This week, we had the distinct privilege of interviewing the director of our Constitutional Defense Program, Aaron Marshall. Our Constitutional Defense Program consists of regular handgun, shotgun, and rifle classes. Our highly trained team of instructors has put together an amazing combination of intellectual and physical training to equip both experienced shooters and those completely new to firearms to handle their gun with skill and have an understanding of what happens before, during, and after a self-defense situation. Please enjoy this interview!
What is your role at Patriot Academy and how long have you been with us?
I am the Director for the Constitutional Defense program, and I’ve been here for 3 ½ years.
Can you share about your professional background leading to this role?
I joined the Army Reserves in 2000, and deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Following my deployment to Afghanistan in 2010, I decided to start teaching firearms as a side business. Shortly thereafter, I went to work full-time at Front Sight, where I worked as a range master. I left Front Sight in 2014 with three other instructors to start my own training company, which was called Guncraft Training Academy. In 2022, Rick Green called me and asked if I could build a firearms training program for Patriot Academy. The program we had been running with Guncraft was a natural fit, and I have been developing Constitutional Defense ever since.
Describe a typical day or week for you.
During a class, I’m on the range about 10 hours out of the day. The instructional team starts each day with prayer and a brief team meeting to discuss any specifics for the day, and then we hit the range with our students. Teaching the class consists of delivering instructional lectures, running range exercises, and coaching the students individually during range activities.
In between classes, we’re constantly making improvements to our facility and course materials. A typical day might include anything from optimizing course schedules or improving lesson scripts, to building new target frames or range amenities, to hitting the range to do some training with the instructors and sharpen our own skills.
Describe the importance of what you do.
I help people build the confidence with their firearm that comes with the knowledge and proficiency in self-defense skills. My goal is for our students to leave being safe, responsible, proficient, and consistent with their gun, capable of using it effectively as a tool to protect themselves and their loved ones.
We train our students to a standard far above that of the average gun owner, and which surpasses that of most law enforcement and military. Our students leave here changed forever. At the very least, they hold their head a little higher, having completed something challenging and fulfilling. At best, they find a new life-changing confidence in themselves. Victims of crime or abuse often even find healing from their trauma, having learned the skills necessary to avoid becoming a victim again.
What do you enjoy most about working at Patriot Academy and what are some favorite memories?
Working for Patriot Academy is way more than just a job. We look out for and take care of each other like no place else I’ve ever been, including the Army. I think my best memories are the times with my team after a class. We will often do a cook-out around a bonfire together while we share stories about the most recent class. It’s a great way to cap off a successful class, and always helps create some good memories and bond the team together.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
My wife and I are avid ballroom dancers. I’m also an amateur auto mechanic. For fun, I like playing board games, particularly of the strategy genre.
Favorite coffee at the Patriot Brew.
I actually don’t drink coffee, but their fruit smoothies are exquisite.
How has your faith grown this past year?
God has been helping me learn to remain steadfast in the midst of pain and turmoil.
What is your goal for your team and the program looking forward?
My vision for Constitutional Defense is for it to be the finest firearms training program in the world. Beyond being a firearms school, ConDef is a close-knit community. The instructors are professionals of the first-order, among the best in their field, men and women of character, aptitude, and integrity. I hope to lead ConDef to training more students than any other school, while maintaining a level of quality that is second to none.
