About Blue Ridge Advanced Shooting Solutions

Blue Ridge Advanced Shooting Solutions was founded to bridge the gap between textbook instruction and real-world application. The company delivers training that is approachable, professional, and grounded in practical skill development—built for the realities security professionals face every day.

With a philosophy focused on clarity, confidence, and competence, Blue Ridge trains both new and experienced personnel to perform under pressure, make sound decisions, and operate with professionalism in the field.

Meet the Founder & Lead Instructor: Erik Reis

Erik Reis is the founder and lead instructor of Blue Ridge Advanced Shooting Solutions. He brings over half a decade of combined experience in military special operations, firearms instruction, private security leadership, and emergency response. His unique background allows him to train from both tactical and operational perspectives.

Military Experience

Erik served more than five years in U.S. Army Special Operations, including two overseas deployments. During his service, he gained extensive experience in:

Tactical operations
High-pressure decision-making
Leadership and team development

These skills now shape the way he teaches—focusing on calm under pressure, disciplined performance, and real-world readiness.

Private Security & Executive Protection

After transitioning out of the military, Erik began working in private security and quickly advanced from an unarmed guard to overseeing operations, compliance, training, and executive protection assignments for over 200 personnel across three states.

He has:

Developed and managed security programs for multiple Fortune 500 companies
Trained teams in defensive tactics and emergency preparedness
Worked directly with corporate clients to assess risk and design tailored protection strategies

This experience gives him a rare advantage—he understands the challenges faced by both frontline personnel and upper management.

Education

Erik holds:

A Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice
A secondary degree in Behavioral Science

His academic background enhances his understanding of human behavior, legal frameworks, communication, and ethical decision-making—all essential for high-quality instruction.

Instructor Certifications

Erik is certified as:

✅ WSCJTC Armed Guard Instructor
✅ WSCJTC Force Options / Use of Force Trainer
✅ WA Department of Licensing Certified Security Guard Trainer
✅ United States Concealed Carry Association Firearms Instructor
✅ American Red Cross First Aid Instructor
✅ Mace® OC Spray Instructor

These credentials allow him to teach state-approved licensing courses, defensive skills, less-lethal options, first-aid response, and advanced tactical programs.

Why Blueridge?

Erik built Blue Ridge Advanced Shooting Solutions on three core principles:

1. Approachability – Training should be clear, respectful, and accessible to all experience levels.
2. Professionalism – Every course meets high standards of safety, legality, and industry relevance.
3. Real-World Application – Students learn what actually works in the field—not just theory.

Our Commitment

Whether you are:

A new security professional starting your career,
An experienced guard looking to promote or go armed,
A company needing customized team training,
Or an individual wanting to learn firearms or first aid…

Blue Ridge Advanced Shooting Solutions delivers training that prepares you for real-world situations with confidence and professionalism.

Erik’s goal is simple:
To build skilled, responsible, and capable professionals—one course at a time.