In this article, Avery Skipalis shares her experience as a GLOCK Armorer. She details how she got started, what she’s learned and how it has empowered her in the firearms industry.
Becoming a GLOCK Armorer was pivotal in my career, shaping my firearms maintenance, safety and training expertise. My journey began in the United States Air Force (USAF), where I served as a Combat Arms Training and Maintenance (CATM) instructor with the 10th Combat Weather Squadron (10 CWS). In this role, I was responsible for training personnel, maintaining an armory and ensuring the reliability of our firearms – including GLOCK pistols.
To uphold the highest standards of firearm maintenance, my unit sent me to the GLOCK Armorer Course, marking the start of an 11-year journey with one of the most trusted firearm brands in the world.
The GLOCK Armorer Course was my first formal training at the GLOCK training facility. Walking into the classroom, I quickly realized I was the only female and the only service member in attendance. While I initially felt nervous, my anxiety faded as the instructors proved to be welcoming, knowledgeable and encouraging.
I was already proficient with military-issued firearms and maintenance protocols, but GLOCK’s engineering was a whole new world. The course provided an in-depth breakdown of GLOCK’s simplicity, reliability and safety features, demonstrating why the platform is widely used by military, law enforcement and civilian shooters.
Throughout the training, we covered:
One of the most critical takeaways was GLOCK’s “Safe Action” system—a simple, yet highly effective, design that enhances safety without compromising performance.
This course was also where I formed a lifelong professional connection with Mr. Scotty Banks, Training Manager of GLOCK Professional. By the end of the course, I gained certification, technical knowledge and confidence to maintain and repair the GLOCK pistols used by my unit.
Returning to my unit as a certified GLOCK Armorer, I immediately applied my training to ensure our inventory of GLOCK pistols remained mission-ready. In the military, a malfunctioning firearm isn’t just inconvenient, it’s a grave liability that can impact mission success and safety. Our pistols were being deployed with special operators in high-risk environments, making reliability non-negotiable.
I managed everything from routine maintenance to diagnosing and repairing complex issues, reinforcing my appreciation for GLOCK’s durability and ease of maintenance. Unlike some firearms that require specialized tools and gunsmithing knowledge, GLOCKs are designed for efficient servicing, making them ideal for the fast-paced operational environment of the military.
What began as a military necessity has evolved into a lifelong passion. Today, as the owner of Skip’s Tactical Solutions, I use my experience to:
I believe that firearm knowledge and maintenance skills are just as crucial for civilians as they are for military personnel. A well-maintained firearm is reliable; education is key to firearm safety and performance.
My advice for those considering their own journey in this field is simple: never stop learning. Invest in yourself, whether you’re just starting or looking to take your expertise to the next level. The firearms industry thrives when we all strive to raise the standard; certifications like this are a testament to that pursuit.
Becoming and maintaining my Glock Armorer certification has shaped my career in ways I never could have imagined. It’s not just about the credential; it’s about the skill, confidence and purpose this certification brings to my work. I’m excited to continue sharing this expertise and empowering others on their journeys in the firearms world.
Eleven years after earning my initial certification, I utilize these skills daily, helping others gain confidence in themselves and their firearms. From my time in the Air Force to running my own firearms training business, being a GLOCK Armorer has been an invaluable part of my career – one I wear with pride.
Avery Skipalis is the owner of Skip’s Tactical Solutions, an organization that focuses on empowering women, men and children to make sure that no one else becomes a victim. She gained her firearms experience from the military where she’s been a military firearms instructor for 10.5 years. She’s also a certified NRA rifle and pistol instructor and Glock Advanced Armorer since 2015. She’s attended Sig Sauer Academy, FNH, Special Operations Command Armorers courses as well as multiple Advanced Shooting Schools across the United States. She resides in Florida with her husband and 2 kids. She’s currently serving in the United States Air Force and loves sharing her passion with others. She thinks it’s important that women also feel like they’re in control of their own safety. View all posts by Avery Skipalis
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