Client Reviews
Tom's main contractual responsibility for our company was to liaise with various local contracted overseas government security ministries, and Departments of Homeland Security; to develop, deploy, and manage some of the largest private regional surveillance, counter-intelligence, and counter-terrorism defense operations. Tom routinely overcame difficult security challenges and provided novel solutions that became model standards for others to follow, working in the space and region. His work in the global security sector made him an excellent partner with both his colleagues and numerous security government officials.
My wife and I signed up for the Basic Pistol class and we both felt we established a solid understanding about safe and appropriate handling of pistols and the fundamentals of shooting as a result. As a novice shooter we did a good amount of online research which was helpful when it was reinforced throughout the class. Tom is a great instructor. He is organized, thorough, patient, has all the equipment to teach, and provides detailed analysis, feedback, and encouragement. We walked away with the tools we needed and even went back to the range the following day to continue our development equipped with a good base knowledge.
My husband and I took the Tier 2 class with Thomas and had a wonderful experience. I had not fired a gun in years and just recently purchased a handgun so I was rather nervous about the class. Thomas helped me to feel very relaxed and I actually had fun the whole day! The entire day/class was well thought out and planned for maximum learning. We covered a lot of material and Thomas' enthusiasm was very inspiring! We both came away feeling much more confident in our ability to handle our handguns as well as maintaining them and we even touched on some laws pertaining to carrying. We can recommend ATS training and services. We both look forward to the next class with Thomas! What a great experience!
If you're looking for in-depth, real-deal firearms training in Ellijay, GA, ATS is where it's at. Tom's approach encompasses the "total package" in my opinion - classroom time, range time, receptive to questions, and post-class mentorship. Plus, he's got a great sense of humor. Money well spent for such valuable information and insight.
My brother and I were both first time shooters who completed the NRA Basic Pistol Training Course. Tom was an excellent instructor! Not only did he take us through all of the training, he provided useful and insightful information whenever he could whether or not it was part of the training materials. You can tell he really enjoys training students and was very personable. He always made us, even as complete novices, feel welcome and answered all the questions we had related to firearms and firearms training. He also made himself available as a helpful resource to reach out to with any questions after the course as well. Overall, great experience and would highly recommend!
I’m relatively new to shooting, and wanted to find something to improve my skills, safety awareness, and overall comfort with my daily carry pistol. This class was excellent, very informative, and quite helpful. Gained some academic knowledge as well as some real world insight, lessons I could apply right away. Overall, I would highly recommend ATS for handgun instruction.
We had an excellent time learning from Tom. He was very prepared for our session when we arrived. He has an enormous amount of skill and background to share and incorporate into his lessons. Our time at the range was well spent and certainly productive. He gave spot-on advice in the moment that helped with our position, alignment, and performance. It was an excellent day. We were glad to have taken his course and look forward to more. Highly, highly recommend no matter what your present skill level.
This was such a great experience! I referred two people on the way home. The course was very thorough, as was Tom! He was very in-tune to my firearm needs and the course was nicely detailed. I feel much more confident thanks to this course and Tom's TRAINING!
Awesome experience, very detailed, informative, and fun. Tom is a great instructor and a great personality!! - Larry
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!! Just took the Basic Pistol Training course, taught by Thomas. Very informative lots of fun. Learned more that I thought I would! - Jan
Highly recommended! Thomas is a highly skilled professional with tons of experience and a natural trainer/teacher. He offers a very comprehensive "basics" class with lots of hands-on training. Because of this experience, he will also point you to personal hints for improvement. The class was excellent and went over my expectations.
The wife and I took the Basic Pistol this past November while in town for Thanksgiving and all I can say is WOW! Tom is a great and knowledgeable instructor that takes the time to make sure you understand all the course materila, as well as answers any questions you may have.
Absolute first rate instruction by a very enthusiastic and very knowledgeable instructor. I learned a ton. Have been around firearms all my life, but what you learn in this Basic Pistol course is What You Don't Know, if that makes sense!
My husband took this class with me just to make me feel more comfortable. He has gun experience, I had zero before this class. Tom, the instructor, is knowledgeable and experienced and shares this with the class. As a new shooter, his patience and clarity were very much appreciated. My husband appreciated Tom’s insight and suggestions to help improve his technique. We will return for class #3!
Every minute of the class was helpful, educational and enjoyable. I never even held a gun before I came to this class. I am no longer terrified and actually scored a high certification level for my test. I now know I can do it. Thank you so much!
Great Training Program. I'll definitely be back for more. Tom knows his tactical stuff.
Very practical and interesting training. Right on target on what I was expecting and needed. Many Thanks!
Tom, you are the "go-to" man for gun training. I appreciate the fact that you talked in terms that I could understand! I found the laser gun that you recommended so that I can keep my "dry-practicing" up-to-date. Thanks again for the great instruction!
Tom, Thanks for the great training today. I really enjoyed it, It brought me back to my roots. See you the next time around. Great instruction.
18 yr. Law Enforcement Officer
10 yr. Overseas High-Threat contractor
Great teacher and very knowledgeable! I was nervous about handling firearms, but after working with Tom I'm confident about handling and shooting! I highly recommend Tom as your teacher!!
We had an amazing time. Tom is an amazing instructor and we learned so much. You went above and beyond and we feel we learned so much. Can't wait to go to the next level. The class gave us so much information, and the range time was awesome and fun. The lunch your sweet lady provided was delicious.
My husband and our 10 year grandson did a Basic Pistol Safety & Responsibility course with Tom. My husband said that Tom is very experienced and knowledgeable as well as a good teacher. He made sure they both understood all of the gun safety rules and took plenty of time to answer all of their questions. The next day my husband took our grandson shooting and he applied all of the safety rules and did very well for his first time shooting. We recommend Tom to anybody who wants to learn about guns and shooting.