6 ELITE MILITARY-STYLE TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR CIVILIANS
Transitioning out of the military isn’t just as simple as taking off the uniform. Another change for Veterans is stepping away from rigorous schedules, routines, and the rhythm that comes with military life. That includes tough physical workouts and tactical training.
If you’re missing the intensity, the structure, and the accountability found in the ranks, you’re in luck. You can reclaim your edge and find camaraderie at military training camps and tactical programs offered both online and all across the country—often led by Veterans like you.
These aren’t just workouts—they’re opportunities to reconnect with peers and push yourself to and past your limits.
What Is Military Training for Civilians?
Military training isn’t just about physical fitness. Military life also requires mental toughness and tactical skills.
Training courses and programs in this space often include: self-defense concepts, marksmanship, survival skills, trauma care, and evening mountaineering.
6 Great Options for Military-Style Training
If you’re looking to level up your training, there are plenty of options available for civilians. Programs range from online manuals with supplemental videos and support through social channels to weekend bootcamps and even multi-week field operations training.
Here’s a roundup of some of the best military training options for Veterans looking to re-engage and reconnect with the Soldier or Sailor inside them:
1. SERE Training School
If you’ve been to SERE school, the mere mention of it might make you shudder. It might even give you nightmares. For those who aren’t familiar, SERE stands for Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape.
Pilots and aircrew from every military branch typically endure the highest level of SERE training, as well as Special Operations Forces like SEALs, Green Berets, CCTs, and other high-risk personnel.
This isn’t just figuring out how to make a fire in the woods; SERE prepares participants for physical and psychological survival in even the most hostile of situations.
The SERE Training School in North Carolina is led by survival specialists, including former U.S. Air Force SERE Training Instructor Jessie Krebs.
2. Green Eye Tactical
Specializing in high-level firearm and tactical instruction for civilians and law enforcement, this company was founded and is led by a U.S. Army special ops veteran. Former Delta Force Operator Eric Dorenbursh is prepared to help you learn the ins and outs of tactical training.
And no need to book a flight or plan a road trip—Green Eye Tactical is mobile, which means they bring the training directly to you with instructional offerings including CQB (Close Quarter Battle) Fundamentals, Night Vision Operator, Land Navigation Fundamentals, and Women’s Only courses.
3. Tactical Response
Located in rural Tennessee between Nashville and Memphis, Tactical Response is a firearms school that values mindset above all else. The program focuses on the reality of violent confrontations, not just improving marksmanship skills.
Their flagship ‘Fighting Pistol’ course mixes live-fire drills with heavy mental conditioning.
Tactical Response also offers more budget-friendly programs than others, offering a no-cost lodging option for students.
Since it was founded in 1996, more than 80,000 students have gone through its programs.
4. SOF Prep Academy
Based in San Diego, SOF Prep Academy is led by former Navy SEALs. The program uses a ‘Crawl, Walk, Run’ methodology to push students to their limit with log drills and sand runs.
If you’re over the age of 16 and considering a military career, this is an intense, full-immersion bootcamp experience without the four-year commitment that comes with signing on the dotted line with a recruiter.
Graduates report being more resilient and confident upon completion.
5. David Kahn Krav Maga
Unlike martial arts like karate or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Krav Maga is a no-rules tactical self-defense system, focusing on instinctive and efficient techniques. David Kahn is the U.S. Chief Instructor for the Israeli Krav Maga Association.
Basically, he’s the guy elite units call when they need to update or overhaul their hand-to-hand combat programs.
His private military training program focuses on mental preparation, tactical advantage, and physical incapacitation. You can train in-person at his facility in New Jersey or via an extensive library of online videos.
6. The GORUCK Challenge
If you’re looking for the closest thing to Special Forces without the ten-year contract, the GORUCK Challenge is a good place to start. Started by a former Green Beret, RORUCK events aren’t your typical Warrior Races; they’re team-based experiences led by Special Ops Veterans.
That being said, these challenges are physically grueling. But it’s not about finishing first. It’s about making sure everyone finishes. For Veterans, GORUCK is a way to feel the ‘embrace the suck’ culture from their military days.
The Benefits of Military-Style Training for Civilians
Military training isn’t just about ‘playing soldier.’ It’s about high-level physical and mental discipline that can’t always be found at the gym around the corner.
For Veterans, these programs serve as a homecoming—a way to hold on to skills developed in service and form bonds with people who speak the military language.
For civilians, military training provides an inside look at what they may have seen only on TV and in movies, as well as an opportunity to learn from the professionals who worked so hard to keep our country safe.
Whatever you’re looking for – a weekend in the rugged outdoors, or advanced martial arts from the comfort of your own home, there’s a program out there for you.
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BY TEAL YOST
Managing Editor at VeteranLife
Teal Yost is a Navy spouse, journalist, and managing editor of Military Brands, where she leads storytelling that connects and empowers the military community. With more than a decade of experience in military-focused media, her work blends journalistic excellence with a deep personal understanding...
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Teal Yost is a Navy spouse, journalist, and managing editor of Military Brands, where she leads storytelling that connects and empowers the military community. With more than a decade of experience in military-focused media, her work blends journalistic excellence with a deep personal understanding...
