SDS Instructors

Stateside Defense Solutions LLC

Stateside Defense Solutions was founded to help first responders overcome barriers to adequate training and build a community of capable first responders.

Chris Saunders

Founder & CEO

Chris Saunders brings over 18 years of experience to Stateside Defense Solutions LLC. He is an active-duty training sergeant, SWAT Team Leader, and federal task force officer, and serves on the NCTOA Board.

A passionate instructor, Chris has spent his career focused on firearms and tactics. His specialties include active threat response, RDS, vehicle ambush and counter-ambush, SWAT tactics, and CQB.

As a training sergeant, Chris understands the challenges officers face in accessing adequate training. He founded SDS to help break through those barriers and build a community of capable first responders.

James Faulkner

Instructor

James Faulkner served 21 years in the United States Navy as a Navy SEAL, including service as an 18D (Combat Medic). Following his military career, he joined the FBI, where he spent 13 years as a Special Agent and FBI SWAT Team member. He served as SWAT Team Leader during his final two years with the team.

With more than three decades of operational experience at home and abroad, James brings a wealth of knowledge to Stateside Defense Solutions. His passion for training police officers and sharing his experience is at the heart of his approach to instruction.

Axel “Doc” Narvaez

Instructor

Axel “Doc” Narvaez brings an extensive background in operational and tactical medicine to Stateside Defense Solutions. He has over 25 years of experience as a Fleet Marine Force Navy Hospital Corpsman, including four combat tours with units such as 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, Scout Sniper Platoon, and MARSOC.

A proven firearms instructor, Axel is a member of the Navy Action Shooting Team and one of the few Hospital Corpsmen to hold a Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor (SAMI) certificate. His depth of operational, medical, and firearms experience brings a valuable perspective to instruction at SDS.

Ed

Instructor

Ed is a current member of the United States Marine Corps with a background in the USMC Recon community. He serves as a professional firearms instructor specializing in marksmanship and close-quarters tactics.

With years of experience training military personnel, Ed brings a practical, fundamentals-driven approach to instruction. He focuses on building a strong foundation and layering skills to help students shoot with speed and accuracy.