Andy Padilla
Instructor # 1910431 | Arden Defense
Certified with the USCCA since 8/9/2024
Certification Renewal Date 8/18/2027
USCCA Certifications
- Concealed Carry & Home Defense
My Biography
Andy “Gunny” Padilla is a retired U.S. Marine infantryman whose distinguished career includes several combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Throughout his service, he held multiple high-level instructor positions, including:
Marksmanship Instructor
Foreign Weapons Instructor
Machinegun Instructor
Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) Instructor
Combat Instructor
Weapons and Tactics Instructor
Andy has trained and mentored both U.S. military personnel and international forces in firearms employment, tactical operations, and combat readiness.
In addition to his military background, Andy holds extensive civilian certifications:
USCCA Certified Instructor
NRA Chief Range Safety Officer
NRA Pistol, Rifle, and Shotgun Instructor
NRA Personal Protection in the Home Instructor
Kansas Concealed Carry Handgun License Instructor
Smith & Wesson Armorer
Over his 31+ years as a Weapons and Tactics Instructor, Chief Instructor, Director of Range & Training Operations, and General Manager of a premier range and training facility, Andy has become a respected leader in the firearms industry. His knowledge, experience, and leadership play a critical role in driving this training company toward becoming the nation’s leading provider of firearms education.
Andy’s mission is simple yet powerful: to help responsible armed citizens, as well as federal, local law enforcement, and military professionals, gain the skills, confidence, and mindset necessary to safeguard their lives and protect those they love.
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This specialized training course equips church security team members and volunteers with the skills, mindset, and confidence to protect their congregation in the event of a violent threat. Students will learn handgun fundamentals, defensive shooting techniques, rapid threat assessment, and movement in crowded or confined spaces. Emphasis is placed on real-world scenarios common to faith-based settings, communication under stress, and operating as part of a coordinated security team. Whether you are an experienced shooter or new to security work, this course builds the competence and readiness needed to safeguard your place of worship while maintaining a spirit of service and protection.