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Defensive Tactics Instructor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

... Defense Tactics & Techniques leading to certification in the use of specialized equipment ... Instructor 90 Days Required * International Association of Healthcare Security and Safety ...

Defensive Tactics Instructor information

What is a defensive tactics instructor?

A Defensive Tactics Instructor is responsible for training law enforcement, military personnel, or security professionals in techniques for self-defense, control tactics, and suspect apprehension. They teach strategies to de-escalate confrontations, properly use force, and ensure officer and public safety. Instructors typically have expertise in martial arts, law enforcement procedures, and physical conditioning. Their role includes conducting hands-on training, developing curriculum, and staying current with legal and tactical updates.

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

To thrive as a Defensive Tactics Instructor, you need in-depth knowledge of self-defense techniques, physical fitness, and instructional expertise, usually backed by relevant law enforcement, military, or martial arts certifications. Familiarity with training weapons, safety equipment, use-of-force simulators, and documentation systems is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, patience, and leadership skills help instructors effectively teach diverse groups and manage high-pressure scenarios. These competencies are critical to ensuring safe, impactful training and preparing students for real-world defensive situations.

What are some common challenges faced by defensive tactics instructors?

Defensive Tactics Instructors often face the challenge of adapting their teaching methods to suit trainees with differing physical abilities, backgrounds, and experience levels. They must ensure that all exercises are conducted safely, minimizing the risk of injury while maintaining program effectiveness. Instructors are also responsible for staying updated with evolving best practices, legal standards, and agency policies regarding use-of-force. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as they frequently collaborate with other instructors and coordinate with department leadership to deliver comprehensive training programs. These aspects make the role both demanding and rewarding for those passionate about safety and professional development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs in Tennessee? For Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Defensive Tactics Instructor job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Secondary Firearms Instructor - Part Time

General Dynamics Information Technology

Nashville, TN • On-site

$30.44 - $41.18/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago


General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 223 rated it services


Job description

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REQ#: RQ225391Public Trust: None Requisition Type: Regular Your Impact

Own your opportunity to serve as a critical component of our nations safety and security. Make an impact by using your expertise to protect our country from threats.

Job Description
Job Description

GDIT has an amazing opportunity for a Secondary Firearms Instructor (SFI) to provide world-class support to our clientele. As a Secondary Firearms Instructor (SFI), you are the foundation of our overall approach to support. When we succeed, you succeed and together our best becomes better.

At GDIT, people are our differentiator. As a Secondary Firearms Instructor (SFI), you will help ensure today is safe and tomorrow is smarter. Our work depends on a Secondary Firearms Instructor (SFI) joining our team to bring professionalism and initiative to a fast-paced environment that offers options for training, certification, and career advancement. When we succeed, you succeed and together our best becomes better.

HOW A Secondary Firearms Instructor (SFI) WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:
  • The Secondary Firearms Instructor (SFI) supports the Lead Firearms Instructor (LFI) during the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) Requalification Training sessions. The SFI assists the LFI as directed in the preparation; completion; and post session clean-up requirements of all FFDO Semi-annual Firearms Requalification sessions.

  • Ensures student safety during dry-fire and live-fire training venues.

  • The SFI provides one-on-one instruction to students during the pre-qualification (warm-up) course of fire; and any remedial training as designated by the LFI.

  • The SFI must possess the demonstrated ability to effectively communicate law enforcement training concepts and issues to a diverse audience; and must possess the demonstrated ability to instruct in accordance with the principles of basic adult education; as well as platform and practical area instruction for law enforcement.

  • The SFI must have the ability to interpret; apply; and adhere to established program policies; standard operating procedures (SOPs); and lesson plans.

  • The SFI keeps all Sensitive Security Information (SSI) and Sensitive Personally Identifying Information (SPII) secured appropriately both during and after a re-qualification session in compliance with the TSA MD 2100.2; Privacy and Information Collection Policy and TSA MD 1400.3 TSA Information Security Policy.

WHAT YOULL NEED TO SUCCEED:

  • Required Experience: SFIs must have a minimum of 5 years of formal experience as an instructor in ALL of the following law enforcement disciplines: firearms; defensive tactics/measures; and use of force.

  • The SFI must be a current or former certified law enforcement official or civilian employee having completed a military; state; county or municipally certified firearms training program.

  • Associates Degree; or the equivalent combination of education; technical certifications or training; or work/military experience.

  • The SFI must also comply with all Federal; state; and/or local requirements.

  • This position requires applicants to successfully complete the security application and pass a background investigation clearance prior to starting.*

Working Conditions The work is typically performed at an indoor or outdoor gun range. Employees will be required to handle weapons and ammunition in the course of their duties. Exposure to high volumes of noise due to the firing of weapons will occur and employees are required to wear hearing protection in the form of foam ear plugs as well as external hearing protection. Exposure to expelled gun-powder as a result of fired ammunition is expected; and the employees must wash hands after handling ammunition. Work may require some physical effort in the handling of light materials; boxes; or equipment. The above job description is not intended to be; nor should it be construed as; exhaustive of all responsibilities; skills; efforts; or working conditions associated with this job. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the principal (essential) functions of this job.

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE:

  • Comprehensive health and wellness packages

  • Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career

  • Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications

Work Requirements
Years of Experience

5 + years of related experience

* may vary based on technical training, certification(s), or degree

Certification
Travel Required

None

Salary and Benefit Information

The likely hourly rate for this position is between $30.44 - $41.18. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.
View information about benefits and our total rewards program.

Our Identity Verification Process

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.

About Our Work

We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading mission-ready capabilities in AI, cloud, cyber and software development.

Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at gdit.com/tc.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans


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About General Dynamics Information Technology

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GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. Its 30,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. The company operates across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber, and application development.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US