2500 years ago Pericles said, "To face calamity with a mind as unclouded as may be and to quickly act against it is real strength." James Yeager and Tactical response can train you to have real strength and they are empowering people to save lives. I found all of their instructors to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful. These men have lifetimes worth of real, practical experience and they are generous and patient enough to teach it to you and me. I'll be back for more, these folks have so much to teach us. read more

Best in the business, James is a good man and does a lot for everyone in the culture.

Though I've only had a chance to attend three TR courses, thus far, the sheer amount of quality trigger time of each course combined with the superb instruction from it's cadre of real world operators has enhanced my skill level considerably and I consider the experience priceless. TR was founded just over ten years ago by James Yeager who has logged in quite an impressive career as police officer and commercial firearms trainer in various capacities along with having worked as a private security contractor in the combat zones of Iraq a few years ago. Like the very best in this industry, in addition to having accumulated countless hours of operational experience, Yeager and his teaching cadre are also always on a ceaseless quest to expand their knowledge as well as put to the test the things they learn in an attempt to ensure that their cirriculum always remain relevant and on the cutting egde. The courses themselves run the entire gamut of individual and small unit operational capabilities ranging from the use of OC spray and baton to knife fighting to a very comprehensive program involving small arms from the bare basics to very advanced - all within a very compressed period. For their students (which include the usual mix of cops, military, private security contractors and civilians interested in obtaining the highest level of skill at arms) who have mastered the fundamentals, TR also offers a selection of high end courses such as various packages for their High Risk Security Contractor classes. In these classes the advance student gets an opportunity to be exposed to and drilled in the various skill sets ( i.e. shooting/moving and communicating as part of a fire team/squad, PSD driving, combat first aid, VIP bodyguard etc.) required to be fully operational in an non permissive environment. Besides the acquisition of new knowledge and capabilities, these high end courses allow the student to combine the wide range of skills template from the various other courses into a seamless composite. Though I'm told that TR's home base in Camden has some very nice facilities which would enchance the training experience, their instructors also take their classes on the road. I cannot reccommend these guys enough. read more

See all

I took Fighting Pistol in August 2022. We had 3 instructors for our class - all of whom brought something significant to my training experience. The Fighting Pistol curriculum incrementally challenges you as you learn each foundational concept. I can confirm that, when stressed, "you will perform at the level of training you've mastered". This calls will drive that home and help you master the basics of FIGHTING with a gun, not just shooting a gun. This class was enlightening. By the end, you will have better clarity about how to carry a gun, how to use a gun and, most importantly, how to avoid the need to use a gun (you win every gun fight you're not in)! I followed James Yeager's advice of "come get training before you buy your next gun". I'm glad I did. I am a better person for taking this class. Not just for protecting myself, my family and loved ones but for how to live life. You want to improve yourself. make some new friends and have fun all at the same time? Come to Tactical Response! read more

I've taken 6 courses at Tactical Response and as of this writing am signed up for a 7th next month. I was wary before I attended a class. The Youtube Celebrity James Yeager has a bit of a reputation and I'm not big on fake or stupid people. I found him to be genuine and pretty darn smart. I also knew going in that this would be a "mature audiences only" situation but on the other hand, what's more mature than learning how to use firearms and how to handle potentially violent situations. What I found was a group of instructors who really care about what they teach and who really want the students to get it. The curriculum is solid. The safety standards were high (in spite of internet rumors to the contrary) and the facilities and equipment were great (in a very utilitarian and no-nonsense way). If you decide to attend training here, go to the website and do what it says to do to prepare, including getting the right gear. Be a good student and immerse yourself in what you're being taught. read more

I have been saving for a year to take a class with Tactical Response in Camden, TN. I just heard that they have let their instructors go... WTF? They still have classes listed on their website... What is going on? The reviews have been nothing but positive and they came highly recommended. Guess it's time to find another way to get some training. Any word out there on if their instructors will be doing private instruction or moving on to other training facilities? read more

My husband had attended a few intensive classes here and wanted me to take Fighting Pistol. Omg it was freaking AWESOME!!!! How else are you going to get experience like this unless you're able to practice these situations and learn from the finest?? You won't get it at a range just standing and aiming at a target---that's not how it goes if you find yourself in a situation where you must save your LIFE and/or someone else's??And I was blown away by the expertise and AWESOME direction and instruction by every single instructor! Don, Tim, Jay, and of course James were amazing!!! I noticed right off the bat that as soon as correction on the range was needed they were right there, and was I ever impressed!! Each instructor added immensely to the whole learning experience!! Thank you all!! I CAN'T WAIT to come back and take The Fight!!! read more

