The Science of Self-Protection. — Open Carry · CWP · Self-Defense · Gun Safety
USS Academy is Florida's #1 Firearms Training Academy — specializing in CCW/CWP concealed carry permits, self-protection, gun safety, and carry-to-conceal training. 27+ years. 29,000+ students. Training available in-person, online/virtually, and nationally. U.S. Marine Corps · NRA · USCCA · Florida K License certified instructors — with real-world operational experience in the field and in the courtroom.
USS Academy classes are held online (virtually) and at partner ranges — they are NOT held at our corporate office. Our corporate office is located at 450 S. Orange Ave., 3rd Floor, Orlando, FL 32801 (administrative use only). Please contact us or speak with our team to confirm your exact class location before attending. We also offer national training and virtual/online classes.
📞 800-508-8772 (USSA) | 407-305-8335 | ✉ support@ussacademy.org
USS Academy classes are led by certified instructors with backgrounds in military, law enforcement, and private security. All instructors are vetted, state-certified, and bring real-world experience into every class.
Every instructor holds current Florida state certifications and meets all requirements to teach concealed weapons permit courses and advanced firearms training.
Our team includes active and retired military personnel and law enforcement officers who bring disciplined, professional instruction to every session.
No textbook-only instructors here. Every member of our team has operational field experience — ensuring you learn practical skills that work in real situations.
From your first time holding a firearm to advanced tactical training — USS Academy covers every level. CCW/CWP permits, self-protection, gun safety, carry to conceal, and more. Online, in-person & national.
Beginner & Core Safety — CCW · CWP · Self-Protection · Concealed Carry
Never held a firearm? This is where your self-protection journey begins. USS Academy's entry-level beginner course is designed for complete first-timers — a safe, welcoming, pressure-free introduction. Learn safe handling, storage, mechanics, and responsible ownership. Our instructors have guided thousands of first-timers across 27 years.
Beginner · First-Timers WelcomeA comprehensive foundation covering safe firearm handling, storage, mechanics, legal responsibilities, and the ABC's of firearm safety. Ideal for new gun owners and first-time handlers. This course fulfills foundational safety requirements and sets the standard for responsible firearm ownership in Florida.
Beginner · Safety FocusedFlorida's #1 concealed carry permit class. USS Academy's state-approved CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) / CWP (Concealed Weapons Permit) course covers Florida Statute 790 (firearms laws), Florida Statute 776 (justifiable use of force/self-defense), plus live-fire qualifying exam. Carry to conceal with full legal knowledge. 29,000+ graduates. Weekly classes. Online & in-person.
Flagship · CCW · CWP · Carry to ConcealKnow your rights. Know your law. Know your firearm. USS Academy's self-defense seminar covers Florida Statute 790 (weapons & firearms law) and Florida Statute 776 (justifiable use of force, Stand Your Ground, Castle Doctrine). Gun protection — know when and how you may lawfully use a firearm to protect yourself or your family under Florida law.
FL Statute 790
Firearms laws, lawful ownership, carrying regulations & prohibited locations.
FL Statute 776
Justifiable use of force, Stand Your Ground, Castle Doctrine & self-defense immunity.
Court-ordered firearm safety completed with dignity and professionalism. USS Academy's court-mandated training program covers firearm safety, legal responsibilities, and safe handling in a state-compliant format. Certificate of completion satisfies court obligations. Flexible scheduling. Fully confidential and professionally delivered.
Court-Ordered · Certificate ProvidedFlorida's open carry law is new — navigating it correctly matters for your safety and legal standing. This course provides a clear, accurate, practical understanding of open carry rights and responsibilities under Florida Statute 790, covering when open carry is and is not advisable in real-world situations.
Open Carry · FL Law · NewSkill Building & Advanced Development
Refine your technique, enhance your accuracy, and build the muscle memory essential for effective firearm use. Structured progression from foundational drills to advanced tactical scenarios. Personalized coaching, dry-fire exercises, live-fire practice, and scenario-based training covering target acquisition, trigger control, and reload techniques.
Intermediate · ProgressiveDynamic shooting, shooting on the move, low-light engagements, and stress inoculation for competitors and those seeking personal mastery. Tailored for USPSA, IDPA, and Steel Challenge competition prep. Live-fire drills, scenario-based training, and personalized coaching that builds mental and physical agility under pressure.
Advanced · Competition ReadyIn-depth multi-platform firearm training covering mechanics, handling, safety, and marksmanship across pistols, shotguns, and rifles. Transitioning between firearm types, mastering different shooting positions, and understanding each weapon's unique characteristics. For personal defense, competition, or recreational shooting.
