First, I read the prior reviews well before I registered for the training. I noted in the negative reviews, the owner commented on each one with facts that were impressive. Now that I spent 60 hours in training there, I have NO issues withe the program or Mr. Bonnacci's training skills. He teaches with wisdom from decades. Old school, hell yes, and it was very, very necessary. He is outstanding, his company, very professional, his staff personable. read more

The security business is not what most people think. The images of a nondescript security guard giving directions at a mall, on patrol at an apartment complex, or checking bags at a concert are what most people imagine. But there's more to the job and the industry. A lot more. Security officers are professionals who serve a vital role and not one that is devoid of danger. A significant number are killed in the line of duty every year. Many because their training was inadequate or incomplete. It's a serious and hazardous business. A profession that can be unforgiving. So if you want to get into the business or keep your skills sharp, you need the best training available. The instructors at A Security Training Academy are the best in the Metropolitan DC area by far. They're tough and direct when it comes to learning your lessons, but that's what's needed if you're going to succeed and survive. They're in business to prepare you for some very serious work and how to get the job done correctly, professionally, and, of course, safely. The owner of A Security probably has more security-related qualifications than anyone in the region. And his team of instructors is every bit as dedicated to the students' success as he is. I've attended several classes at the school for various disciplines: Armed Security, Patrol Rifle, Tactical Handcuffing, Baton Usage, Pepper Spray Deployment, and Basic First Aid. At the end of every course, I knew I was not only more effective at doing my job, but I was also a more desirable employee at any security company I went to work for. Don't take chances with instructors or schools that are less experienced and knowledgeable. If you're entering a no-nonsense business like security or are continuing your education in the field, you need a no-nonsense approach to learning the trade. Your success, and your life, depend on it. read more

I enjoy taking unarm security courses with Joseph Bonacci. He is very knowledgeable on the material. He loves making jokes but he has no bad intentions with his jokes. I strongly recommend this school. read more

I took the DC Conceal Carry course here. The lead instructor, Joespeh Bonnati (SP?) was the type of instructor you dread in firearms. Full of worst-case scenarios and trying to shock people into the seriousness of training. That added to the constant misogynistic comments and racial insensitivity keeps me away for good. There are a ton of people who can give you great instruction, he is not one of them. Would not recommend it. read more

STAY AWAY, if one could give zero stars that's what they deserve. A Security Training Academy, Inc. staff are arrogant, miss-informed or have a severe lack of knowledge relating to DC Conceal carry training requirements, especially Joe Bonacci. I had taken DC renewal training course online and was trying to get the certificate of successfully completing the training. I reached out to ASTAI to get the certificate as it was not provided online. Mr Bonacci called me stating he was recording the phone call and accused me of "trying to pull something over on him and break DC law. He actually threatened to personally call the chief of police to turn me in. He stated that he "KNEW" it was against DC law to use "other firearms training" besides his range training to submit for DC application. My wife was listening to the phone call and was shocked at what she was hearing and said, "I can't believe he is calling you a liar". I should have read the reviews as it appears Mr. Bonacci habitually calls his clients LIARS. What competent business owner does that? It wasn't until I pointed out to Mr. Bonacci the exact text on the DC MPD website that "You may apply for an exemption based on previous training within the past 2 years", that he realized he was wrongly accusing and threatening me. There are many more competent firearms instructors and I suggest you look elsewhere for any training. Lastly, the website is a mess and difficult to navigate let alone get a certification. read more

Very unprofessional and disrespectful over the phone to me and everyone I know who has ever spoken to him. I recommend another security training class. It's like his military lifestyle cannot be left with the military. Very ignorant and harsh and disrespectful. read more

I have attended this academy on two separate occasisions and found the instructor/owner outstanding. He teaches fact and makes one understand the danger and possible implications of being sued in the professions that he teaches. I am a former DC Police Detective, former IRS Agent and former Special Agent with US Customs and now a Private Investigator. The training received is much more valuable than the cost of the course. His self defense and firearms training in fantastic. In closing you cannot get any better training any where. JCMyers read more

When trying to understand something as it pertains to learning a skill particularly skills which will saved your life one day or because of your lack of training may take your life you must understand this is not a game and when you need to be taught these type of skills it must be taught by someone who understands fully the consequences of not teaching it correctly now I will not name any names but there are a lot of places out there that will train you and you won't learn anything and when they're done a couple months down the road quite possibly depending upon the training you took you can end up in jail or worse deceased remember you have to understand the training that you are taking is in no way a game if you get it wrong you can die it's that plain and that simple so the reason why I felt it necessary to write about this Academy is that the person that taught me Joseph bonacci is without a doubt they fantastic tutor not only did he know the subjects that we were talking about he waited until we got it right he didn't rush us he let us move at our speed and I actually felt at home in his Academy being prior military it just felt like home and I was able to learn And I didn't feel uncomfortable now the things that I liked about my instructor is that for one we're all grown men here and we tell it like it is and if you can't handle that then I don't actually think you're in the right business I don't think you need to be in this type of security services work What I'm trying to say is if you want it easy you don't care about the rules you don't care about how it's taught you just want the piece of paper that says you're certified fine go somewhere else and get that done it's not a problem but I'm telling you you need to come here and learn it the way that he teaches it because you need to understand what can go wrong so that you can handle it if it does and a lot of people I find are lacking when they teach they they want to tell you the sun is Golden but they don't want to tell you the pitfalls and that's what I liked about this Academy they wanted to make sure that you most of all don't end up in jail because you didn't pay attention or you didn't understand what was being said in class or worse deceased or dead....I'll go as far to even stake my reputation on it I'll put Joe up against any of these other instructors any day and he will beat them as far as teaching hands down all day long when I left there i felt prepared And I believe that is the way you should be when you go out on the road after taking these classes you should be most of all prepared for any eventuality that you may encounter. read more

I attended three classes there and Instructor Bonacci was hands down the least professional instructor I have ever had the misfortune to learn with. His racial epitaphs and crude manner were beyond tolerable. I would not attend another class here if I were paid to attend. read more

I contacted this outfit (thinking it was something else) to look into getting a DC concealed permit. In my contact, I outlined that I have had a VA concealed permit and therefore training, which may have taken place with this outfit. The reason I thought that is that I found the contact information on a DC website, and the information was linked to Sharp Shooters. I know I had done my initial training near Springfield, and thus the site could have been Shooters (Lorton). In my contact with STA, I asked if there is a work-around the DC training because of my VA permit and my training. My contact person took it mean I was trying to skirt the law. What I was asking, is, if there is some kind of in-place protocol where someone in my position could simply take a written test and demonstrate safe handling of a firearm. read more