An Active Shooter/Active Attacker is generally defined as an individual or group of individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined, populated area. These attacks typically involve unrestricted access to victims, little to no resistance, and the use of firearms. In regions where firearms may not be readily available, attackers increasingly turn to knives, vehicles, or other weapons like improvised explosive devices to inflict mass harm.

The motivations behind these acts are complex. Religious extremists, political radicals, and individuals struggling with severe psychiatric issues or substance dependencies often carry out these attacks to make dramatic statements. They understand their actions will dominate news cycles, and many crave the notoriety and validation that follow. Tragically, most do not expect to survive.

Research from the Department of Justice (DOJ), National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) shows that the average active shooter event lasts just six minutes, with the most lives lost in the first ninety seconds after the first shot.

In those critical first moments, it is often the armed, responsible, law-abiding citizen who becomes the true first responder.

That is why the Armed Citizen Response to an Active Shooter Event™ (ACRASE™) program was created. Derived directly from cutting-edge, up-to-the-minute federal active shooter/active attacker response programs and tactical counterterrorism response protocols, ACRASE™ represents the single most comprehensive civilian training available. It equips participants with the legal, ethical, tactical, and medical knowledge needed to respond decisively in crisis, while also teaching strategies to avoid being mistaken for the perpetrator when law enforcement arrives.

The program also incorporates Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC), giving participants the critical skills to administer immediate lifesaving aid for gunshot wounds and multi-system trauma.

ACRASE™ is taught exclusively by federally certified law enforcement active shooter response instructors and tactical counterterrorism trainers, ensuring every participant benefits from real-world expertise, proven best practices, and the most current federal response strategies available today.

PREREQUISITES:

Participants will be expected to demonstrate an understanding and application of basic firearms safety and handling concepts. Completion of a basic firearms course (NRA First Steps Pistol, NRA Basic Pistol, or another basic pistol course) is preferred but not required.

A basic understanding of tactical handling skills is preferred.

This training program is NOT suited for the inexperienced, novice or beginner shooter.

Critical Dynamics and its cadre of trainers maintain a consistent zero-tolerance policy regarding unsafe firearm handling. Any instance of unsafe firearm handling will result in immediate expulsion from the training without exception and without a refund.

SYLLABUS:

ACRASE™ draws from cutting-edge, up-to-the-minute federally recognized law enforcement active shooter response and tactical counterterrorism protocols to give the student a technical and tactical advantage during a rapidly-evolving critical incident.

This course does not encourage, nor does it legally empower, any individual to proactively pursue, seek out, and engage any attacker during an active shooter event.  If, however, the armed citizen finds themselves in a situation where they have no choice but to utilize their firearm to defend themselves and others in their immediate vicinity from an imminent attack involving unlawful, aggressive deadly force, the information and skills taught in the ACRASE™ training program greatly enhances the efficacy of their actions, their chances of survival, and increases the defensibility of their actions in court.

This comprehensive training program is delivered in multiple segments:

Pre-Learning & Priming (3 Days Before Live eLearning Session)

• Three (3) daily priming modules delivered via email
  • (One day, two days, and three days prior)
• Supplemental reading and video content available through the Critical Dynamics™ Learning Management System (LMS) portal

Live eLearning Session

• Four (4) hours in a LIVE, interactive online environment which includes presentations, guided discussions, tabletop exercises, and practical application

In-Person Training Session

• One (1) hour in-person review and discussion with booster practical exercises
• Four (4) hours of live-fire range training, including practical exercises, live-fire range drills, and live-fire scenarios
• Four (4) hours of high-fidelity reality-based, force-on-force training utilizing man-marking rounds fired from specially modified firearms

Core Modules Include:

• The evolution of active shooter events and lessons learned
• State statutes and the lawful use of deadly and non-deadly force
• Civil liability and the ethics of defensive action
• Knowing when to engage... and when to disengage
• What to expect when law enforcement and first responders arrive
• Incident triage and ICS-compliant scene staging
• Combat psychology and managing stress in the moment
• Tactical awareness and decision-making under pressure
• Dynamic firearm handling and live-fire range drills
• Stress-induced drawing from concealment and tactical reholstering
• Non-conventional shooting positions and rapid positional transitions
• Stress inoculation and pressure-induction drills
• Life-saving interventions through Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC)
• Reality-based, force-on-force scenarios that replicate real-world threats
• …and additional advanced skill-building modules

What You’ll Gain

By the end of this course, you will:

• Build the confidence to act decisively in life-threatening encounters
• Master safe, effective firearm handling in dynamic environments
• Understand your legal and ethical responsibilities in defensive situations
• Develop the mental resilience to perform under elevated stress
• Gain the ability to adapt quickly to unconventional shooting positions
• Acquire practical medical skills to treat critical injuries before help arrives
• Learn to work in coordination with law enforcement and medical responders
• Experience realistic force-on-force training that tests your readiness

This is more than simple instruction.  It is preparation for the realities of today’s world.

SCIENCE-BACKED TRAINING FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE

This course goes well beyond traditional firearms training.  It is built on proven human-performance research to ensure effective skill development. By integrating evidence-based training methodologies and andragogical best practices, this program is structured to maximize learning efficiency, as well as the retention and real-world application of critical motor skills.