Completed the 16 hour Active Shooter Course this past Sunday. First, the course. Take it if you are at all able. This should be one of the first courses someone takes. It challenges students and forces students out of their comfort zone. Next, the School. I was impressed. If you are thin-skinned or intimidated by strong-minded and Alpha types, stay home and keep day dreaming about the White Knight you will be if confronted with an Active Shooter. If you want professional training that will challenge and improve you, this is a good place. I see a lot on the internet about Tactical Response and the owner, James Yeager. Frankly, one of the reasons I chose to train at Tactical Response is because of the passion about being prepared for the fight that I saw on the internet from James. Went with an open mind. The James Yeager I met and spoke with was intelligent, logical, passionate about the martial mindset, honest, and honorable. He holds his Team to a high standard, and pushes students to strive for excellence. I got angry a couple of times during the weekend of training, and on reflection realized that was the point where my knowledge, skill, and mindset were being challenged. I will return, several times, for more training. Hopefully there will be many instances where I get angry. Don't we all want to be challenged for the better? read more

Can not recommend Tactical Response highly enough. The quality of instruction I have received from James and all of the instructors has been top notch. I have received instruction in 7 classes and will return for many more as I have much to learn. Go take Fighting Pistol, it is well worth the price. read more

I have been training with Tactical Response for about 4 years now. What an amazing group of instructors and staff. Whether you are new or have been a student(alumni) for years, they treat you like family. The curriculums for the classes are real world, designed to help you defend your self and win the fightS. Yes plural. I have taken a myriad of other classes with different instructors and I am blessed to have started with James Yeager and his family of teachers and students. If you carry a firearm, its on you to get proper training, I implore you to start in Camden Tennessee(or one of their many travel locations). From learning to win a gun fight in Fighting Pistol to learning how to apply proper medical in Immediate Action Medical, under stress. Take those skills and tactics and apply them under stress and adrenaline in the shoot house amid a bunch of real world scenarios that indeed test your will and ego in their course named" The Fight". The trifecta of classes will have you leaving Camden not only with new brethren and a feeling of community bit it will leave you more prepared to face the evils that randomly confront us. Be prepared..be prepped. Get training. Start with Tactical response. read more

I took there fighting rifle class and I have to say it was hands down the best training program I have ever taken. I have been to other training schools and they do in 2 days that no other training school can even do in a 5 day course. If you want to get training learn a lot and have a blast this is the place to go. James and Reid are awesome people. read more

I have taken three classes from these guys and they are great. Be sure you understand the difference between martial and administrative gun handling before you sign up for a class as it is a central pillar of their training program. Be wary of what you read on the internet about this school because most of it is written by people who haven't actually trained with them. The owner is outspoken on YouTube but an absolute professional on the range and immensely knowledgeable. The rest of the staff is excellent as well, I've trained with Jay, Tim, Dave, and Jordan. I'd recommend starting with Fighting Pistol and Advanced Fighting Pistol, Fighting Rifle and Advanced Fighting Rifle next. read more

Amazing. Life changing for the better. Training for those who want to save themselves and their loved ones when the fight comes to them.

I am not sure that the James Yeager and Tactical Response everyone is raving about on here is the same one I have the misfortune of trying to do business with. Tactical Response has some great instructors and great reviews. I wanted to take a fighting pistol class with a particular instructor, Don Numbers, based on recommendations from friends and family. When I called to try and schedule training the staff was very rude and told me if I wanted to take training with them it did not matter who was teaching that day, all of the instructors are the same. When I explained that I really wanted to attend a class that this instructor was teaching or maybe set up private training with this highly recommended instructor, I was told that they did not need my money or business and to look for training elsewhere. I was absolutely floored! When I asked to speak to a supervisor I was hung up on. I am the customer and I am willing to drop a lot of money for the best training possible, but I will not pay $500 plus a class to be talked to like I was on the phone. I am just at a loss for words on how my experience with Tactical Response lines up with all the hype and great reviews that they get. I will be looking for training elsewhere and you should too. read more

Absolutely make plans to train with Tactical Response. The material and content is excellent. The teaching methodology is outstanding. The net result is that you walk away with not only life-saving skills, not only with a new winning mindset, but you become member of a brotherhood of likeminded men and women that is networked across the nation. Belonging to this family is better than any insurance you can buy. read more