All Levels · Multi-PlatformFaster target acquisition and enhanced accuracy with pistol-mounted optics (PMOs). From initial zeroing procedures to building muscle memory for fast, accurate target acquisition in defensive, competitive, and tactical applications. Ideal for self-defense, competition shooting, and law enforcement upgrading to modern optic platforms.
Intermediate+Tactical, Specialized & Professional Programs
Designed by active and former law enforcement professionals for sworn officers and departments. Advanced defensive tactics, force-on-force training, active shooter response, stress-inoculated qualification, and scenario-based training that mirrors real operational demands. Custom department packages available. Call 800-508-8772 (USSA).
Law Enforcement · GovernmentAdvanced training techniques for active or former military members to enhance marksmanship and tactical skills. Scenario-based exercises and stress-testing drills designed to simulate real-world combat conditions. Built by veterans, for veterans and active service members with real operational experience behind every session.
MilitaryState-mandated G-License requalification course for armed security professionals. Classroom instruction plus live-fire range session ensuring proficiency and compliance. Expert instructors provide hands-on guidance for both written exam and practical qualification. Maintain your credentials and sharpen your real-world performance.
Security · G-LicenseMaster low and no-light combat situations using night vision, tactical lighting, and real-world combat technologies. For law enforcement, military personnel, security professionals, and serious civilian enthusiasts who know most defensive situations occur in reduced-visibility environments. Real operational experience in every session.
Advanced · Low LightUSS Academy offers dedicated Night Vision firearms training — one of the most advanced, immersive tactical training experiences available in Florida. Learn to operate effectively with night vision optics and devices (NVDs) in a controlled, professional range environment. This course covers NVD operation, weapon mounting, zero procedures, transitional shooting, and low-light engagement fundamentals. Available for law enforcement, military, security professionals, and qualified civilians.
Advanced · NVD · TacticalEquip your church, school, or organization with essential active shooter response skills. Threat recognition, emergency response plans, situational awareness — empowering staff and volunteers to act decisively and safely. Tailored for church security teams and personnel without prior law enforcement experience.
Security · All LevelsWomen-only firearms training sessions in a comfortable, supportive environment. Building confidence and competence in firearm handling, self-protection, and safe gun ownership. Led by experienced instructors who understand that the first experience matters most — creating the most welcoming, empowering introduction to firearms and self-protection possible.
Women-Only · Self-ProtectionPersonalized firearms training entirely focused on you. Expert guidance tailored to your skill level, goals, and needs — from beginner's first session to advanced technical refinement. A dedicated certified instructor whose full attention is on you. Sessions designed around your goals, your firearm, and your schedule.
All Levels · Fully CustomUSS Academy's Black Box Modules are specialized, scenario-driven training programs conducted in a controlled, immersive environment — designed to stress-test decision-making under realistic, high-pressure conditions. These modules go beyond standard firearms training by placing students inside complex, dynamic scenarios that challenge situational awareness, threat assessment, use-of-force judgment, and tactical response. Black Box training is built on the principle that the most critical decisions happen in seconds — and that real preparation requires experiencing those scenarios before they happen in real life. Available for law enforcement, military, security professionals, and advanced civilian students. Contact us for curriculum details and scheduling.
Advanced · Scenario-Based · LE · Military · CivilianTrue precision shooting begins where most training stops. USS Academy's Precision Marksmanship course teaches the science behind every accurate shot — including the respiratory pause, the brief moment of natural stillness between exhale and inhale when the body is most stable and the shot breaks cleanest. This course covers the full fundamentals of precision: respiratory control and the natural pause cycle, trigger discipline and break timing, natural point of aim (NPOA), follow-through, and reading your own body's mechanics to eliminate error at the source. Applicable to pistol, rifle, and long-range platforms. Ideal for competitive shooters, law enforcement precision teams, military marksmen, and any student who wants to understand not just how to shoot — but why a shot is accurate. This is the science behind the shot.
Intermediate–Advanced · Precision · Rifle · PistolBefore you can shoot accurately, your firearm has to be set up accurately. USS Academy's Zero to Accurate course teaches students how to properly align their sights and zero their firearm so that point of aim equals point of impact — the foundation of every accurate shot. This course covers the two critical fundamentals: sight alignment (the correct relationship between front and rear sights) and sight picture (placing that aligned sight on the target correctly). Students then learn zeroing procedures for iron sights, red dot optics, and magnified scopes — including proper distance selection, adjustments, and confirmation drills. Whether you're mounting your first optic, setting up a new rifle, or correcting an existing zero, this course ensures your equipment is performing exactly as it should before you ever engage a target. Applicable to pistols, rifles, and shotguns across all optic platforms.
