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Defensive Tactics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

Experience instructing defensive tactics to law enforcement trainees is required. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s ...

Canyons School District

$89.24/hr

Non Credit/Continuing Ed Opening Date: 04/14/2025 Description We are accepting applications for the Noncredit Police Defensive Tactics Adjunct Instructor Applicant Pool. Adjunct pools are open on a ...

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Defensive Tactics information

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$21K

$56.5K

$92.5K

How much do defensive tactics jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for defensive tactics in the United States is $56,492.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $65,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are defensive tactics?

Defensive tactics refer to a set of skills, techniques, and strategies used primarily by law enforcement, security personnel, and military professionals to protect themselves and others from harm. These tactics focus on minimizing injury, controlling dangerous situations, and safely restraining or deterring aggressive individuals. Training in defensive tactics often includes hand-to-hand combat, use of non-lethal weapons, escape maneuvers, and situational awareness. The goal is to resolve confrontations with the least amount of force necessary, while ensuring the safety of all parties involved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defensive tactics instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defensive Tactics Instructor, you need expertise in self-defense techniques, physical fitness, and a relevant background in law enforcement, security, or martial arts, often supported by instructor certifications. Familiarity with training equipment, scenario-based simulation tools, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and leadership skills help instructors effectively teach diverse learners and maintain a safe training environment. These skills are essential to ensure trainees gain practical, effective skills while minimizing injury and promoting confidence in defensive situations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals teaching defensive tactics, and how can they be overcome?

Instructors in Defensive Tactics often face the challenge of addressing a wide range of skill levels and physical abilities among trainees. Balancing the need for realistic, effective training while ensuring safety is paramount, and adapting instruction methods to suit individual learning styles is essential. To overcome these challenges, instructors frequently rely on clear communication, ongoing assessment, and continuous professional development to stay updated on best practices and legal standards. Collaboration with colleagues and law enforcement agencies also helps improve training quality and relevance.

What is the difference between Defensive Tactics vs Security Guard?

AspectDefensive TacticsSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsMartial arts certifications, self-defense trainingSecurity license, background check
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement, correctional facilities, security training centersCommercial, residential, event venues
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, private security firmsPrivate companies, malls, event organizers

Defensive Tactics focus on self-defense skills and physical techniques to protect oneself or others, often used in law enforcement or security training. Security Guards primarily monitor and protect property and people, utilizing awareness and prevention strategies. While both roles involve safety and security, Defensive Tactics emphasize physical defense skills, whereas Security Guards focus on surveillance and access control.

More about Defensive Tactics jobs

What states have the most Defensive Tactics jobs?

States with the most job openings for Defensive Tactics jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Defensive Tactics jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Defensive Tactics jobs are:

Defensive Tactics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defensive Tactics job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,492 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Physical Fitness and/or Defensive Tactics Instructor

Cheltenham, MD • On-site

SGI Global
Police Protection • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about SGI Globalexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

SGI Global is seeking Physical Fitness and/or Defensive Tactics Instructors for the United States Capitol Police (USCP). Qualified instructors will responsible for providing general entry-level and inservice training instructions to all sworn and civilian employees, supervisors, mid-level managers and command staff.

Responsibilities

The Instructor shall provide training, including but not limited to, the following:

  • Prepare and deliver the course materials including content, sequence, timing, presentation and instructional methodology.
  • Rate and score students/ officers/ and officials (who participate in training programs) and make initial determination on whether they qualify or fail to qualify to meet departmental standards.
  • Continuously analyze training policies and other training related processes, making recommendation to management on necessary revisions based off validated research, industry standards and /or Departmental policy changes.
  • Research and analyze relevant case law for inclusion in course presentation, and evaluate and revise course content as necessary. Determine and outline coverage, specific goals, techniques, instructional aids and timing for each phase of each lesson.
  • Write and prepare lesson plans, course materials, evaluations and management recommendations in an accurate, concise manner without need
    for grammatical or content editing.
  • Deviate from course lesson plans as necessary and approved to adjust to changes in law enforcement procedures, equipment and techniques.
  • Evaluate and advise on students' progress by observing performance of students and by developing and administering tests on materials studied.
  • Stay abreast of literature and other materials in assigned training areas, evaluate the potential of new materials and instructional aides and participates in training workshops, seminars, and courses. May be required to perform such administrative support training duties as class scheduling and coordination, record keeping and property management.

Qualifications

  • Must have successfully completed the Federal Law Enforcement Center's (FLETC) Law Enforcement Fitness Coordinator Training Program (LEFCTP)and/or Law Enforcement Control Tactics Instructor Training Program (LECTITP) or equivalent.
  • Must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited College or University in exercise science, physical education or kinesiology or equivalent.
  • Must have at least 5 years of experience in managing a physical fitness or wellness program and/or defensive tactics for law enforcement. Any years of Physical Fitness/Defensive Tactics Coordination experience in excess of 5 years may substitute for education, where 1 year of experience = 1 year of collegiate level education.
  • Must have a range of anatomic and physical fitness knowledge and training experience in fields to include the following:
    • Legal Aspects of Exercise Admin
    • Lifestyle Management
    • General Physical Preparedness (GPP)
    • Nutrition
    • Physical Efficiency Battery
    • Developing Fitness Progressions
    • Progressive Strength Training
    • Flexibility
    • Physical Assessments
    • Functional Anatomy
    • Exercise Adherence
    • Physical Testing Protocol
    • Principles of Weight Management
    • Injury Prevention

SGI Global provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

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