Jason Tanksley
Instructor # 3527203 | Ground Zero Training Solutions
Certified with the USCCA since 7/23/2024
Certification Renewal Date 7/23/2027
USCCA Certifications
- Concealed Carry & Home Defense
- Emergency & First Aid
- Countering the Mass Shooter
- Women's Handgun & Self-Defense
- Children's Firearms & Safety Fundamentals
- Range Safety Officer
- Marksmanship Simplified: Foundations of Handgun Coaching
My Biography
Jason Tanksley, a veteran with real-world experience and founder of Ground Zero Training Solutions, is a sought after, dedicated instructor specializing in guiding newcomers through the fundamentals of safe, confident and effective firearm use. With a friendly, approachable style, Jason creates a non-intimidating environment for shooters of all experience levels. His company, Ground Zero Training Solutions, provides practical self-protection solutions and tactics for today's society.
Current Classes Available
Request a Class
Learn how to protect yourself with cost-efficient, highly effective, less-than-lethal weapons available to civilians. You will learn how to employ them as well as the pros and cons of less-than-lethal munitions compared to firearms.
New to pistol shooting or never had formal training? This is the class you need! You will learn:
Proper grip Stance Shooting from strong side Shooting from your support hand Trigger reset Use of iron sights and optics Follow through
If you do not own a firearm, one will be provided for training.
This class is required to apply for your Virginia Conceal Carry Permit. When seconds count, you must be your own first responder! Victory through vigilance!
Visit https://trainwithgroundzero.com to view all training opportunities, subscribe to our Tactical Tips, and more!
This class is required to apply for your Tennessee Conceal Carry Permit. When seconds count, you must be your own first responder! Victory through vigilance!
This class is designed to teach children the importance of firearm safety in a fun, engaging, and age-appropriate way. Your child will learn the basic principles of firearm safety, including how to recognize a firearm, what to do if they encounter one, and the importance of respecting firearms as tools, not toys. The class will include hands-on activities, interactive discussions, and safety drills. Kids will develop a clear understanding of how to stay safe around firearms while fostering responsibility and awareness. This course is ideal for families who want to ensure their children are educated and empowered to make smart, safe choices.
Become a hard target! This course will teach you survivor mindset, situational awareness, establishing personal boundaries, how to avoid, escape, and defend, as well as exploring the use of firearms and non-lethal options in a self-defense situation.
The Tennessee Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit (EHCP) class is an eight-hour course that prepares students to carry a handgun in Tennessee: The class covers a variety of topics, including: • Self-defense law • Tennessee statutes • Firearms safety • Gun care and cleaning • Home Safety • Weapon and caliber selection • Concealment • Interaction with law enforcement
Additionally, the EHCP requires live fire qualification consisting of 50 rounds: • Three yards: 20 rounds • Five yards: 20 rounds • Seven yards: 10 rounds
The Tennessee Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit (EHCP) class is an eight-hour course that prepares students to carry a handgun in Tennessee: The class covers a variety of topics, including: • Self-defense law • Tennessee statutes • Firearms safety • Gun care and cleaning • Home Safety • Weapon and caliber selection • Concealment • Interaction with law enforcement
Additionally, the EHCP requires live fire qualification consisting of 50 rounds: • Three yards: 20 rounds • Five yards: 20 rounds • Seven yards: 10 rounds
Ground Zero Training Solutions Tennessee & Virginia Concealed Carry Permit Course
Take responsibility for your personal safety and protect what matters most.
Ground Zero Training Solutions provides professional, practical concealed carry education for responsible citizens. This Tennessee and Virginia Concealed Carry Permit Course is designed for everyday men and women who want to legally carry, understand the law, and receive clear, straightforward firearms instruction. Whether you are brand new to firearms or have years of experience, this course delivers no-nonsense education focused on safety, legality, and responsible decision-making.
Course Covers • Tennessee and Virginia concealed carry laws • Use of force and self-defense legal considerations • Safe firearm handling and storage • Situational awareness and mindset • Concealed carry options and everyday considerations • Permit application process and next steps
This course meets the training requirements for Virginia and Tennessee concealed carry permits.
Even in constitutional carry states, a permit can provide added legal protection and reciprocity when traveling. Training is conducted in a professional, supportive environment with an emphasis on clarity, safety, and personal responsibility.
Who Should Attend • First-time gun owners • Individuals seeking concealed carry permits • Those who want proper education, not just a permit • Men and women of all experience levels
Ground Zero Training Solutions Train Smart. Stay Vigilant!
The Tennessee Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit (EHCP) class is an eight-hour course that prepares students to carry a handgun in Tennessee: The class covers a variety of topics, including: • Self-defense law • Tennessee statutes • Firearms safety • Gun care and cleaning • Home Safety • Weapon and caliber selection • Concealment • Interaction with law enforcement
Additionally, the EHCP requires live fire qualification consisting of 50 rounds: • Three yards: 20 rounds • Five yards: 20 rounds • Seven yards: 10 rounds
New to the AR-15? This beginner-friendly course is designed to build confidence, safety, and competence with America’s most popular rifle. Students will learn the basic operation of the AR-15 platform, firearm safety rules, loading and unloading procedures, sight alignment, marksmanship fundamentals, maintenance, and safe storage practices. Whether you’re a new firearm owner or considering purchasing an AR-15, this class provides a solid foundation for responsible ownership and effective use.
No prior experience required. Perfect for first-time AR-15 owners, recreational shooters, and anyone looking to develop safe and effective rifle handling skills.
Ground Zero Training Solutions Victory Through Vigilance
She’s Ready: Women’s Defensive Pistol
Confidence. Skills. Protection. Because you are worth it.
She’s Ready is a women-focused defensive pistol class designed to help you become more confident, capable, and prepared to protect yourself and those you love.
Whether you’re a newer shooter, own a handgun but aren’t completely comfortable with it yet, or simply want to build practical defensive skills, this class provides a safe, encouraging, and non-intimidating environment where you can learn and grow.
This isn’t just about shooting at a target. We’ll focus on the skills and mindset that matter when carrying a firearm for personal protection, including:
Safe and confident handgun handling
Defensive pistol fundamentals
Drawing and presenting the handgun
Practical, real-world shooting skills
Situational awareness and defensive mindset
Building confidence under pressure
Understanding your capabilities and limitations
Developing a personal-defense mindset
No need to feel intimidated or like you already have everything figured out. That’s why you’re coming to training.
Bring your own handgun, or arrangements can be made to use an instructor-provided firearm.
At Ground Zero Training Solutions, our goal isn’t simply to make you a better shooter. We want you to leave more confident, more capable, and better prepared than when you arrived.
Train with purpose. Train with confidence. Train with Ground Zero.