EXPERT INSTRUCTION

Training is led by certified law enforcement firearms instructors with active specialized credentials as law enforcement active shooter response and tactical counterterrorism response instructors. With extensive operational experience and instructional and tactical operations curriculum-development expertise, our instructors deliver highly effective, real-world training that enhances individual and team capabilities.

WHAT YOUR PROGRAM TUITION INCLUDES:

Your program cost INCLUDES all instruction, targets, use of UTM-modified semi-automatic pistols (for firing man-marker rounds ONLY), holsters for UTM-modified semi-automatic pistols, man-marking ammunition, and protective equipment for force-on-force scenario/reality-based training modules.

The program cost does NOT include range fees charged by the host facility (if applicable), rental or usage of live-fire weapons, or live-fire ammunition.

RANGE FEES:

Nonimal range fees (which generally range between $10 and $20, depending on the host facility), if charged by the host facility, will be announced well in advance of the in-person training session and will be the sole responsibility of the student.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

1. Semi-automatic Pistol chambered in one of the following calibers: .380acp, 9mm, 10mm, .40 S&W, .357SIG, .45acp or .45 GAP.

It is HIGHLY recommended that students bring and train with the firearm that they plan to use or carry for defensive purposes.

Pocket guns such as Ruger LCP, S&W Shield, Glock Model 43, or other sub-compact guns are highly discouraged.

2. A Sturdy Waist Holster is required. External belt-mounted or waistband-mounted holsters are preferred.

IWBs (In-waistband holsters) are permitted, provided that they securely hold the weapon in place and are non-collapsible, permitting easy and smooth one-handed reholstering.

For safety reasons on the range, ACRASE™ requires strong-side holsters only! (No cross draws, shoulder rigs, pocket holsters, ankle, appendix, or small of the back carry).

Don't have a quality holster? Give us a call. We have excellent and affordable options that are available for purchase.

3. Magazines. Students should bring a MINIMUM of three (3) magazines. Two magazines will work; however, having only two magazines will definitely slow the student down.

4. Magazine holder or magazine pouch. Open, friction-lock-styled single or double holders are recommended over those with velcro or snap closures.

5. Ammunition: 250 rounds.

Ammunition should be factory-manufactured. Reloads are strongly discouraged.

Ammunition for class IS available at cost with prior notification.

6. Eye Protection, Ear Protection, and Baseball Style Cap. Sunglasses may be worn in conjunction with a baseball cap, with the bill worn forward.

Safety glasses must be of the wrap-around type or employ side panels. If wearing prescription glasses, they must be covered with safety glasses unless they meet the above requirements.

Earplugs or earmuffs are mandatory.  Noise-canceling shooting headsets are highly recommended.

A baseball-style hat/cap with the bill worn forward to deflect ejected brass is highly recommended.

7. Appropriate Clothing:

Classroom: Students should bring appropriate clothing to participate in the classroom portion of the training.

Range: Students should bring appropriate clothing to participate in the range exercises consistent with prevailing weather and temperature conditions. Range exercises will be conducted in inclement weather unless a safety hazard exists.  Students are encouraged to wear shirts that will drape over or cover their waist-mounted, holstered firearm.

NOTE: Sandals, flip-flops, or any other form of open-toed shoes are NOT range-appropriate.

Reality/scenario-based force-on-force training utilizes low-velocity marking projectiles (provided) fired from a modified semi-automatic pistol (also provided). As such, students present in the training area may not have any exposed skin whatsoever.

Upper body: students MUST wear two layers of long-sleeved shirts. One long-sleeved shirt and a heavy sweatshirt are preferable.

Lower body: students must wear two layers of full-length pants. Heavier material (denim jeans or Carhartt-styled pants are preferable as the outer layer.)

Hands: gloves (tactical or shooting-styled gloves are preferred) must be worn during all reality/scenario-based force-on-force training drills.

Groin: both men AND women must wear groin protection. Men may wear athletic cups or utilize folded towels. Women may use folded towels.

Eyes/Head: PROVIDED TO ALL PARTICIPANTS AT NO COST: full-head helmets with built-in eye protection and full neck protection.

ABSOLUTELY NO:  Camouflage fatigues, flak jackets, tactical vests*, bright red shirts, or bright red outerwear!

*Law enforcement officers and licensed armed private security officers are permitted to wear tactical vests if they are department/agency issued and/or approved.

8. Shooting mat, blanket, or ground cover.  Students will be assuming non-conventional shooting positions. A form of ground cover is recommended but not required.

9. Note-Taking Materials.  Pen and a full-sized notebook for classroom notes; pen and a small pocket notebook (if desired) for range notes. A jumbo permanent marker for use on the range.

FAQS:

Q: Is there a minimum age requirement to participate?

A: ACRASE™ takes a very frank approach to mature subject matters.  As such, all participants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age or older.

Please note that some states statutorily establish a 'minimum age' for the carrying or possession of a firearm.  In those states, the minimum age for entry into classes held in that state shall be set at that respective state's minimum age to carry or possess a firearm. 

Further, participants must not be a 'prohibited person' under applicable federal and state guidelines. 

Q: Is ID required?

A: Yes.  Participants must show valid state or federal identification.

Q: Can I update my registration information?

A: You may update your registration information directly through the registration portal.

Q: What do I need to bring to this training?

A: Please see "Equipment Requirements" above.  

Q: If I have any questions that are not answered on this page, who can I contact?

A: Please feel free to contact the training team directly by calling (866) 422-7273 (866-4-ACRASE) with any questions you may have regarding this program.