Derek joined the Army in 2007 and served two tours in Iraq as an Infantryman. After leaving active duty in 2014 and he joined the Army Reserve.

As an Infantryman in the Reserves, he has served in several roles primarily focused around training Soldiers. He has served as Assistant Operations NCO, Pre-deployment Cadre, and Observer Controller/Trainer with a focus of preparing Army Reserve Soldiers for deployed operations around the world.

As a civilian instructor he has worked with the Army teaching Combat Marksmanship Fundamentals to Infantry recruits at Ft. Moore (formerly Ft. Benning) and a pre-deployment instructor focusing on marksmanship and squad level tactics for the Air Force.

Derek has earned the instructor certification from both the Army and the Air Force as well as the civilian certification through the USCCA. He is a graduate of the US Army Reserve Senior Gunner Course and Observer Controller/ Trainer Academy.

With over 15 years of experience as both a member of the Army and as a civilian contractor, Derek’s passion for training is continues to this day. His experience working with students of all backgrounds ensures quality training for shooters of all levels.