Shawn Clayton
My name is Shawn Clayton, I’m the President and Lead Instructor here at Three Pillars of Defense Academy. Where I oversee the day-to-day operations and training. I have over 2 decades of weapons handling and instructing. With several military specialty schools. With over 13 years of military experience and multiple deployments to Afghanistan putting my knowledge and experience to the test.
In addition to my military experience, I have several certifications in the civilian world through the NRA such as: R.S.O., Pistol Instructor, Rifle Instructor, and home defense just to name a few.
Our goals here at Three pillars of Defense Academy is to first and foremost make sure you have a safe training environment to train in. Second, is to make sure that the training is accurate and true (Evidence-Based). We are also required to travel around the United States to attend gun shows and expos to further our knowledge of the new Tactical Equipment and Training in the industry.
I would like to thank you for taking the time to look into Three pillars of Defense Academy.
Kyle Mize
My name is Kyle Mize, and I proudly serve as the Vice President and Instructor at Three Pillars of Defense Academy. I bring over 20 years of experience in firearms handling, range safety, and tactical instruction. My role involves overseeing daily operations, mentoring instructors, and ensuring our training remains relevant, effective, and grounded in real-world application.
I hold multiple certifications, including:
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NRA Certified Pistol and Rifle Instructor
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NOLS Wilderness First Aid
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SIG Sauer Bullets and Bandages (Parts 1 & 2)
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Additional tactical and medical certifications from respected civilian training providers
At Three Pillars of Defense Academy, our mission is guided by three core values: Safety, Accuracy, and Continued Education. We are committed to providing a safe and structured training environment, delivering instruction that’s evidence-based and practical, and continuously evolving by attending industry expos, training events, and tactical conferences across the country.
Whether you're new to firearms or looking to expand your tactical skill set, we’re here to help you train with confidence and purpose. Thank you for considering Three Pillars of Defense Academy—we look forward to working with you.
Jeremy Roberts
My name is Jeremy Roberts, I'm the Chief Operating Officer and Instructor here at Three Pillars of Defense Academy. I am married to my amazing supportive wife Lindsey, and we have 3 wonderful kids. My job is to oversee all departments to maximize workflow and potential, while also assisting the Lead Instructor in all phases of training. I have 20 years of weapons handling, instructing and tactical operations experience. I spent 11 years in the US Army including with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). I am a graduate of multiple specialty courses to include the ARSOAC Enlisted Combat Skills Assessment, Selection and Training course and the USASOC Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE-C High Risk) Course. I have multiple Combat Deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as well as other operations around the world. After the military I spent the next
7 years in Afghanistan doing Private Military Contracting for USSOCOM as an Embedded Training Team aircrew Instructor for the Afghan Special Missions Wing. During my time overseas I helped my wife start multiple businesses to Include a very successful Epoxy company.
In addition to my Military experience, I am also an NRA certified Range Safety Officer, Pistol Instructor, Rifle Instructor and continuing to add more certifications.
My goal here at 3 P.O.D. is to first ensure we have a safe and respectful training environment. Secondly, to make sure all students are trained accurately and to standard. I am a firm believer in adaptive training and never being stuck doing it one way for life, as the standards change so will we. I have always lived my life that you are always learning and the day you believe you know it all is the day that you have become unsafe and need to hang it up. I would like to thank every one of you for choosing 3 P.O.D. and entrusting us with yours and your family’s training and safety. God Bless you and God Bless America.
Night Stalkers Don't Quit! (NSDQ)
Jesus Trujillo
My name is Jesus Trujillo,I am the operation’s manager/ArmorAnd Instructor here at Three Pillars of Defense Academy. I am married to a amazing woman and we have six wonderful children. My job here at Three Pillars of Defense Academy is Instructor , gunsmith Operations manager and to provide a safe environment. The safety of our students is very important here at 3 P.O.D . I have several certifications through the National Rifle Association N.R.A such as Range Safety Officer R.S.O , Pistol Instructor, Rifle Instructor and will continue to seek for more knowledge in the Firearms/ Tactical Industries. I currently hold over 17 years of experience in weapons handling. Our goal here at Three Pillars Of Defense Academy is to ensure we have a safe training environment for our students and to build confidence in our community. I would like to thank you for taking the time to look into Three Pillars of Defense Academy.
FAITH-FAMILY-FREEDOM
Lindsey Roberts
My name is Lindsey Roberts, I am the Chief Financial Officer here at 3 Pillars of Defense Academy. My job is to handle the finances, our company's website, social media and keeping the team grounded and focused. Prior to this venture I spent 17 years in
insurance before leaving to start a very successful Epoxy Countertop company called AZ Epoxy Countertops. I have spent my whole life around business and firearms, and I am a daily carrier. My amazing father
taught me how to safely handle and shoot guns at a very young age. I am married to Jeremy Roberts and have 3 great kids. So I have continued to shoot and train with my husband to this day. I will also be continually training and taking as many firearms certifications as possible.