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Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Armada Ltd

Weapons Based Instructor I

Chesapeake, VA

Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor (SAMI); Antiterrorism Training Supervisor (AT TRASUP); Security Reaction Force-Advanced (SRF-A); Armed Sentry/Security Reaction Force-Basic (AS/SRF-B); Submarine ...

O Gara Training & Services LLC

Instructor

Irvine, CA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Job Requirements:  Prior Military with Honorable Discharge  Possess a current DoD Secret Personal Security Clearance  Expeditionary Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor (SAMI) course (or ...

Armada Ltd

Weapons Based Instructor I

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor (SAMI); Antiterrorism Training Supervisor (AT TRASUP); Security Reaction Force-Advanced (SRF-A); Armed Sentry/Security Reaction Force-Basic (AS/SRF-B); Submarine ...

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Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor information

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How much do small arms marksmanship instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for small arms marksmanship instructor in the United States is $21.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Small Arms Marksmanship Instructors face when training new recruits?

Small Arms Marksmanship Instructors often encounter challenges such as varying skill levels among trainees, overcoming training anxiety, and ensuring safety during live-fire exercises. Instructors must adapt their teaching methods to address different learning styles and provide personalized feedback to help each recruit improve. Additionally, maintaining engagement and discipline in group settings while balancing strict safety protocols is essential for successful training outcomes.

What is the difference between Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor vs Firearms Trainer?

AspectSmall Arms Marksmanship InstructorFirearms Trainer
CertificationsMarksmanship certifications, NRA certifications, military or law enforcement trainingFirearms safety, NRA certifications, law enforcement or civilian shooting certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary, law enforcement, shooting ranges, training facilitiesGun ranges, shooting schools, private training, law enforcement agencies
Employer & IndustryMilitary, law enforcement, security firms, shooting academiesPrivate firearms schools, shooting ranges, law enforcement agencies, security companies

Small Arms Marksmanship Instructors focus specifically on teaching precise shooting techniques and marksmanship skills, often within military or law enforcement contexts. Firearms Trainers may have a broader scope, including safety, handling, and general firearm use for civilians or law enforcement. While both roles require similar certifications and work environments, the emphasis for Small Arms Marksmanship Instructors is on accuracy and tactical shooting skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor, you need expert knowledge of firearms safety, marksmanship fundamentals, and instructional techniques, often supported by military or law enforcement experience and relevant training certifications. Familiarity with range management systems, simulation training tools, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and leadership abilities help instructors effectively teach diverse groups and maintain discipline. These skills are critical to ensuring safe, effective firearms training and the development of proficient, responsible shooters.

What are Small Arms Marksmanship Instructors?

Small Arms Marksmanship Instructors are professionals who specialize in teaching individuals how to safely and effectively use firearms such as pistols, rifles, and shotguns. They provide instruction on marksmanship fundamentals, weapon handling, safety procedures, and maintenance. These instructors often work with military personnel, law enforcement officers, or civilians, ensuring that trainees develop proficiency and confidence with small arms. Their responsibilities also include conducting live-fire exercises, evaluating shooting performance, and adhering to strict safety protocols.
More about Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor jobs
What job categories do people searching Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor jobs are:
Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,102 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Ground Security Tactics Instructor Virginia Beach Virginia

Ground Security Tactics Instructor Virginia Beach Virginia

BEI Tactical

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$42K - $57K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

