Prepare for the realities of armed duty with the Virtual Skills Academy – Armed Officer Defensive Readiness Course, an immersive training experience that combines virtual simulator training, scenario-based firearms training, and force-on-force decision-making principles in a safe, controlled environment.

Designed for law enforcement officers, protective security officers (PSOs), armed security professionals, and military personnel, this course places students in realistic, interactive scenarios that replicate the stress and uncertainty of real-world encounters encountered on duty. Using advanced simulator training (sim training) technology, you'll develop the critical judgment, situational awareness, and decision-making skills needed before, during, and after a potential use-of-force incident.

Throughout the course, students will practice threat recognition, verbal de-escalation, use-of-force decision-making, target discrimination, and post-incident response while receiving personalized coaching from experienced instructors. Unlike traditional range training, this immersive virtual firearms simulator allows you to safely experience hundreds of dynamic scenarios that challenge your ability to make legally and tactically sound decisions under pressure.

Whether you're a seasoned officer looking to maintain proficiency or an armed professional seeking to sharpen your defensive mindset, the Armed Officer Defensive Readiness Course provides realistic, judgment-based training that helps bridge the gap between marksmanship and real-world armed encounters in the line of duty.

This is a 4-hour intensive course covering scenario-based training and force assessment principles tailored to armed professionals.

Requirements to Attend Training

• Active or retired law enforcement, military, or licensed armed security
• Willingness to participate in realistic scenario training
• Mature mindset

Fee is all inclusive. No hidden fees, additional costs, or pricing mark ups.

Prerequisites

This course is intended for current or former professionals who have served in an armed public safety or protective services role, including:

• Sworn law enforcement officers
• Military personnel and veterans
• Armed security officers
• Executive protection specialists
• Licensed armed protective services personnel

Participants should have prior firearms training and be proficient in the safe handling and operation of a handgun.

Because this course emphasizes advanced scenario-based training, attendees are expected to have a working knowledge of the legal authority to use force, powers of arrest (where applicable), and the lawful use of deadly force. Before beginning the simulator scenarios, instructors will provide a refresher covering applicable legal principles, use-of-force considerations, and course procedures to ensure all participants have a common foundation for training.

Course Content

• • Threat assessment principles
• • Use of force laws, policy, and liability
• • De-escalation techniques
• • Decision-making frameworks
• • Interactive force assessment scenarios
• • Real-world situation simulation
• • Target discrimination and threat identification
• • Post-incident response and debriefing

What to Bring

Required

• • Note-taking materials

Duty Equipment & Attire

• • Dress as you would for your normal duty assignment or operational environment.
• • We recommend wearing your duty belt and holster, as this provides the most realistic training experience. If your assignment utilizes an alternate carry method (plainclothes, concealed carry, shoulder holster, bag, pack, or other approved system), you are encouraged to train with the equipment you use in the field.
• • You may bring your duty holster, magazine pouches, duty belt, vest, sling bag, backpack, or other carry equipment. A limited selection of holsters will be available for use during class; however, we encourage you to bring your own equipment if it is compatible with our simulator training pistols.

Firearms

• • Do not bring firearms or live ammunition into the training area.
• • Simulator-compatible training pistols will be provided for all participants. Available training models include the SIG Sauer P320, Glock 17, Glock 19, Smith & Wesson J-Frame, and Beretta 92FS. These dedicated training pistols are designed for use with the virtual simulator, providing a safe, realistic, and consistent training experience.

Commonly Asked Questions