Elite-level firearms instruction led by U.S. Army Veteran SGT Frank E. Avila-Reyes — training forged in real-world experience, delivered with military precision.
Training that traces back to Alpha 66 — a camp of Bay of Pigs and Vietnam veterans — and U.S. Army service. This is knowledge earned in the field, not a classroom.
Seven active NRA credentials covering pistol, rifle, shotgun, concealed carry, personal protection, and range safety. Comprehensive training under one roof.
From Florida CCW licensing to advanced defensive pistol levels, every course is designed for real-world application — inside and outside the home.
SGT Frank E. Avila-Reyes began his firearms journey at age 12, training at the Alpha 66 Camp "Rumbo Sur" (Camp Due South) deep in the Everglades. His father served as Chief of Military Operations, and Frank trained side-by-side with Bay of Pigs and Vietnam veterans — learning force-on-force tactics, rifle marksmanship, land navigation, and sea insertion and extraction techniques.
That foundation, combined with his U.S. Army service and 38+ years of continuous training, shaped a no-nonsense instructor who teaches firearms the way they were meant to be taught — with discipline, precision, and real-world purpose.
From Florida state licensing to advanced defensive pistol — every course is designed around real-world outcomes. Prior training verified where required.
Satisfy the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS) training requirement for your Concealed Weapon or Firearm License (CWFL). This 3-hour state-approved course covers safe handling, Florida law, and live-fire qualification. Open to all eligible applicants 21 and older.
A comprehensive concealed carry course covering selection of a carry firearm, holster and gear fundamentals, situational awareness, legal responsibilities, and live-fire drills. Participants will gain the confidence and knowledge to responsibly carry a concealed firearm for personal protection.
This is NOT an entry-level course. Defensive Pistol is a progressive series designed for students who have completed verifiable prior pistol training and already understand the foundational skills and mindset required for concealed carry. Each level deepens your ability to win a Defensive Reactive Shooting Situation — in the home and outside of it. Courses include force-on-force decision making, reactive draws, low-light scenarios, and advanced marksmanship under stress.
U.S. Army Veteran · NRA Chief Range Safety Officer
My firearms training started in a less-than-conventional way. Well before my U.S. Army service, some 38 years ago, at the age of twelve — barely strong enough to pull the trigger of a Vietnam-era Colt 1911 or withstand the recoil of an AR15A1 — my education began.
Almost every weekend, I trained alongside my father, who served as the Chief of Military Operations at Alpha 66 Training Camp — called Rumbo Sur, or "Camp Due South." The camp was filled with battle-hardened warriors: Cuban American Bay of Pigs veterans and Vietnam veterans who never lost hope in the idea of another American-backed operation.
These men and women held themselves in constant readiness. Training included force-on-force, rifle marksmanship, land navigation, sea insertions and extractions, and small-unit tactical action. Above all, they instilled military leadership and an unshakeable mindset — one I carry into every class I teach today.
Fill out the form and SGT Avila-Reyes will reach out to confirm your enrollment, answer prerequisites questions, and get you prepared for your first day on the range.
Important Note
Defensive Pistol Level I and above require verifiable prior pistol training. Please note your experience in the form so the instructor can confirm eligibility.