BEI Tactical is a Service Disabled, Veteran Owned Small Business providing unique services and high-end products to the government and commercial industry. BEI Tactical’ s core values come from its quality work force. We seek proven professionals that add value to our customer’s challenges, and make BEI Tactical a TEAM where people WANT to work. Our philosophy is “Solutions through Relationships”, whether it’s a product or service, let us help you solve your challenges.
BEI Tactical requires the below position for a future anticipated award.  When awarded, we will support the MAREXSECGRU TEU with Ground-qualified HRTIs, proficient in Embarked Security, Aircraft Security, and Position Defense training, Virginia Beach Virginia. 
This effort encompasses contractor support to provide MAREXSECGRU TEU a support team of Subject Matter Experts experienced in specialized Maritime Expeditionary Security Force skills and operations in order to primarily execute HRT in the course of training and creating curriculum for MESF companies, platoons, patrol boat crews, and other special purpose maritime security teams in Coastal Maritime operations, HVU protection, combat shooting techniques, tactical vehicle and convoy operation, Expeditionary Designated Marksman EDM), Ground Operations, Small Unit Tactics, Embarked Security Team (EST), and Aircraft Security Teams (AST), and critical time-intensive administrative functions . 
This land-based module of instruction teaches individuals how to operate as a team in the operation and defense of Entry Control Points and establishment/defense of camp perimeters.  Training entails exercise of established preplanned responses and various roles and duties of a ground security element, and includes the firing of both small arms and crew-served weapons blanks . 
The following position is required for this effort:
Position:  Ground Security Tactics Instructor, Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Experience Requirements:
  • Must be a graduate of a certified Navy Instructor Training Course (NEC 9502, 9501, or 9518) or equivalent (Completion of a civilian (or commercial) formal course of instruction, which has been evaluated and certified as a JIT/NITC equivalence by the Center for Professional Development).  Consideration will be additionally granted for experience as a Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor, and/or Expeditionary Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor, or similar military instructor qualification. One year of instructional experience in lieu of designation (as evidenced by DD214, course certificates, etc.
  • Must have USN Naval Coastal Warfare, Maritime Expeditionary Security, Riverine, Coast Riverine or Special Operations (USN SEAL, or Special Warfare Combat Crewman) experience.
  • Must be a graduate of Blackwater, Mid-South Shooting Institute, Gryphon or SFAUC, or MCAUC small arms weapons training.  Equivalent tactical small arms weapons training schools will be considered.
  • Prior military shall have Honorable Discharge from Active-Duty Military service, with favorable reenlistment code.
  • Qualified Navy or civilian industry standard equivalent Range Safety Officer for small arms and CSW static and dynamic live-fire ranges
Instructors MUST:
  • Must meet Navy High-Risk Training requirements as outlined in OPNAVINST 1500.75 series.
  • Must provide proof of recent (within three years) first aid certification or Tactical Combat Casualty Care.
  • Must possess valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) / Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification.
  • Must have Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Must possess proof of recent, within the past 3 years of qualifications for the following weapons systems:
    • M9 Pistol or designated replacement
    • M4/M16 (or variants) Rifle
    • M500 Shotgun
  • Additionally, instructors must be able to qualify with the following weapons systems as required:
    • M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle
    • M240 Machine Gun
    • M2HB .50 cal Machine Gun
    • M203 Grenade Launcher
    • Mk38 Mod 2 25mm Machine Gun
    • MK50 Remote Weapon Station
    • Other weapon systems as assigned
  • Must have SECRET Clearance 
 Basic Instructor Responsibilities and Requirements:
  • Meet and maintain eligibility for high-risk training instructors, as delineated in CORIVFORINST 1500.1 series and supporting references.
  • Perform basic to advanced levels of classroom and practical field instruction in accordance with approved curricula, including nighttime exercises as required.
  • Maintain an instructor training binder with approved personalized course materials to be utilized during instruction.
  • Perform and observe the safe operations of, including, but not limited to, authorized weapons systems, small craft, tactical vehicles, assorted support equipment, and authorized technical training equipment, including laser systems and synthetic weapons trainers.
  • Perform course preparations to include, but not limited to, preparation of classroom, weapons loading, weapons mounting, target placement, computer set up, practical area set up, vehicle staging, etc.
  • Perform operator level weapons cleaning, maintenance and repairs of all authorized weapons systems and ranges.
  • Participate in material maintenance of existing curricula following Government authorized processes.
  • Obtain course qualifications in accordance with approved guidance.
  • Complete and maintain require Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS) for each watch station that the instructor is training or evaluating personnel on.
  • Perform general facility cleanup to include but not limited to, trash removal, sweeping, swabbing, kitchen, appliances, lounge, bathroom, TOC areas, and ranges.
  • Additional courses designed to basic and advanced Maritime Expeditionary Security maritime and ground tactics may be added in the future as MESF missions and responsibilities mature 
BEI Tactical Offers:
  • Funding for Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Short Term Disability (at no cost to you) and LTD
  • 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 11 Federal Holidays each year
BEI Tactical is an AA / EOE / M / F / Disability / VET / Drug Free Employer