Tactical Cowboy is a company created with the customer in mind to provide top notch self defense, tactical, and firearms training & mentorship via group classes, and 1 on 1 personalized training.

Our team is comprised of Army Rangers, Green Berets, Marines, Law Enforcement Officers, MMA Fighters, Competition Shooters, Army Medics, Firefighters, & Nurses.

We are here to bring you to the cutting edge of skills & tactics in a zero ego training environment.

Tactical Cowboy is a lifestyle that emphasizes leadership by example. Lead The Way, inspired by our founders time in the 75th Ranger Regiment, is our motto.

This means no matter what the discipline you must represent yourself like a professional. Be prepared, set the tone for your team, and execute the mission. The mission is not always a tactical raid. Fitness, Family, Tactics, Marksmanship, Business, etc. Lead The Way in all facets of life.

Why do we refer to our team as mentors not instructors?

It is our belief that the best tool in the world is useless in untrained hands. With the steep increase in first time firearm ownership over the last few years, we feel it is incumbent on us to spread our knowledge and assist in fostering a culture of responsible firearms ownership through mentorship.

Tactical Cowboy’s ethos revolves around mentorship and critical thought. We are NOT here to tell you the single best way to interpret and react to situations that could involve the use of a firearm for self defense. Rigid rules do not fair well in dynamic, disruptive environments. Instead, we want to assist our fellow gun owners as they learn how to best prepare themselves through the arts of scenario assessment, marksmanship (with an emphasis on round accountability) and understanding their personal reactions under stress.

Join the Tactical Cowboy family if you’d like to gain confidence with your weapon, enhance your skills with real-world tactics, & meet like minded people.


President & Lead Mentor

Devin Soto

This company was created & named Tactical Cowboy because of my love of all things Western instilled in me by my grandfather. From a young age he taught me many life lessons. The main lesson I bring into this business of marksmanship & tactical training that he taught me is the idea of measure twice, cut once. The “measure twice cut once” ideology is worked into all of our courses here at TCTS from basic firearms safety all the way to small unit tactics. It is all about training at a high level to ensure REPEATABLE & CONSISTENT results out of our students. We want to instill the skill in you that in terms of self defense and physical preparedness you will only need to “cut once” if the time ever arises. An example of this in terms of marksmanship is that we require every one of our students who wants to become proficient at their pistol skills to eventually become so extremely consistent that EVERY time they send a round down range they know exactly where it is going. That is my mission with this company.

My accolades include becoming a United States Army Ranger, four deployments conducting the Ranger Mission in Afghanistan, Operating as a Security & Training Consultant for high value clients in the US & abroad, a Bachelors in Human Physiology from the University of Colorado Boulder, certifications in Self Defense / Tactical Strength & Conditioning, and finally providing firearms instruction for individuals of all experience levels from children to Special Operations Veterans.

Throughout my 30 years of accomplishing these tasks I have had more ups and downs along the way than one could count. I have lost family members, friends, & motivation but always found a way to overcome the odds. What I am here to do today is to help you do the same. With my experiences in the personal security world, athletic training realm, and in the special operations sector of the military I have helped numerous friends & family members along the way change their mindset about life and attain their goals whether they be physical, tactical, or mental.

I would love to support you along your journey in any of these facets. If you are interested & would like to take control of your life please feel free to reach out to me at any time. Here is my professional contact information.

Email - devin@thetacticalcowboy.com

Phone - (815)-503-2969

Training Director

Braiden Mataroa

  Hi I'm Braiden, I served 5 years active duty in the Marine Corps with CLR-15 and MWSS-172. This is where I learned the importance of versatility and being proficient in multiple disciplines in the tactical / defence realm. Over the years I found my passion in passing on the skills that I have learned to others. I currently live in St.George UT. During my free time I enjoy rock climbing, rucking, camping, long range, rifle, and pistol shooting, and spending Saturdays with the boys. I'm proud to be a part of the Tactical Cowboy Team and I am excited to pass on what I've learned to all of you.

Merchandise Director

Will Cooper

I’ve been shooting from a young age. I grew up hunting and have just advance my shooting abilities from there. I got my concealed carry permit in 2013 and have been focused on tactical and self defense shooting since. I realize that by carrying a gun I have a responsibility to protect myself and others and I need to do that as efficiently as I can. My main focus is the fundamentals because without them you don’t have a good base to build on and you likely won’t see your full potential. I do my best to practice the fundamentals as much as possible to make sure I keep that base so I can keep expanding and pushing myself. I have a passion for teaching people how to protect themselves and others and it makes me happy when I see people better themselves. I love to teach but I will also always be a student because I know that there is always more to learn and the more I learn the more I can pass along to anyone that’s asks for my help. I look forward to meeting you and helping expand your base to build on.

