Vanguard Program Overview

The SSGT Vanguard Program represents an evolved version of our core offering, designed to provide a comprehensive defensive tactics system. This program is structured into two distinct levels of instruction, each catering to the needs of those seeking a thorough understanding of defensive tactics. Here’s a breakdown of what the Vanguard Program entails:

SSGT Vanguard Level One Objectives

Upon completion of the Vanguard Level One 40-hour Instructor Course, a certified SSGT Vanguard Level One Instructor will be qualified to:

1. Instruct officers on the objectively reasonable use of force, survival stress effects, and defensive tactics principles.
2. Train officers to defend against common grabs, holds, strikes, and attacks on the officer’s weapon in standing situations.
3. Educate officers on defense in ground grappling situations, covering grabs, holds, strikes, and attacks on the weapon.
4. Provide instruction on gaining control and compliance over an actively aggressive subject in both standing and ground situations.
5. Teach officers to defend against knife or sharp instrument attacks.
6. Instill self-confidence in officers regarding their ability to defend against attacks.
7. Certify officers in the SSGT Vanguard Level One Twenty-four-hour student course.

These objectives aim to reduce the likelihood of excessive force use by certified students or instructors, subsequently minimizing liability.

Vanguard Level One Breakdown

The Level One 40-hour Instructor Course is categorized into seven sections, covering various defensive tactics scenarios:

1. Common Grab Defense
2. Headlock Defense
3. Bear-hug Defense
4. Tackle Defense
5. Striking & Knife Defense
6. Escaping From The Bottom (ground)
7. Controlling A Grounded Subject From The Top

Vanguard Level One Certification Facts:

• No previous training required.
• Written and practical exams are administered in both the Instructor and Student Courses.
• Instructors may certify students in one or all categories of a particular level.
• Student Certification time varies (1-24 hours) depending on addressed categories.
• Student Certification is valid for one year, with re-certification at 1/2 the original time.
• Instructor Certification is valid for three years, contingent on teaching 8 hours per year.
• SSGT Vanguard Level One Student Manuals are available for purchase.

SSGT Vanguard Level Two Overview

Building on the foundation laid by Level One, the SSGT Vanguard Level Two Instructor Course equips certified instructors with an advanced set of skills and techniques. Here are the key objectives and breakdown of the Level Two program:

SSGT Vanguard Level Two Objectives:

Upon completing the Vanguard Level Two 40-hour Instructor Course, a certified SSGT Vanguard Level Two Instructor will be qualified to:

1. Instruct officers on the objectively reasonable use of force, survival stress effects, and defensive tactics principles.
2. Teach officers the application of pressure points for subject control and compliance.
3. Instruct officers in escort and transport techniques, including takedowns.
4. Teach officers proper handcuff deployment, application, and removal from various tactical positions.
5. Instruct officers in the use of strikes and counter-strikes for self-defense and subject control.
6. Train officers in holstered handgun retention techniques in standing and ground situations.
7. Teach officers holstered handgun retention techniques during drawn situations, standing or on the ground.
8. Instruct officers in long gun disarming and retention techniques.
9. Teach officers handgun disarming techniques.
10. Instruct officers on the deployment, application, and retention of an impact weapon.

These objectives aim to enhance officers’ skills, reduce excessive force risks, and instill self-confidence in their ability to defend against attacks.

Vanguard Level Two Breakdown:

The Level Two program is categorized into thirteen sections, each focusing on specific defensive tactics scenarios:

1. Strategic Subject Escort
2. Pressure Points to Escort
3. Strategic Handcuffing & Transport
4. Strategic Frisk & Search
5. Strategic Striking
6. Holstered Handgun Retention while Standing
7. Holstered Handgun Retention while on the Ground
8. Drawn Handgun Retention while Standing
9. Drawn Handgun Retention while on the Ground
10. Long Gun Retention
11. Long Gun Disarming
12. Handgun Disarming
13. Strategic Baton

Vanguard Level Two Certification Facts:

• Written and practical exams are administered in both the Instructor and Student Courses.
• Instructors may certify students in one or all categories of a particular level.
• Student Certification time varies (1-24 hours) depending on addressed categories.
• Student Certification is valid for one year.
• Re-certification time is 1/2 the original time.
• Instructor Certification is valid for three years, contingent on teaching 8 hours per year.
• SSGT Vanguard Level Two Student Manuals are available for purchase.