sr%3D1-2/107-8637722-1886926or http://shop.barnesandnoble.com
To read some of Jed's Articles please go to: http://www.spectator.org

"The experience we have received through the Instructor Development Course will allow our agents to train within a program that is not just dogma. It will allow a more confident approach with a more prepared staff and administration."

Wendell Orr
President
Atlantic Security, LTD.
http://www.atlanticsecurityltd.com

"I am currently a "police firearms & tactical shooting instructor", and practice on my own quite a bit. I was concerned that the instruction would be "too basic" for my "advanced" abilities. LOL...I could not have been more wrong!!

Their instruction consisted of a minimal amount of class time, and the consuming of over 2500 rounds during the 5 days, all handgun. The fundamentals were stressed...and rightfully so, but stressed in a variety of exercises and drills that fully tasked the mind and body. It was tough, and worth every minute!

My instructors were two former Seal Team firearms instructors: Dale and John a police officer from Elizabeth City, NC, who also is an accomplished IPSC shooter. Their accuracy and speed was simply amazing, but virtually no time was spent impressing us, the students. Their demos were very short, illustrated an important point, then they got out of the way to allow us to shoot, , and shoot some more as we tried to master the fundamentals under stress.

Do I sound enthusiastic? You bet I am!...It was great, and I highly recommend their training to anyone, especially cops!...I will be saving my pennies to try to return for the next level LEA Only...hopefully by next year."

Ron Flowers
Allentown Police / DEA Task Force

"I was very impressed with your instruction. I came to this program knowing that I would learn from it but at the same time felt that I was fairly proficient in the use of the carbine. It only took several hours with Dale and John to make me realize how little I knew. They were both excellent instructors and made the program an enjoyable learning experience. Keep up the good work!"

Thanks,

LT. Charles Braman
James City County Police Department Williamsburg, VA

"It's always good to learn from people who have not only the skill to perform the tasks they ask of their students, but the confidence to prove it on demand. These guys can do it and teach it."

"The instruction is not doctrinal or static. They know there is more than one way to skin a cat, and they do not label a technique as "bad" just because it's different than what they normally teach."

"They have a preference that they teach, but they are so well versed in all the options that they don't pretend there is a universal answer to every question. They can help you get better at whatever it is you do, even if it's a little different from what they normally teach"

Todd Louis Green

"The instructors demo all the drills and do so at a much faster pace (double or triple) than they expect you to do."

Irv Leeman

"Not only are these guys outstanding shooters, they are incredible teachers. They don't just tell you how to do something, they SHOW you how it is done."

Jack Mellott
Writer: The Accurate Rifle (Formerly Tactical Shooter)

"Since I am a guest instructor at Thunder Ranch, have attended more than a few schools and my wife was in this class, I admit I watched everything and listened very carefully with almost a too critical attitude. My concerns were completely groundless. Dale and the other instructors are world-class and Dale is definitely a "people person." Although a decorated US Navy SEAL combat vet, he brings no negative baggage with him - no gas mask, MP-5 toting, bandanna wearing posturing or braggadocio. He is totally safety conscious, informative, knowledgeable and highly proficient with a firearm, and insures that everyone gets the individual attention necessary to transform them into safe and competent gun handlers."

Walt Rauch