SAFED (Standards Association for Firearms Education & Defensive Competency) logo - A professional emblem representing national firearms training standards and certificationSAFED (Standards Association for Firearms Education & Defensive Competency) logo - A professional emblem representing national firearms training standards and certification

Mission & Values

Our Mission

To establish comprehensive national standards for civilian defensive firearms training rooted in real-world performance, legal accountability, and ethical self-defense principles.

Our Vision

A more competent armed citizenry—one built on verified training, measurable skills, and realistic preparation rather than false confidence or inadequate instruction.

Meet Our Leadership

Why do civilians need standardized defensive training?

FBI data shows that the average civilian defensive encounter lasts less than 5 seconds and occurs within 7 feet. Yet traditional training often focuses on stationary shooting at 15+ yards without time pressure. This disconnect between training and reality creates a dangerous preparation gap that SAFED directly addresses through our scenario-based standards.

Our Core Values
Evidence-Based Practice

Our guidelines draw from peer-reviewed research on stress response, performance under pressure, and training methodologies that translate to real-world scenarios. We regularly review emerging studies from institutions like the Force Science Institute to ensure our standards reflect current understanding of human performance.

Accountability

We promote responsible gun ownership by aligning training with legal and moral use-of-force principles. SAFED-certified instructors emphasize the legal aftermath of defensive encounters, ensuring students understand both the physical and legal aspects of self-defense.

Accessibility

How can quality defensive training reach more civilians? We believe effective training should be available and understandable to everyday gun owners, not just elite professionals. Our standards are designed to be implemented across diverse communities while maintaining consistent quality benchmarks.

Integrity

We’re committed to bridging the gap between perception and preparedness—with zero tolerance for “paper certifications” that create a false sense of security. Our testing protocols require demonstrated competency under stress, not just knowledge recitation.