In this capacity, I was responsible for training personnel, maintaining firearms and ensuring that every firearm in our Armory remained mission-ready at all times. This experience provided a strong foundation for my specialization in GLOCK pistols, one of the most trusted and widely used firearm brands worldwide.
I previously wrote about my experience becoming a GLOCK Armorer. As a recap – when I was selected to attend the GLOCK Armorer Course, I recognized it as a pivotal opportunity to enhance my technical expertise. As the only female and the only active-duty service member in the class, I had some anxiety at the start of the course. However, the structured and highly-informative curriculum quickly immersed me in GLOCK’s engineering principles, and my anxiety was quickly forgotten.
The course covered:
This training deepened my appreciation for GLOCK’s intuitive and practical approach to firearm design and functionality.
Applying Expertise in a Military Setting
Upon earning my certification, I immediately returned to my unit and applied my knowledge. As one of only two certified GLOCK Armorers on a base of over 15,000 personnel, I assumed a critical role in ensuring firearm reliability under extreme operational conditions. My responsibilities included:
GLOCK firearms’ modular designs and user-friendly maintenance procedures make them an ideal choice for military applications. I was able to identify and resolve malfunctions easily, and with minimal downtime.
As my technical proficiency grew, I sought to deepen my expertise further. My next professional development step was earning the prestigious GLOCK Advanced Armorer Certification—an intensive program designed for experienced armorers aiming to master the platform. I enjoyed the course; it required my full attention.
This advanced certification solidified my expertise and reinforced my role as a trusted authority in firearm maintenance and repair.
My passion for firearms education and maintenance remained steadfast after my military career. As the founder of Skip’s Tactical Solutions, I now leverage my knowledge to educate civilians, law enforcement personnel and military professionals on firearm safety, maintenance and troubleshooting. I firmly believe that firearm knowledge should not be restricted to military and law enforcement professionals. Proper firearm maintenance is essential for every responsible gun owner to ensure reliability, safety, and longevity.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize that achieving GLOCK Advanced Armorer certification has been a transformative milestone, shaping my career and my commitment to firearm safety and education. The knowledge and skills I acquired, from my military service to advanced GLOCK training, continue to influence my approach to teaching and supporting firearm enthusiasts.
More than a decade after earning my first GLOCK certification, I remain dedicated to maintaining and sharing my expertise. My firearms training business recently celebrated seven years of operation, and my mission remains unchanged: to ensure that every firearm I service is in peak condition and that every individual I train is more knowledgeable and confident in firearm safety and handling.
Becoming a GLOCK Advanced Armorer was not merely a career achievement – it marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to excellence in firearm maintenance and education.
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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