Lead Emergency Medical Mentor

Jake Steffan

I Started in EMS as an EMT in 2006 became a Paramedic in 2008 and joined the Army in 2010 with the 1-32IN 3BCT 10th Mountain Division as an 11B taking over medical duties after 3 medics (68W) were wounded during OEF XI-XII. Hired by the Chicago Fire Department in 2014 and is currently a Paramedic In Charge. Has been an Illinois Department of Public Health Lead EMS Instructor since 2017 teaching up to 60 EMT students a year. An ACS Stop the Bleed Instructor. Graduated with an Associates in Nursing in 2020 and continued with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2021. 

My goal is to provide the best real-world application in medical care you can give to a loved one or friend. Following the latest guidance available in trauma care, medical care, and any other topic you may want tailored to your learning environment. At the end of a class myself and the Tactical Cowboy family will ensure that you have the confidence to face any situation that may arise.


Squad Tactics Expert

Justin Johnsen

  Hi, I’m Justin! Devin and I met at 2nd Ranger Battalion and eventually became team leaders together in our platoon’s weapons squad. I spent my first three trips to Afghanistan as my fire team’s SAW gunner. During that time, I earned a Ranger Tab and got to learn from some of the greatest team leaders to ever grace the US Army. Before my fourth trip, I was promoted to Corporal and became a gun team leader. This was by far my favorite job I’ve ever had. Our squad excelled and I learned quickly that I loved being in leadership positions.

After getting out of the Army, I studied geology, first as an undergrad at Pacific Lutheran University, then as a Master’s candidate at the University of Washington. My time at UW was cut short when I was referred to a leadership training position with a local building materials company.

Currently, I’m a mine manager for that same company in Clark County, WA. I spend my free time hunting, dirt biking, surfing, snowboarding and backpacking.

More than anything, I love sharing my acquired knowledge with people who are passionate about learning and perfecting their craft. This is why I am so honored and excited to be joining the Tactical Cowboy team! I look forward to both sharing what I’ve learned as well as learning from fellow “projectile enthusiasts”. See y’all out on the range!

Emergency Medical Expert

Jamison Sermon

  My name is Jamison. I served four years in 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, where I completed two deployments to Afghanistan. I then left the Army to pursue my education at Utah State University where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with minors in marketing and entrepreneurship.

After completing my degree I decided to pursue a career in the Fire Service. I earned my EMT basic, Firefighter and Hazmat certifications from UVU, and my Advanced EMT from EMT Utah. I am currently working as a full time Firefighter for South Davis Metro Fire. I am also working on various entrepreneurial endeavors.I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids and enjoy any excuse to go shooting, dive into small unit tactics, tactical medicine, and teaching.

Self Defense Mentor

Tommy Le

  Hi, my name is Tommy Le, and I am a proud first-generation American from the heart of Kansas. I am deeply grateful for the freedoms we enjoy and am committed to empowering others with the skills necessary to protect themselves. My parents were refugees from the Vietnam War, forced to leave everything behind in their struggle to escape Communism to find a better life for themselves, and successfully raised four sons. They instilled in us the importance of self-reliance and the value of learning how to protect our loved ones.

My extensive background in combat sports and mixed martial arts has given me a unique perspective on firearms training. I have a solid foundation built on discipline, focus, and consistency that I strive to impart to others. My competitive experience includes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and MMA, all of which have equipped me with a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in the face of adversity.

Today, I am proud to be part of the esteemed Tactical Cowboy Training Solutions family, where I have had the privilege of training with some of the most experienced professionals in the industry. This opportunity has allowed me to refine my skills in a supportive and challenging environment while also sharing my passion with others. For me, tactical firearms training is not just about shooting a gun; it's about instilling responsibility, discipline, and preparedness. With my experience, unwavering dedication, and passion for excellence, I aim to help others learn these vital skills and values.

Cheers,
Tommy

Competition Coordinator

Patrick Brower

  I'm a seasoned shooter, Navy Veteran, Wildland Firefighter, Ski Patroller, Match Director and Mentor with TCTS. Born in Riverside, CA but raised in Cedar City Utah on a small ranch. I grew up around firearms and used them to hunt from a young age.

