Josh Blackwell
Instructor # 726702 | Black Pines Initiative
Certified with the USCCA since 1/7/2019
Certification Renewal Date 1/7/2027
USCCA Certifications
- Concealed Carry & Home Defense
- Countering the Mass Shooter
- Emergency & First Aid
My Biography
Josh Blackwell has been a commercial pilot for over 20 years. He's been a flight instructor, check airman, ground school instructor, airline first officer and captain as well as served on various airline security committees.
Josh has received extensive training in firearms and defensive tactics by instructors from various agencies as well as completing the USCCA and NRA Certified Instructor programs. Josh has also served as a guest instructor at private events for which he conducts training in various disciplines such as: defensive pistol shooting, basic land navigation, and safety and security mindset for individuals and families.
As a result of his career as a pilot and his experiences in security Josh has developed a passion for teaching others about security and the mindset required to keep you and your family members safe at home and abroad.
Request a Class
This 4-hour (classroom only) course focuses on the use of a concealed handgun as a tool for self-defense. We cover how a pistol functions, ammo selection, legal and moral considerations, physiological impacts, local laws, and what to do after you defend yourself. Meets the requirements to apply for a Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit. Includes a USCCA Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals textbook & BPI certificate.
Address provided upon registration.
This 4-hour group course includes basic firearm fundamentals (weapon operation, shooting fundamentals, shooting/ready positions, clearing stoppages, drawing from a holster, carry mindset) and debrief. Perfect for beginners or a refresher. Prerequisite for our Pistol 2 class. Includes BPI certificate.
Required Equipment:
Semi-Automatic Handgun (cased & unloaded) Range Bag 2 Magazines (3 is preferred) OWB or IWB Holster (kydex or leather only - no nylon or SERPA allowed) Magazine Pouch (or pocket to stow spare magazines) Sturdy Belt 200 Rounds of Ammunition Hearing Protection Eye Protection (glasses are fine) Sturdy weather appropriate footwear and clothing Hat & Sunscreen (recommended) Water, Snacks/food Notebook & Pen (optional)
Address provided upon registration.
This 16-hour 2-day course focuses on the use of a concealed handgun as a tool for self-defense. We cover how a pistol functions, ammo selection, legal and moral considerations, physiological impacts, local laws, and what to do after you defend yourself. Meets the requirements to apply for a Maryland Wear & Carry Handgun Permit. Includes a USCCA Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals textbook & BPI certificate. 8 hours classroom, 8 hours range.
90 minutes of custom individual firearm instruction.
This 6-hour group course begins with a review of safety procedures and review of each student's shooting fundamentals to include drawing from a holster, malfunctions, reloads, etc. Students will learn fighting from and use of cover/concealment, one-handed operation, concealed carry considerations, fighter mindset, movement, and thinking/reacting under stress. Includes BPI certificate.
This 2-hour class teaches how to properly assess a patient, deal with serious bleeding, chest injuries, a compromised airway, and more in life threatening traumatic emergencies. Includes a USCCA Emergency First Aid Fundamentals textbook & BPI certificate.
The 4-hour Countering the Mass Shooter Threat course explores mass shooting statistics and topics such as: reducing magazine capacities, banning AR-15s or other firearms, gun-free zones, victim response, universal background checks, terrorist watch lists and no-fly lists. It teaches you to know the signs, how to create an emergency operations plan, special considerations for schools and houses of worship. How to run, hide or fight and triage and treat the wounded. Includes a USCCA Countering The Mass Shooter Threat textbook & certificate.
Ever wondered how to mount a scope to a rifle? Or what tools you need? How about what type of rings and rails to use? In our 2-hour class we will cover everything from cleaning/checking your rifle, to how to properly install an optic, then zero your rifle on a 300-yard range! Get your rifle finely tuned and set up to harvest that once in a lifetime shot!
Not sure how to talk to your child about gun safety? Let us do it for you! This 1-hour course utilizes the NRA's Eddie Eagle or the NSSF's McGruff the Crime Dog curriculums (depending on age). Includes certificate.
This 4-hour group course includes basic rifle fundamentals (weapon operation, shooting fundamentals, shooting/ready positions, clearing stoppages) and debrief. Prerequisite for our Rifle 2 class. Includes BPI certificate.
This 6-hour group course begins with a review of safety procedures and review of each student's shooting fundamentals to include malfunctions, reloads, etc. Students will learn fighting from and use of cover/concealment, alternate body positions, scenario-based stress fires, fighter mindset, movement, and thinking under stress. Optional pistol transition scenario training. Includes BPI certificate.
This 3-hour course that includes classroom and range time is perfect for the teen who has no experience or could use a reintroduction to firearms and firearm safety. Includes .22 ammo and the use of a .22 pistol or rifle (optional).