Today I attended a fighting rifle class held by Tactical Response at their home town in Camden TN. Here is the email that I sent the owner, CEO, and primary instructor James Yeager. It contains all the information you need to know concerning the faults of this class. I warn all of you to PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE DECIDING TO ATTEND ONE OF HIS COURSES!!!! Also listed below is a link to the ongoing debate on this. http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_9_19/230811_Tactical_Response___Dont_waste_your_time_or_your_money.html Mr. Yeager, I am writing this email not only for myself but for David Breeden another attendee of your class. I am writing to inform you that we will NOT be attending class tomorrow and also to disclose the fact that we were completely unsatisfied with the training we received. After serving 6 years myself and Dave serving almost 6 in the military most of which was spent in both kabul and khandahar Afghanistan among other less than desirable places, as well as taking several other Carbine classes from various instructors, I have to say that the training we experienced today was by far at the lowest end of the scale. To start off with I knew that things weren't going to go very smoothly when I stepped foot on the range and seen that there were 26 students (the most I have ever seen in a class) and only 4-5 instructors. 2 of which did most the work while the others stood around chatting. There was very little interaction between the instructors and the students. (I was only visited by someone twice during the entire day of training) This lack of overlook by supposed professionals was probably the main cause of the student that shot himself in the foot (which is the first injury of that nature I have witnessed outside of combat) I understand that mistakes will be made and some may be outside of your control however none of us had even signed a range safety worksheet or really went over any safety rules at all other than basically not pointing the gun at other people. This shows me that there is a severe lack of professionalism on your businesses part. I try my best to overlook all of this and hope that there will be some good fundamentals taught and maybe some new things that I haven't learned yet. However after standing 5 yards from the cardboard for over half the day and being instructed to shoot the target 15 times in the junk and then 15 in the heart and then 12 in the brain I soon realized that this was just going to be a waste of ammunition. The rest of the day was spent somewhere between 5-15 yards blowing through 700 rds of lake city with no instruction if I was doing good or if there were problems that I needed to correct. The only 2 corrections I received all day was that that I should just throw my mags on the ground instead of using my dump bag (which was just as fast and in the real world when you have to shoot and move you don't leave them on the ground because sometimes you have to move in a hurry) and the second correction was that I shouldn't use my bolt catch after an empty mag but rather to use the charging handle. This to me is a shooter preference as I have seen it done both ways so I wont hold that against the instructor for showing me other options. That's what instructors do. At the same time I was also told to pull the charging handle after topping off the firearm even though there was already a round in the chamber (obviously). Doing this ejects a perfectly good cartridge onto the dirt. But that was my only interaction with any of your staff which I felt was inadequate for 8 hrs on the range. I checked your website prior to deciding to take the class and after reading mixed reviews on various forums that I am on (ar15.com, calguns, getoffthex, snipershide, etc.) and seeing that you had a money back policy if I was unsatisfied with the class we both chose to go ahead and reserve a spot. You had lots of good reviews so please don't take this as hate mail because it is not meant to be, its simply an explanation of why we are requesting that you uphold your policy on refunds. We spent $400 a piece on the class itself and then we find out that there is a $10 a day range fee (also a first unless the class isn't held on company range) $200 for the hotel for 3 days (even though your website says that a team room will be provided and I was contacted just a couple weeks before class saying that you have "things going on" and it wont be available), $180 in gas, about $60 in food. After all of this we both can honestly say that we feel cheated to say the least. I hope that you can understand our discontent and will stand by your word on your refund policy. I will be awaiting your reply. Thank you and I hope that we can work this out easily. V/r, Shane Ward David Breeden read more

The negative reviews here are from people who have never been to TR, taken a training course, or quite possibly handled a firearm. James Yeager is a stand up guy and anything he said needed to be said to help insure our liberty. The quality of training you receive is very worth what you pay for read more

It is rare I Yelp rate anyone, positive or negative. I attended a 2 day fighting pistol class on 2/17-2/18 2016 in Sacramento. One of the instructors shot my friends truck while we were all circled around it. He broke all 4 of the cardinal rules. When I asked for a refund directly to Yeager, he insulted me and refused to negotiate a refund. Their 100% money back guarantee is ridiculous in its current format. I beg you to look elsewhere unless you like people shooting at you. Front Sight, Travis Hailey, anywhere else. The sheep will follow anybody they think is cool. Oh yeah, this is a foul mouthed class. They will call you everything from F***tard to nuts*ck throughout the entire class. Leave the women and children behind. It's more like a frat party for guys who think they know more than they do. Good lecture though, and I liked Jay. I read a bunch of crap about Yeager and figured people are gonna hate. But until I get refunded for being put in the line of fire, I gotta believe them. They did buy my friend 2 new tires for his truck right on the spot. I guess that was my refund money. This is all 100% true. I have only so much space to review and there is more. Be careful folks, you have been warned. read more