I served in the Navy immediately after high school, and spent most of my Navy career training with small specialized units at the Naval Special Warfare Center in Coronado CA. I took on the challenge of attending the most difficult military training in the world, Basic Underwater Demolition School/ SEAL training. Health issues developed during training cut my time in the Navy short however, and I set out to discover a new path in life. While in the Navy I developed a good understanding of how to work as!a member of a team, and how to be a leader.

After my time in the Navy I began working for a private investigation agency. In order to investigate child trafficking and child abuse cases I would carry firearms as a last line of defense. Firearms training again became very important for my health and safety. I attended several firearms courses through "Frontsight". During this time I became certified as an EMT because I saw the need to be proficient not only in potentially taking a life but also how to save one. Because of my EMT certification and a passion for snowboarding and skiing I became a ski patroler during the winters and after attending a wildland firefighter training camp I began fighting wildfires in the summers, while still working for the private investigation agency. I am currently still involved in firefighting, managing a crew of firefighters that support aerial wildland firefighting operations.

Since 2020, I have been a serious competion shooter, holding the title of "Master" class shooter in USPSA's Pistol Caliber Carbine division and an "A" class shooter in Limited Optics and Carry Optics divisions.

In November of 2022 I attended a small unit tactics course with Devin and the Tactical Cowboy crew, where once again I was able to work with a small unit of highly trained professionals and I also discovered the "Tactical Cowboy Family." I feel honored to work with like-minded individuals and professionals to further our knowledge, techniques, and skill set together.

Concealed Pistol & Self Defense Mentor

Isaac Woolsey

I'm Isaac Woolsey, born in Oahu, Hawaii. Kahuku High School taught me to embrace passion. Since 2019, I've begun to master my skills in firearms, private armed security, risk assessment, and crisis management. I thoroughly love to shoot and attend local classes and competitions to continuously excel in my passion. I recently attended and graduated from the school EPI (Executive Protection Institute) where I have come to a more in depth understanding of the world in executive protection. I founded Mana Defense Solutions LLC to equip firearm owners with skills and confidence for responsible gun ownership with the 2 worlds of executive protection and conceal carrying. All while spreading the Spirit of Aloha.

CQB / Squad Tactics Expert

Brock Brown

Whats up, I’m Brock Brown.

I've dedicated 15 years of my life to the sport of wrestling, earning consecutive top-three finishes and ultimately clinching a State championship. Venturing into national competition, I showcased my prowess as a member of the Utah national team in both Greco and freestyle disciplines. My journey extended to Mixed Martial Arts, where I faced challenges head-on, embodying the spirit of a true fighter.

Not content with excelling in one domain, I found success on the bodybuilding stage, securing two 1st place finishes and a 2nd place on a national level in three competitions. This marked the beginning of a diverse athletic career that continued with a successful transition into personal training, where I've positively impacted others for three years.

My commitment to excellence expanded beyond athletics when I served for four years in the 1st Battalion, 75 Ranger Regiment. Through three deployments, I earned the prestigious Ranger tab under the guidance of the U.S. Army’s top instructors, and my valor on the battlefield was recognized with the Combat Infantry Badge.

In a testament to my versatility, I was entrusted with running a tier 1 competitive shooting range during my military service, providing me with an opportunity to learn and train alongside some of the world’s most lethal shooters. Post-military, I continue to thrive in the competitive shooting arena, demonstrating resilience and precision as I compete.

Self Defense & Law Enforcement Expert

Austin Kinross

  Hi I'm Austin, When I graduated high school I took a basic EMT class which lead me to the fire service. While working as a volunteer firefighter decided I wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement! That's where my passion for tactical training and teaching like minded individuals began! I'm currently working in the law enforcement field where I enjoy helping others in time of need. I met Devin, he gave me an incredible opportunity, and now mentoring in various classes. I truly enjoy teaching others and seeing improvement class after class! I look forward to what the future brings and all the people I will meet in future classes. See y’all on the range!

Self Defense & Law Enforcement Expert

Josh Jojola

  Hello, I’m Josh! Back in High School I developed a strong passion for helping mentor and teach others when I had the opportunity to help coach my local youth wrestling club team. Having a background in wrestling has helped teach me what having a strong mentality and mindset is, to always go 100% and then some, as well as help me accomplish many tasks in life in anything I do.

Some things I enjoy is weightlifting with my swolemate, combat sports and being on the range with my buddies.

I took a couple classes with Devin and the TCTS Team to learn firearm safety and the basic fundamentals. Another reason was to help prepare myself before going into the academy and starting my career in Law Enforcement. Throughout my tactical training journey I have gained much confidence, knowledge and experience that I would love to pass on to y’all. I am honored to be part of the TCTS Team.