Tip of the Spear Training Group

About Tip of the Spear Training Group

Denver is a highly decorated combat veteran and certified firearms expert whose career spans the globe, from the most demanding theaters of war to elite tactical instruction. With over two decades dedicated to the mastery of small arms and instructional methodology, Denver brings unparalleled depth to every course taught at Tip of the Spear Training Group.

Denver served thirteen years in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantry Rifleman (0311), gaining his foundational expertise under the highest standards of military professionalism. His proficiency was formally honed during his critical assignment to the Marksmanship Training Unit (MTU) in Parris Island, SC, where he served as a Primary Marksmanship Instructor (PMI) and a Combat Marksmanship Coach's Course Instructor.

His diverse Marine Corps service included deployments with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, and combat service with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, which provided him with specialized experience and certifications in:

• Military Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT)

• Jungle Warfare, Cold Weather Warfare, and Desert Warfare

• Airborne (Basic Jump School)

Denver's exceptional service was recognized with numerous awards, including the Purple Heart Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (4th award).

Upon transitioning from the USMC in 2012, Denver immediately entered the high-threat diplomatic security sector, becoming a certified Firearms Instructor (FI) for the Department of State in Baghdad, Iraq. Further elevating his instructional credentials, he served as a Range Master Firearms Instructor (RMFI) and Training Manager for the Department of State in Kabul, Afghanistan.

In these roles, Denver developed and executed comprehensive training programs, specializing in teaching:

• The safe and effective employment of the Glock 19 and M4 Service Carbine.

• Instructional mastery of the Glock 19 shooting platform for TCN security personnel (from Uganda, Kenya, and Nepal/Gurkhas).

After his international career, Denver returned home and rapidly built a robust civilian instruction profile, acquiring certifications as an NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, and Home Firearm Safety Instructor. He further expanded his defensive expertise by serving with the Brevard County Sheriff's Office School Marshal Program.

In 2018, Denver founded Tip of the Spear Training Group, where he currently serves as the Chief Instructor. He is also certified by the USCCA as an Instructor for Concealed Carry, Home Defense Fundamentals, and Countering The Mass Shooter Threat.

Denver is committed to leveraging his unique, multi-faceted experience—from combat to diplomatic security—to deliver elite, realistic, and ethical training, enabling every client to become "harder to kill."

Class Instructors

Certifications

• Primary Marksmanship Instructor (PMI), U.S. Marine Corps (Highest-level USMC Marksmanship Instructor)

• Combat Marksmanship Trainer (CMT), U.S. Marine Corps

• Combat Marksmanship Coach (CMC), U.S. Marine Corps

• Basic Field Firing Officer Course (BFFOC), Department of State (Firearms Instructor designation for high-threat diplomatic security)

• USCCA Certified Instructor:

  • Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals

  • Countering the Mass Shooter Threat

• NRA Certified Instructor:

  • Pistol Instructor

  • Rifle Instructor

  • Shotgun Instructor

  • Home Firearm Safety Instructor (NRA Safety in the Home Insructor)

Policies

Cancellation Policy

Tip of the Spear Training Group (TOTS) maintains a strict cancellation policy due to the high demand, limited class sizes, and significant preparation/material costs associated with our specialized courses (including range rentals, consumables, Simunitions, and instructor logistics).

Please review the following terms before registering for any course:

All courses require a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit or a payment in full at the time of registration. This deposit secures your position and covers administrative and reservation costs.

All refund requests must be submitted in writing (via email). Refunds will be processed according to the timeline relative to the scheduled course start date:

We understand that conflicts arise. Students may transfer their registration to a different date of the same course subject to the following transfer fees:

• 30+ Days Notice: One-time transfer allowed at no charge.

• 15 – 29 Days Notice: Transfer permitted with a $75 Transfer Fee.

• 0 – 14 Days Notice: No transfers allowed. Tuition is forfeited.

Note on Credit: Course credits are valid for 12 months from the date of the original cancelled course. Credits are non-transferable to other individuals.

Any student who registers for a course and fails to attend, without providing written notice before the 14-day cancellation window, is considered a No-Show. No-Shows forfeit 100% of the tuition paid.

In the unlikely event that Tip of the Spear Training Group must cancel a course due to instructor illness, severe weather, or unforeseen operational reasons, students will be offered two options:

1. A 100% full refund of the entire tuition paid, OR

2. A free transfer of the full tuition to any open, equivalent course date within the next 12 months.

By registering for a course with Tip of the Spear Training Group, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to this policy.

Reschedule Policy

 

Refund Policy

Other Policy

• Rule: All course registrations require a payment in full or a deposit upfront.

• Status: This payment (or deposit) is non-refundable and non-transferable to another student.

• Purpose: This fee secures the student's slot and covers initial administrative and reservation costs.

• Definition: A No-Show occurs when a student fails to attend a registered course without providing written notice within the 14-day cancellation window.

• Penalty: Any student classified as a No-Show forfeits 100% of the tuition paid. (No refund, no credit, and no transfer.)

Though this was covered earlier, it's the final policy covering action taken by your company:

• Rule: If Tip of the Spear Training Group (TOTS) cancels a course (due to weather, instructor illness, etc.).

• Outcome for Student: Students are given the choice between:

  1. A 100% full refund of the entire tuition paid, OR

  2. A free transfer of the full tuition to any open, equivalent course date within the next 12 months.

Waiver

You will be required to sign a Liability Release form for Tip of the Spear Training Group and all locations where training takes place. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviews

Videos

• RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.® Surviving an Active Shooter Event

  TRAIN. SHOOT. REPEAT.

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