Welcome to the Atlantic Tactical Firearms Trainers (ATFT) Newsletter! Edition #3 – March 2025
New Civilian Threat Response (CTR) Class Now Available! May 17th 2025
We’re excited to introduce our brand-new Civilian Threat Response (CTR) class, designed to prepare you for real-world emergencies. This course covers:
How to assess and respond to life-threatening situations.
Techniques to protect yourself and others in active shooter scenarios.
Skills for using cover, concealment, and escape tactics effectively.
Situational awareness strategies to help you stay safe in any environment.
This class is perfect for anyone looking to take their self-defense skills to the next level. Visit SalisburyFirearmsAcademy.com to learn more and secure your spot today!
Did you know?
You can pay for classes in installments on our website by hitting the pay later button at check out. Get your training and pay over time!
Have you checked your permit lately??
Make sure you are not up for renewal.
Renewal classes are filling up fast so we recommend you get your training early.
Don’t risk losing your permit and have to do the initial permit process again, including another 16hr. class.
Free Class Reminder: 2nd & 4th Thursdays of Every Month!
Did you know we offer free classes for all former students? These sessions are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month and are a great way to:
Sharpen your skills and stay consistent.
Get personalized feedback from our expert instructors.
Reconnect with the ATFT community.
Mark your calendars and join us for these exclusive refresher sessions!
Mastering Situational Awareness & Defensive Mindset
In firearms training, accuracy and technique are essential—but they’re only part of the equation. True preparedness comes from a sharp mind and a proactive approach to personal safety. This issue, we’re diving into situational awareness and the defensive mindset—two key skills that can keep you ahead of potential threats.
What Is Situational Awareness?
Situational awareness is the ability to perceive your surroundings, recognize potential threats, and react accordingly. It’s about being alert and identifying warning signs before danger unfolds.
Everyday Training Exercises at Home:
âś” Observation Drill: Pick a room in your home. Spend 30 seconds looking around, then close your eyes and list as many objects as you can remember. This sharpens your ability to notice details quickly.
âś” Exit Planning: Walk through your home and identify at least two exit routes from every room. This habit trains your brain to always look for escape options, whether at home or in public.
âś” “What If” Scenarios: While watching the news or movies, ask yourself, “What would I do in this situation?” This mental exercise helps develop quick decision-making skills.
The Defensive Mindset
A defensive mindset means thinking ahead, staying calm, and being prepared to act when necessary. It’s about training your brain to respond efficiently under pressure.
Ways to Train at Home:
🔹 Reaction Time Drill: Have a family member or friend stand behind you and drop an object (like a pen or set of keys) without warning. Try to catch it before it hits the ground. This improves reflexes and awareness.
🔹 Stress Conditioning: Perform basic physical exercises (jumping jacks, push-ups) and immediately follow them with a decision-making task—like identifying nearby exits or recalling details about a room. This simulates thinking under pressure.
🔹 Shadowing Awareness: Next time you’re in a parking lot or out for a walk, discreetly take note of people around you. Are they moving with purpose? Do they seem out of place? This exercise helps build pattern recognition for spotting potential threats.
Take Your Training Further
Situational awareness and mindset training are just as important as your trigger press. Want to refine these skills? Join us for our upcoming Defensive Mindset Workshop and put your awareness to the test in real-world drills!
đź”— Sign Up Now
Stay alert. Stay ready. Stay safe.
Legal Corner: Maryland HB1287: A Backdoor Handgun Ban-
Maryland’s HB1287 is being promoted as a way to crack down on “convertible pistols”—firearms that can be modified to fire automatically. While many assume this only applies to specific guns like Glocks with illegal auto-sears, the reality is far more alarming. The bill’s broad language could classify almost all semi-automatic handguns as illegal, effectively banning them in Maryland.
This isn’t just about stopping illegal modifications—it’s an attempt to criminalize the ownership of common handguns used by responsible gun owners for self-defense. If passed, HB1287 could make thousands of law-abiding citizens felons overnight. Don’t let this dangerous overreach go unchallenged—stay informed and take action now!
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Sign A petition put out by American Freedom Preservation to let your delegates know that Marylanders will not stand for this attack on an American right.
🔫 Next Month: Situational Awareness & Defensive Mindset.
Sharpen Your Mind, Strengthen Your Defense
Mastering firearms skills is only half the battle—knowing when and how to react is just as critical. In our next issue, we’ll dive into the art of situational awareness and the defensive mindset, helping you stay one step ahead in any scenario. Stay tuned!
Stay Safe, Stay Prepared!
Atlantic Tactical Firearms Trainers (ATFT)