Beginner–Advanced · All Platforms · Iron Sights · OpticsComprehensive instructor certification for aspiring and current firearms instructors. Curriculum design, range management, teaching methodology, and adult learning principles. Led by U.S. Marine Corps firearms instructors with real-world operational experience — both in the field and in the courtroom — alongside NRA Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor, USCCA, and Florida K License certified faculty. Speaking engagements on self-protection science and Florida firearms law also available.
Professional DevelopmentExpert Services
USS Academy provides professional ballistics testing services and expert witness testimony for legal proceedings. With 27+ years of firearms expertise, U.S. Marine Corps operational experience, NRA Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor credentials, and deep knowledge of Florida firearms law (FL Statute 790 & 776), our instructors are qualified to serve as expert witnesses in civil and criminal cases involving firearms, ballistics, and use-of-force incidents.
Services include: ballistics analysis, trajectory analysis, firearms identification, use-of-force assessment, and court testimony. Available for defense attorneys, prosecutors, and civil litigation teams throughout Florida.
Inquire About Expert ServicesOne of the most advanced training experiences available in the Southeast. Dedicated night vision firearms training in a controlled, professional environment covering NVD operation, weapon mounting, zero procedures, and low-light engagement fundamentals.
Available for law enforcement, military, security professionals, and qualified civilians seeking the highest level of tactical readiness.
USS Academy proudly hosts its Official Ladies Day event — an empowering, welcoming, exclusively women's firearms experience designed specifically to introduce women to responsible gun ownership and self-protection in a fun, safe, and supportive atmosphere.
USS Academy's Ladies Day is a special event held annually — and sometimes semi-annually depending on demand and scheduling. It is a full-day celebration of women's empowerment, self-protection, and firearms education. Every aspect of the event is designed to be welcoming, pressure-free, and genuinely enjoyable for women of all experience levels.
Whether you've never touched a firearm or you're a seasoned shooter looking for a community of like-minded women, Ladies Day is the perfect environment. Our certified female-inclusive instruction team creates a warm, empowering atmosphere that puts every attendee at ease from the moment they arrive.
Ladies Day is held annually — and occasionally semi-annually when demand calls for it. Exact dates are announced in advance via our newsletter, social media, and event calendar below.
Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social media to be notified as soon as the next Ladies Day date is announced.
What To Expect
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Sample calendar — contact us to confirm current availability, exact locations, and registration details. Classes held online and at partner ranges.
USS Academy's official Ladies Day event — full day, partner range, all experience levels welcome.
Ladies Day · AnnualState-approved concealed carry permit class. FL 790 & 776. Live-fire qualification. Partner range — contact for location.
CCW · CWP · WeeklyFirst-time firearm handling. Safe, welcoming, pressure-free. Partner range or online. All levels welcome.
Beginner · First-TimersUSS Academy offers online training nationally. Contact us to confirm which programs are available virtually.
Virtual · NationalKnow your rights. Know your law. Florida self-defense law, gun protection, and carry-to-conceal legal foundations.
Self-Defense · FL LawAdvanced NVD operation, weapon mounting, low-light engagement fundamentals. Partner range. Limited seats.
Night Vision · AdvancedWomen-only firearms sessions — beginner to advanced. Safe, empowering, supportive environment.
Women-OnlyProper sight alignment, sight picture, and zeroing procedures for iron sights, red dots, and scopes. All platforms welcome.
All Levels · All PlatformsRespiratory control, natural pause cycle, trigger discipline, and precision fundamentals. Pistol & rifle. All advanced levels.
Precision · Intermediate–AdvancedFlorida G-License requalification. Live-fire range session. Certificate provided. Call for availability.
G-License · Security⚠ Always contact us to confirm your class date, time, and exact location — classes are held at partner ranges, not the corporate office.
📞 800-508-8772 (USSA)29,000+ students trained. 4.9 stars on Google My Business. 5 stars on Facebook. Real reviews from real students.
Joshua Rodriguez was our instructor and I cannot say enough about him. He knows his stuff inside and out, is incredibly professional, and has a way of making everything clear and approachable no matter your experience level. Mia Rock and the entire USS Academy team made my first firearm experience feel completely safe and natural. I walked in nervous and walked out confident. Highly recommend.
