Professional Training
Aimpoint Professional Training takes great pride in approaching things differently. Every skill we teach represents a proven multi-tiered package. Our methods are rooted in human physiology, psychology, and real-world experience. This complete view provides every student an in-depth understanding of not only the skill set being presented but also the underlying reasons why that skill is necessary, and why it works.
Meet The Trainers
Duane "Buck" Buckner
U.S. Training Manager · Retired - United States Coast Guard Chief · Brunswick, GA
"The Aimpoint Professional Training organization was formed to support our clients in the effective use of Aimpoint products. The core of the Aimpoint company culture is to design and produce the best sights available in the world. Our training division further extends this tradition of excellence by providing the best instruction available to everyone who depends on Aimpoint products."
Duane Buckner, U.S. Training Manager
Duane Buckner's Bio
Nate Blanton
U.S. Training Manager, MSGT USMC Ret. · Ferguson, NC
Nate Blanton has been with Aimpoint as a Trainer since Jan 2023. Nate is a retired 20-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, retiring as a Master Sergeant in 2021 from 3D Raider Battalion, MARSOC. Throughout his distinguished career, Nate held multiple instructor roles, including USMC Urban Sniper Course, MARSOC Advanced Sniper Course, and the MARSOC Close Quarters Battle (CQB) Course.
His extensive operational background and deep instructional experience have made him a sought-after expert in precision shooting and firearms training. Known for his dynamic and engaging teaching style and leading by example, Nate is a firm believer in instructor led shooting demonstrations to enforce learning concepts as well as establish instructor credibility.
Passionate about mentorship and committed to excellence, Nate brings a wealth of experience, versatility, and professionalism to every training environment. Outside of work, he is an avid hunter, competitive shooter, as well as precision rifle builder and cartridge reloader. Nate continually pursues opportunities to refine his craft and share his knowledge with others.
Derek Edquist
U.S. Training Manager, Special Operations Veteran · Raleigh, NC
Derek Edquist is a seasoned firearms and tactical instructor with over a decade of experience in Special Operations. Following his military service, he spent several years as a Department of Defense contractor at the MARSOC schoolhouse, where he trained Special Operators in shooting, close quarters battle (CQB), and breaching techniques.
After his time at the MARSOC schoolhouse, Derek served five years as the lead firearms and CQB instructor for a federal crisis response tactical team. In that role, he helped prepare agents for high-risk missions and real world operations. He is deeply passionate about coaching and mentoring and is committed to giving his students everything he has to help ensure they return home safely regardless of the environment or challenges they face.
Now entering his second year with Aimpoint, Derek brings a strong combination of operational experience, instructional expertise, and a genuine passion for teaching. Outside of work, he is an avid hunter and competitive shooter.
Training Videos
Training Articles
3 Steps To Becoming The Smartest Person In The Room
Volumes have been written about the skill associated with being a good trainer. We are awash in methods, approaches, and techniques to reach trainees. Good trainers pay attention and shape their approach to these empirical models. But delivery is only half of the equation. There must be willing recipients on the other end. So how do we do that? How do we get the most of our valuable training time and emerge improved or at the very least, edified?
Read MoreSimple Survival
When was the last time you paid attention to what was on your duty belt? Don't let this come as a shock…but you are carrying a lot of gear. (Everyone wearing a badge just laughed or rolled their eyes, or both.) The modern American LEO is awash in a sea of tools. Most of these are worn around their waist where they crowd each other for room. However, the most important "space" is the brain capacity associated with the use of each increasingly complex piece of tech. Each implement has its own set of limitations, instructions, maintenance, and suggested (or mandated) uses.
Read MoreSend an email to ustraining@aimpoint.com and we will be happy to help.