Recent S&W press release-
— Smith and Wesson cut the ribbon on a brand new training academy in Maryville. Company leaders said the academy will serve both professionals and the public with hands-on training and education.
The company said the new academy marks a major step in expanding training services for law enforcement and the community. The previous academy located in Springfield, Massachusetts closed in 2017.
"For decades, that was a staple in the firearms industry. Everybody in the country knows about Smith and Wesson Academy. We had countless law enforcement officers, military personnel, and civilians come learn from the best of the best in firearms training," said Smith and Wesson President and CEO Mark Smith.
Smith explained that after moving their headquarters to East Tennessee in 2023, they decided to bring the academy back. He added that classes are available for law enforcement and military personnel free of charge. Civilians can also take courses, with Smith saying there is a range of training available for everyone from beginners to experts.
"[Mark Cochoilo], the guy running this whole thing, is actually a retired U.S. Navy SEAL. He was SEAL Team 6, retired from the teams, and then went 13 years as a civilian contractor training 4,000 Navy SEAL candidates on how to shoot guns. And all of that is now here in this facility," said Smith. " One of the best firearms training experts, I think, that we have to offer in the United States."
The facility has a range of specialized training areas, including a pistol range, flex range, rifle range and a shoot house. To learn more about the courses offered, visit https://academy.smith-wesson.com/.
Regards,
turnerriver
— Smith and Wesson cut the ribbon on a brand new training academy in Maryville. Company leaders said the academy will serve both professionals and the public with hands-on training and education.
The company said the new academy marks a major step in expanding training services for law enforcement and the community. The previous academy located in Springfield, Massachusetts closed in 2017.
"For decades, that was a staple in the firearms industry. Everybody in the country knows about Smith and Wesson Academy. We had countless law enforcement officers, military personnel, and civilians come learn from the best of the best in firearms training," said Smith and Wesson President and CEO Mark Smith.
Smith explained that after moving their headquarters to East Tennessee in 2023, they decided to bring the academy back. He added that classes are available for law enforcement and military personnel free of charge. Civilians can also take courses, with Smith saying there is a range of training available for everyone from beginners to experts.
"[Mark Cochoilo], the guy running this whole thing, is actually a retired U.S. Navy SEAL. He was SEAL Team 6, retired from the teams, and then went 13 years as a civilian contractor training 4,000 Navy SEAL candidates on how to shoot guns. And all of that is now here in this facility," said Smith. " One of the best firearms training experts, I think, that we have to offer in the United States."
The facility has a range of specialized training areas, including a pistol range, flex range, rifle range and a shoot house. To learn more about the courses offered, visit https://academy.smith-wesson.com/.
Regards,
turnerriver
