Brian Bowen

Brian "Doc" Bowen Founder & Chief Instructor, Firearms Safety First, LLC

Brian "Doc" Bowen is a U.S. Navy veteran, former Fleet Marine Force Hospital Corpsman, educator, speaker, and founder of Firearms Safety First, LLC, a veteran-led judgment, safety, and performance education company serving individuals, professionals, organizations, and communities throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.

As a USCCA Certified Firearms Instructor, Maryland Qualified Handgun Instructor (QHIC), Delaware Certified CCDW Instructor, and Range Safety Officer, Brian has trained students from diverse backgrounds, including first-time firearm owners, military veterans, professionals, families, women, seniors, and young adults. His instruction combines technical proficiency with a strong emphasis on safety, situational awareness, decision-making, accountability, and responsible firearm ownership.

Known for his practical teaching style and real-world approach, Brian helps students develop confidence, competence, and sound judgment both on and off the range. His courses include Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), Maryland Wear and Carry Permit, Delaware CCDW, Defensive Pistol, Home Defense, Firearms Safety, and Personal Protection training.

Beyond traditional firearms instruction, Brian frequently speaks on topics including situational awareness, leadership, injury prevention, decision-making under pressure, community safety, and personal responsibility. He is the creator of the RIRR Performance Recovery Framework (Recognize • Interrupt • Reset • Recover), a leadership-informed model focused on resilience, accountability, and performance recovery following setbacks, mistakes, and adverse events.

Brian's mission is simple: help people make better decisions, build confidence through education, and develop the skills necessary to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.

"Safety begins with awareness. Good outcomes begin with good decisions."