Who knew those years of being in the Customer Service, Food Service and Technical Field would translate to the art of firearms? Jaron Smith, better known as Smitty, has been groomed for this profession, but how did he get started?

     Jaron was a member of a church security team where he oversaw 5 members. The goal was to develop a plan and protocol to cover the 3 major areas (Parking Lot, Sanctuary, and Pastor’s Study) of the facility. After some time, he then had the idea to take it a step further. He decided to become a Firearms Instructor. It was then he contacted Chris and Caroline Ratliff, the individuals who assisted him with obtaining his Enhanced Concealed Carry permit. Chris and Caroline were extremely instrumental in helping Jaron get started with his journey, and they remain a part of it currently.      Jaron Smith has been certified by the NRA (National Rifle Association of America), NAAGA (National African American Gun Association), and USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association) as a Firearms Instructor. He was a standout while learning self-defense combat tactics and training with firearms (handgun) with a Krav Maga Certified Instructor. His goals are very simple. It is to empower and equip individuals to be confident to handle a firearm in any given situation. Currently, he can operate in the state of MS and LA to facilitate the concealed carry course. He also conducts courses surrounding pistols and rifles for beginners and the advanced audience. He remains a student by actively learning different methods and tools to protect citizens in his local area and around the country. In the words of Jaron, “I always had a passion for firearms, not to cause harm to anybody, but to utilize it as a tool just like any other tool in the household. The goal is not to train to search for trouble; it’s to be prepared to fight if trouble so happens to find you.”      Jaron has recently expanded his skillset and the company by acquiring a Type 07 Federal Firearms License otherwise known as an FFL. An FFL allows the company to legally manufacture, purchase and sell firearms to the public. Due to the expansion of the company our owner has been able to add a Basic and Advanced course structured for the AR platform. The AR platform is the primary firearm that is manufactured by RYG Tactical. In the words of Jaron, “I decided to expand to be able to teach my clients how to handle not only the handgun but an AR as well. Many firearms owners own one or the other, so why not be prepared to teach either is what I asked myself. Not only will our clients be able to train with an AR, but they will be able to purchase an AR from our shop right here on our website. Talk about convenience!”      Jaron currently serves as the Training Content Manager for the National African American Gun Association. His roles include the development of materials that represent NAAGA in the areas of safety (Training Videos), Branding, Media, etc. Not only does he handle content management, but Jaron is instrumental in the process of the certifying process of NAAGA’s course materials. What does this mean? It means that once the materials are certified at the state level, they can be utilized by an instructor certified through NAAGA to become eligible to be recognized as a Firearms Instructor for the person’s state of residency. It does not mean much for the student, but it means a great deal for any person who is on the road to becoming an instructor.

Jaron was featured in an article for the Vicksburg Post discussing the topic of the use of firearm safety to combat gun violence. You can read it by clicking here. Be on the lookout as we continue to grow the biography of our owner.

Active Certifications (NAME ONLY)  NRA Basic Pistol – Certified Instructor | NRA CCW – Instructor | NRA Chief Range Safety Officer| NAAGA Basic Pistol – Certified Instructor | NAAGA Concealed Carry – Certified Instructor | USCCA – Certified Instructor | HSI AVERT (Active Violence Emergency Response Training) Instructor

To view active certifications for Jaron R. Smith click here.