1

Defensive Tactics Instructor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Surface Warfare Tactics Instructor AQD is highly preferred. * Location - on customer site * Secret ... S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of ...

Tactical Analyst

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) * Experience using qualitative and quantitative assessment ... Website Industry Defense and Space Manufacturing Company size 11-50 employees Includes members with ...

Senior Tactical Analyst

King George, VA · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

Sayres Defense is seeking a Senior-Level Tactical Analyst professional to support the SMWDC ... Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) * Experience using qualitative and quantitative assessment ...

Senior Tactical Analyst

King George, VA · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

Sayres Defense is seeking a Senior-Level Tactical Analyst professional to support the SMWDC ... Tactics Instructor (WTI)Experience using qualitative and quantitative assessment methods to ...

Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. Department of State (DoS) demand for highly skilled ... Contribute operational insight on kinetic FPV employment, cUAS tactics, and current battlefield ...

Showing results 41-60

Defensive Tactics Instructor information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$28

$56

How much do defensive tactics instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for defensive tactics instructor in Virginia is $28.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.00 and $31.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Virginia? The most popular types of Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs in Virginia? For Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Defensive Tactics Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Defensive Tactics Instructor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,454 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

AEGIS Tactical Action Officer Trainer

GDIT

Dahlgren, VA • On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 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

Type of Requisition:

Pipeline

Clearance Level Must Currently Possess:

Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain:

Secret

Public Trust/Other Required:

None

Job Family:

Program Instruction Support

Job Qualifications:

Skills:

Combat Systems, Curriculum Modification, Missile Defense

Certifications:

None

Experience:

7 + years of related experience

US Citizenship Required:

Yes

Job Description:

Training Specialist Senior - AEGIS Tactical Action Officer Trainer

Transform technology into opportunity as a Training Specialist Senior with GDIT. A career in enterprise IT means connecting and enhancing the systems that matter most. At GDIT you'll be at the forefront of innovation and play a meaningful part in improving how agencies operate. At GDIT, people are our differentiator. As a Training Specialist Senior you will help ensure today is safe and tomorrow is smarter.


HOW A TRAINING SPECIALIST SENIOR WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:

  • Develops; organizes; and conducts training and educational programs for Fleet sailors in support of Aegis Training and Readiness Center in Dahlgren Virginia.

  • Training program requires ability to conduct traditional classroom instruction and support tactical lab training;

  • Candidate would serve as an Expert Instructor to train CG/DDG sailors in tactical employment of the latest Aegis Combat System and associated weapons systems, system capabilities and limitations, employment of organic and non-organic aircraft and systems, mission planning and execution, and tactical communications.

  • The candidate will provide subject matter expertise in support of curriculum development for ATRC courses supporting operational employment of Aegis Combat System.

  • Provides dynamic teaching & training as well as assessment that require advanced knowledge of U.S. Navy Combat Systems Capabilities and Limitations to the officer level. Reviews and analyzes U.S. Navy Aegis Combat System Engineering Capabilities and Limitations and U.S. Navy Operational and Tactical doctrine and integrates and conceptualizes the execution of Doctrine optimizing the application of ships and aircraft (organic and non-organic) systems in the dynamic tactical environment.

  • Conducts dynamic assessment of the sailors' abilities to comply with approved maintenance and operational procedures and thereafter provides formal appraisal of performance with recommendations for improvement and methods to maintain technical and tactical proficiency.

  • Observes and assesses contemporaries during Practice and Certification Teaches per requirements NAVEDTRA 135. Prepares; reviews; and customizes curriculum lesson plans and instructor guide in support of traditional classroom teaching.

  • Documents the training conducted with specifics of the individual areas / watch station and is responsible for generation of a formal assessment of measure of success via written report. Develops; tests; maintains; and delivers moderately complex Aegis training programs and related materials in support of ATRC training objectives.


WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a related technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education, technical certifications, training, or work/military experience.

  • Seven (7) years of experience with the required system or process as either a maintenance technician manager or operator manager with responsibility for teaching the applicable system or function task to others in a master level training environment.

  • Experience as a qualified TAO, Anti-Air Warfare Coordinator, Ballistic Missile Defense Officer, or Combat System Coordinator and requires relevant experience, as Warfare Commander/Coordinator for Air, Surface, Subsurface, Strike, C4I, or Ballistic Missile Defense on an Aegis warship is required.

  • Of the seven (7) years, one (1) year of experience as an instructor in a Navy Training Environment, to include curriculum maintenance, writing learning objectives, preparing test items, evaluating instructional materials and the results of instruction and counseling students on academic learning problems including one (1) year relevant experience interfacing with training systems/simulations for effective and correct presentation of learning objectives.

  • Experience as a qualified AWCC or a Master/Afloat Training Specialist in support of SCSTC/TACTRAGRU/ATG is a significant plus.Surface Warfare Tactics Instructor AQD is highly preferred.

  • Location - on customer site

  • Secret clearance


GDIT IS YOUR PLACE:

  • 401K with company match

  • Comprehensive health and wellness packages

  • Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career

  • Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications

  • Cutting-edge technology you can learn from

  • Rest and recharge with paid vacation and holidays

#DahlgrenAegis

The likely salary range for this position is $72,877 - $98,599. 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.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Travel Required:

Less than 10%

Telecommuting Options:

Onsite

Work Location:

USA VA Dahlgren

Additional Work Locations:

Total Rewards at GDIT:

Our benefits package for all US-based employees includes a variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, dental plan options, a vision plan, and a 401(k) plan offering the ability to contribute both pre and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match. To encourage work/life balance, GDIT offers employees full flex work weeks where possible and a variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave. To ensure our employees are able to protect their income, other offerings such as short and long-term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance are provided or available. We regularly review our Total Rewards package to ensure our offerings are competitive and reflect what our employees have told us they value most.

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

What General Dynamics Information Technology employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


General Dynamics Information Technology logo

About General Dynamics Information Technology

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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