As a complete beginner, I was nervous about taking a firearms course. USS Academy's entry-level course changed everything. Patient instructors, clear instruction, and a genuinely non-intimidating atmosphere. I've since gone on to get my CWP. Best decision I ever made.
The Ladies Day event was absolutely incredible. I brought three friends who had never shot before, and every single one of us left feeling empowered. The instructors were professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely fun. Highly recommend for any woman curious about firearms.
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29,000 students have walked through our doors. Here are some of their stories.
I came in for the self-defense seminar knowing almost nothing about Florida law. Joshua walked us through every statute clearly and practically. I left understanding my rights and responsibilities completely. Invaluable for any Florida gun owner.
The night vision course was unlike anything I've experienced. Joshua Rodriguez led the instruction and brought genuine operational experience into every drill — this isn't classroom theory, it's real-world tactics from someone who has actually been there. Absolute top-tier instruction. If you're serious about tactical training in Florida, USS Academy is the only call you need to make.
I completed my CCW permit class here and Mia Rock, the owner, made sure every student left fully prepared and confident. The combination of classroom legal education and live-fire training is unmatched. Got my permit approved on the first submission.
Have a story to share? We'd love to hear from you.
Submit Your TestimonialUSS Academy's competitive shooting group is open to all skill levels — from local club newcomers to those preparing for internationally sanctioned matches. Choose the tier that fits your goals and let us help you compete at your highest level.
Built for shooters who want to experience the energy and discipline of competitive shooting at the local level. USS Academy's Tier 1 group participates in local club matches — a great introduction to organized competition in a fun, low-pressure environment. Sharpen your fundamentals, build consistency under match conditions, and become part of a community of serious shooters.
For the serious competitor. Tier 2 takes you from local club matches all the way to internationally sanctioned competition. USS Academy prepares Tier 2 members for the full competitive pipeline — structured training, match simulation, performance analysis, and tactical preparation for major events including Tactical Games 2027 and 2028.
The Tactical Games are one of the most demanding multi-discipline competitive shooting events in the world — combining firearms proficiency with physical fitness challenges under real match pressure. USS Academy is building a preparation track specifically for Tier 2 members who want to compete in the 2027 and 2028 Tactical Games cycles. Training covers shooting accuracy under physical stress, stage strategy, equipment selection, and the conditioning required to perform at the highest level when it counts.
USS Academy's competitive shooting team representing Central Florida in USPSA, IDPA, and regional competitions. Our elite team members train under USS Academy's advanced coaching program and compete as official representatives of the academy at sanctioned events throughout the Southeast and nationally.
USS Academy brings world-class firearms instruction directly to your facility. Whether you operate an indoor range, an outdoor range, or a specialty tactical facility — we'll bring the instruction, the curriculum, and the instructors. You provide the range. We'll fill it.
✓ Indoor and outdoor ranges welcome · ✓ Single event or recurring partnership · ✓ National availability
📍 Request a Class at Your Range
Once a USS Academy student, always part of the family. Our alumni community connects graduates, offers continued learning, exclusive events, and a network of like-minded protectors across Florida and beyond.
Connect with 29,000+ graduates who have trained with USS Academy. Share experiences, stay sharp, and grow alongside a community that takes protection seriously.
A dedicated alumni portal is in development. Enter your email to be notified at launch and receive founding member access.
Priority access to Ladies Day, advanced training events, alumni-only shooting competitions, and special sessions not open to the general public.
Alumni receive discounted rates on advanced courses, refresher training, and new program offerings as they become available.
Connect with fellow graduates, law enforcement professionals, military veterans, and serious civilian practitioners in our private community.
USS Academy alumni certification displayed in your professional profile. A credential that carries weight in the firearms and security community.
Standout alumni may be invited to join the instructor development program or refer students and earn recognition within the Academy community.
USS Academy is more than a training academy — it's a growing organization with opportunities for instructors, mentees, franchise partners, and creative professionals. If you share our mission, we want to hear from you.
Join our instructor team and teach the next generation of responsible firearm owners. USS Academy instructors carry real credentials and real experience — we train civilians, law enforcement, military, and security professionals. If you have the skills and the passion, we want to talk.
Are you an aspiring instructor who wants to build your own training business? USS Academy offers a structured mentorship pathway — learn from 27 years of operational and instructional experience, then launch your own academy with USS Academy's guidance, framework, and support. This is a rare opportunity to build something lasting.
USS Academy is actively building its media library — photo gallery, video gallery, marketing content, event coverage, and social media assets. We're looking for talented photographers and videographers who understand the firearms training environment and can capture the energy, professionalism, and community of USS Academy.
