Howie Williams
Instructor # 624928 | Caliber Firearms Academy
Certified with the USCCA since 4/14/2018
Certification Renewal Date 5/22/2027
USCCA Certifications
- Concealed Carry & Home Defense
- Countering the Mass Shooter
- Women's Handgun & Self-Defense
- Range Safety Officer
- Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals - Training Counselor
- Emergency & First Aid
- Children's Firearms & Safety Fundamentals
- Marksmanship Simplified: Foundations of Handgun Coaching
My Biography
President & Director of Training of Caliber Firearms Academy
Active Shooter Instructor
Active Shooter Response Instructor
De-Escalation Instructor
USISB Director of Security
TN & MS State Certified Firearms Instructor
TN State Certified Security Trainer
TN State Certified De-Escalation Trainer
TN State Certified Security Guard Safe Restraint Trainer
Church Security Instructor
AVIRT Authorized Instructor
Shelby County VOAD Chairperson
USCCA Training Counselor (Instructor Certifier)
USCCA Firearms Instructor
USCCA Emergency First Aid / CPR Instructor
USCCA Range Safety Officer
Force On Force Instructor
Capsicum “Pepper” Spray Instructor
Executive Dignitary Security Agent & Training Advisor
FBI Pistol Qualified
USCCA Mental Wellness Instructor
Tactical Anatomy Advisor
BMBC Crisis Management Director
Request a Class
Cost of the course is NON-REFUNDABLE!
COST OF THE COURSE IS NON-REFUNDABLE!
STUDENTS WILL HAVE TO PURCHASE AMMUNITION FOR THIS CLASS.
MASK AND GLOVES ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS CLASS. STUDENTS WILL HAVE TO PURCHASE AMMUNITION FOR THIS CLASS.
STUDENTS WILL HAVE TO PURCHASE AMMUNITION FOR THIS CLASS.
MASK ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THIS COURSE
This class is designed for interested individuals who wish to safely experience the gun range.
This class will teach students the basic handgun fundamentals by using a laser handgun system.
This class will provide information for the Tennessee Permitless Carry Law and handgun safety. Ammunition is available for purchase.
HOURLY RATE FOR UP TO 2 PEOPLE. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR COST AND TO SCHEDULE TRAINING.
THIS COUSE SATISFIES THE REQUIREMENT OF USCCA PROTECTOR ACADEMY LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATION.
THIS COUSE SATISFIES THE REQUIREMENT OF USCCA PROTECTOR ACADEMY LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATION.
THIS COUSE SATISFIES THE REQUIREMENT OF USCCA PROTECTOR ACADEMY LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATION.
FOR THE TENNESSEE COURSE ONLY: FIRST, please go to the State Website and complete the application for Handgun carry permit:
Next, if you have any issues receiving your application number or any other issues with the application, please call (615)251-8590.
Finally, please send us your state application number and register for class on this site.
This course is for the State of Tennessee and Mississippi enhanced Handgun carry permit. 50 rounds of ammunition is required for this course. COST OF THE COURSE IS NON-REFUNDABLE!
COST OF THE COURSE IS NON-REFUNDABLE! This class is for those who need to satisfy a court mandated safety course. This course will help meet the requirements of the court. Students who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate of completion of their attendance. Live fire will not be done in this course.
THIS CLASS CONTINUES FROM BASIC HANDGUN 3, BUT ADDS TECHNIQUES OF CARRYING A CONCEALED WEAPON. STUDENTS WILL NEED TO COMPLETE BASIC HANDGUN 3, OR HAVE EQUIVALENT EXPERIENCE BEFORE ATTENDING THIS CLASS.
This course will give valuable information concerning home protection and child safety, and handgun safety for gun owners.
This course satisfies the state requirement for obtaining armed guard license. Armed guard requires 16 hours of training.
A focused, one‑hour private training session tailored to your specific skill level and goals. Perfect for new shooters, concealed carriers, or anyone wanting dedicated coaching on fundamentals, accuracy, holster work, or defensive skills. Up to two students may attend, allowing you to train individually or with a partner while still receiving personalized, high‑quality instruction.
Students will get the most value from private lessons if they have already completed EDC Foundations 1. That course establishes the core safety, handling, and carry principles that allow private coaching to move faster, go deeper, and focus on the skills that matter most for everyday carry.
This course satisfies the state requirement for obtaining an unarmed guard license. Unarmed guard course requires 8 hours of training.
THIS CLASS CONTINUES FROM CC1 IN TEACHING TECHNIQUES OF CARRYING CONCEALED. STUDENTS NEED TO HAVE COMPLETED CC1 BEFORE ATTENDING THIS CLASS.
COST OF THE COURSE IS NON-REFUNDABLE!
BASIC HANDGUN 1 IS REQUIRED BEFORE TAKING THIS CLASS. This training continues from Basic Handgun 1.
We are located inside the Hickory Ridge Towne Centre, formally The Hickory Ridge Mall, suite 234.
COST OF THE COURSE IS NON-REFUNDABLE!
