INSTRUCTORS

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Nate served as a Marine Scout/Sniper Team Leader during his combat deployments to Iraq in 2006 and Afghanistan in 2011. The knowledge and material he engrains in the students draw directly from his combat experience as a sniper.  Both deployments provided a vastly different array of challenges and missions, and solidified the belief that being an out-of-the-box thinker is vital in this profession.  

After his honorable discharge, he served as the primary instructor for a private SWAT Sniper School for several years; training federal, military, and SWAT snipers from across the country.

 In 2023 Nate collaborated with Gilbert SWAT to fill a large need in the region for a consistent, legitimate sniper school. Utilizing Nate's Shadow Country curriculum and with him as the lead instructor, the Gilbert Police Department's Regional Basic SWAT Sniper School (sometimes referenced as the "East Valley Regional Basic Sniper School") was born. In its three years running, Nate and Gilbert SWAT produced new snipers and sharpened existing snipers for agencies across Arizona and nearby states. Federal snipers have also attended with excellent course reviews. Nate continues his partnership with Gilbert SWAT and other regional snipers as they assist instructing under the Shadow Country name.

Being a police sniper comes with its own set of unique challenges.  In order to better serve that community and stay sharp in this perishable skillset, Nate continues his own professional development by frequently attending LE sniper courses, continuously learning and growing as a student in this craft.  

Some of the law enforcement courses Nate has attended include the following:  

GPS Defense Sniper Instructor Course, Max Ordinate Academy's LE Advanced Sniper, San Juan County Sheriff's Office LE Sniper Course in NM, Mesa SWAT's LE Advanced Urban Sniper, ASA/Snipercraft's Sniper Instructor Course in GA, and Gilbert PD's 80hr Basic SWAT School (not a sniper school but equally as awesome).

Originally from Cornwall, UK, Josh is a former RAF Regiment Sniper with extensive operational experience. During his military service, he completed two deployments to Afghanistan (2007 and 2010) and one to Iraq (2008–2009). Specializing in Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance, Josh

developed a strong foundation in precision targeting, reconnaissance, and situational awareness under real-world conditions.

Josh serves as an active SWAT Sniper. Several years ago he attended Shadow Country’s Basic SWAT Sniper School to become certified as a sniper for his department, and has continued to support the program as a key Shadow Country instructor. Josh is also a certified AZ Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor.

Driven by a commitment to continuous improvement, Josh actively pursues opportunities to refine his skills and expand his knowledge. He attends additional sniper schooling whenever possible, including Max Ordinate's Advanced LE course and Mesa SWAT's Urban Sniper School. Josh is dedicated to mastering this skill set—approaching his craft as both a practitioner and a lifelong student.