Use the Contact form below and select your area of interest, or email us directly at support@ussacademy.org with your background, credentials, and what role you're interested in. For media applications, please include a link to your portfolio. All applicants are reviewed by Mia Rock personally. We respond to all qualified applicants within 5 business days.
Inside USS Academy — training in action, events, and the people behind the Southeast's largest firearms academy.
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USS Academy is proud to work alongside and recommend the following organizations, ranges, and industry partners. These are our trusted recommendations — partners we stand behind.
USS Academy is an Official USCCA Partner. The United States Concealed Carry Association — the nation's leading concealed carry education and self-defense liability organization.
Official Partner →USS Academy's parent organization — USSA Group. Professional security services, armed and unarmed security personnel, and executive protection for Florida and beyond.
Visit USSA Group →USS Academy instructors hold NRA Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor certifications. Our team includes U.S. Marine Corps veterans with real-world field and courtroom experience alongside NRA, USCCA, and Florida K License credentials.
NRA CertifiedWe train where YOU are. USS Academy partners with professional ranges across Florida and the Southeast — contact us to find a class near you.
Find a Class Near You →Are you a range, organization, or vendor interested in being listed as a USS Academy partner or recommendation? Contact us to discuss a partnership.
Contact for Partnership InquiriesBy submitting this form you agree to receive SMS and email communications from USS Academy. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
USS Academy offers virtual online training and trains students nationally. Whether you're in Florida or anywhere in the US — contact us to discuss your options.
All students must complete this registration and waiver prior to attending any USS Academy training program. Please read all sections carefully before signing. Unsigned participants will not be permitted to train.
⚠ Required for All Participants
This registration and waiver must be completed before attending any in-person, virtual, or range-based training session.
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I hereby grant permission to USS Academy LLC to use my contact information, image, likeness, and sound of my voice as recorded on audio or video without payment or other consideration. I understand that my image may be edited, copied, exhibited, published, or distributed and waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product. I waive any right to royalties or other compensation. This material may be used for: Conferences, Presentations, Educational presentations or courses, Informational presentations, Online educational courses, Educational videos, Government Agencies, Official or unofficial Affiliates of USS and/or Partners, Social Media, Examples, and Print. There is no time limit on the validity of this release nor any geographic limitation on where these materials may be distributed.
I AM FULLY AWARE OF THE RISKS AND HAZARDS connected with participation in this course, including physical injury or even death, and hereby elect to voluntarily participate, knowing that the associated physical activity may be hazardous to me and my property.
I HEREBY ASSUME ALL OF THE RISK OF PARTICIPATING IN THIS ACTIVITY OR EVENT, including by way of example and not limitation, any risk that may arise from negligence or carelessness on the part of the persons or entities being released, from dangerous or defective equipment or property owned, maintained, or controlled by them, or because of their possible liability without fault.
I certify that to the best of my knowledge, I am in good physical condition and fully able to participate in this course and have not been advised to not participate by a qualified medical professional. If you are pregnant, please understand that due to safety concerns, we cannot offer you the shooting portion of the range, but we will be happy to reschedule your class as needed.
I VOLUNTARILY ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY RISKS OR LOSS, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR PERSONAL INJURY, INCLUDING DEATH, that may be sustained by me as a result of participation in this course.
I RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE from any and all liability, including but not limited to, liability arising from negligence or fault of the entities or persons released, for my death, disability, personal injury, property damage, or actions of any kind which may hereafter occur to me including my traveling to and from this course. THE FOLLOWING ENTITIES OR PERSONS: USSA Group LLC, USS Academy LLC, their officers, servants, agents, and employees.
I INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND PROMISE NOT TO SUE the entities, company, subsidiaries, executives, employees, and associates mentioned in this waiver from any and all liabilities, claims, loss, or damage occurred or caused as a result of participation in this course, program, or event.
IN SIGNING THIS RELEASE, I ACKNOWLEDGE AND REPRESENT THAT I HAVE READ THE FOREGOING WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT, UNDERSTAND IT, AND SIGN IT VOLUNTARILY AS MY OWN FREE ACT AND DEED; NO ORAL REPRESENTATIONS, STATEMENTS, OR INDUCEMENTS APART FROM THE FOREGOING WRITTEN AGREEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE; AND I EXECUTE THIS RELEASE FOR FULL, ADEQUATE AND COMPLETE CONSIDERATION FULLY INTENDING TO BE BOUND BY SAME.
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