BASIC HANDGUN 2 IS REQUIRED BEFORE TAKING THIS CLASS.
This continues the training from CC 2 in learning handgun techniques while carrying concealed, including defensive shooting fundamentals. Students will need to complete CC2 before attending this class.
We cover a range of topics related to active shooter prevention, including recognizing signs of potential shooters, establishing safety protocols, and responding to active shooter situations. Our experienced trainers will help you protect yourself and those around you in the event of an active shooter situation.
Course is certified by the State of Tennessee for Security Guards.
A required renewal class for licensed armed guards. This course reviews Tennessee law, reinforces safe firearm handling, and includes the mandatory state shooting qualification. Ideal for maintaining compliance and sharpening professional skills.
This is the first class in the Active Shooter Response series. Through this course, you will learn the proper response to an active shooter situation and how to take appropriate action. You will need to bring 200 rounds of ammunition to complete the course.
We cover a range of topics related to active shooter prevention, including recognizing signs of potential shooters, establishing safety protocols, and responding to active shooter situations. Our experienced trainers will help you protect yourself and those around you in the event of an active shooter situation.
THIS CLASS IS TO RE-CERTIFY INSTRUCTORS WHO CERTIFICATIONS HAVE EXPIRED.
This is the second part of the Active Shooter Response series. Through this course, you will learn more practical techniques to properly response to an active shooter situation and how to take appropriate action. You will need to bring 300 rounds of ammunition to complete the course.
THIS CLASS TEACHES ABOUT COUNTERING VIOLENCE AT CHURCHES, BUSINESSES AND SCHOOLS.
This class will teach on countering the Mass shooter, and stopping the bleed techniques. Video training is required prior to attending the class in person.
THIS CLASS INCLUDES PEPPER SPRAY TRAINING. THE PEPPER SPRAY TRAINING IS STATE CERTIFIED FOR SECURITY GUARDS.
Group rate of four people
Foundations of Handgun Principles for Armed Congregants This course is designed specifically for congregants and safety team members who are authorized to carry firearms in ministry or school settings. Participants learn foundational handgun principles including safe handling, marksmanship basics, and readiness under stress. The training emphasizes responsibility, discipline, and faith-centered stewardship of defensive tools, ensuring armed congregants can act with confidence and accountability. Students are required to bring 200 rounds of ammunition for the range portion of training. Requirements: Students must successfully pass the State of Tennessee Commerce & Insurance Armed Security Guard shooting qualification.
Awareness & Preparedness
Prerequisite: Online Training Module
Before attending the Level 1 in-person class, all participants are required to complete the online training module. This prerequisite ensures a baseline understanding of active shooter threats, situational awareness, and prevention strategies. The in-person session then builds on this foundation, equipping faculty, staff, and volunteers with practical tools to recognize risks and respond calmly under pressure.
Classroom‑Only | Includes Intro to Pepper Spray Concepts Strengthen your personal and home safety with this focused, instructor‑led mini course. Designed for individuals, families, and community members, this class provides the essential building blocks for creating a practical protection plan—without physical drills or high‑intensity activities.
This introductory session provides a clear, practical foundation for understanding how firearms fit into a responsible self‑defense strategy. Designed for new gun owners, prospective gun owners, and anyone seeking clarity before moving into hands‑on training, this course focuses on mindset, safety, and decision‑making—not shooting drills.
This mini course introduces students to the core principles of defensive shooting—how defensive gun use differs from traditional marksmanship, what matters most in a real‑world encounter, and how to build a foundation for future live‑fire training. Designed for new and developing shooters, this session focuses on understanding concepts, not performing physical techniques.
This mini course provides a clear, easy‑to‑understand overview of the legal principles that guide responsible self‑defense. Designed for everyday individuals—not lawyers—this session breaks down complex concepts into practical, real‑world guidance you can apply immediately. No legal background required.
Level 2 – Foundations of Handgun Principles for Armed Congregants
Prerequisite: Level 1
This course is designed specifically for congregants and safety team members who are authorized to carry firearms in ministry or school settings. Participants learn foundational handgun principles including safe handling, marksmanship basics, and readiness under stress. The training emphasizes responsibility, discipline, and faith‑centered stewardship of defensive tools.
Requirements:
• Pass the State of Tennessee Commerce & Insurance Armed Security Guard shooting qualification
• Bring 200 rounds of ammunition for the range portion of training.
Note: Completion of Level 2 is required before advancing to Level 3.
COST OF THE COURSE IS NON-REFUNDABLE!
CFA Security Officer Readiness & Response 1 establishes the essential skills every professional security officer must possess before advancing into operational readiness and response training. This course reinforces the core fundamentals learned in CFA EDC 1, integrates the ammunition knowledge from CFA EDC 2, and develops duty‑grade marksmanship through structured coaching, timed shooting, and multiple qualification courses. This level ensures every officer can safely, confidently, and professionally operate their firearm while performing the basic duties of a security professional.
The summit will be held in the Saving Lost Kids suite inside the Hickory Ridge Mall.
