Meet Rick Crawley: Achilles Heel Tactical and Arrow Concepts Training Center

When it comes to firearms training and tactical education, few names carry as much weight as Rick Crawley. A Marine Corps veteran and former SWAT officer, Rick brings years of expertise and real-world experience to his role as the founder of Achilles Heel Tactical.

In this interview, Rick shares invaluable insights into his training philosophy, the benefits of AHT membership, and the future of Arrow Concepts Training Center.

Read on to discover how Achilles Heel Tactical can help you elevate your training, enhance your preparedness, and join a community of like-minded individuals committed to excellence.

Rick Crawley Bio

Rick Crawley is a Marine Corps veteran and prior law enforcement officer with extensive experience in firearms training. He has spent a lifetime at the range, developing his skills and sharing his knowledge. After serving three tours supporting Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Crawley transitioned into law enforcement, working as a patrol officer, SWAT team member, and firearms instructor. Today, he runs Achilles Heel Tactical, a company dedicated to providing top-tier firearms training, and hosts Ohio Range Day, a premier training event that brings together industry experts and enthusiasts.

If you had to pick one movie to watch 500 times, what would it be?

Rick Crawley: Inglorious Basterds. It’s one of those films that just never gets old for me.

If You Had to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse, Who Would You Pick From the Gun Industry to Join You?

Rick Crawley: Definitely Nick from Velox Training Group. He has the skills, and I know he’d be a great partner when things go sideways.

What is Your Everyday Carry Setup?

Rick Crawley: I carry a Glock 48, a fixed blade knife, and a Modlite OKW. It’s simple but effective.

Blackhawk Helicopter or a Tank of your choosing – Which Would You Choose?

Rick Crawley: Without a doubt, I’d choose the Blackhawk helicopter. Its versatility is unmatched.

Fitness Focus: Cardio or Weights?

Rick Crawley: Weights. They’re foundational to building strength and endurance, which are critical in my line of work.

Sauna or Cold Plunge?

Rick Crawley: I prefer the sauna.

Tell Us About Your Military and Law Enforcement Background

Rick Crawley: I served as a squad leader and scout sniper team leader in the Marine Corps, with three deployments supporting OEF and OIF. After my military service, I transitioned into law enforcement, working as a Patrol Officer, SWAT Officer and Firearms Instructor for a local agency in Ohio.

When Did You First Get Into Firearms?

Rick Crawley: I’ve always been a gun guy, starting with hunting as a kid. That experience segued into firearms handling and safety, which eventually led me to where I am today.

What Motivated You to Become a Firearms Instructor?

Rick Crawley: The way I saw the military and law enforcement teaching firearms fundamentals was extremely flawed. We were only teaching fundamentals that could be executed slowly, but in reality, situations never play out that way. Everything happens fast and often with extreme violence. I wanted to show others that the system was broken and that we were exploiting the weaknesses within the existing training system. That’s where the name Achilles Heel Tactical comes from.

I realized that self-awareness—like learning how to manage recoil at speed, press the trigger without disrupting sights, and maintain a consistent grip—was crucial. I saw that it was helping others, both in the military and in law enforcement. This approach has helped thousands of people across the world.

Most military and law enforcement firearms instruction is outcome-based, meaning the focus is solely on hitting the target or achieving the maximum number of points. But that approach misses the mark. It’s not just about doing what you’ve been told; it’s about truly understanding the process of how to get there. That’s where the big shift occurred, and it’s been transformative for many successful firearms instructors in the industry. They’ve moved away from the outcome-based mentality and started focusing on the process of how to gain accuracy at speed. That’s the key difference.

How is Achilles Heel Tactical Different From Other Training Organizations?

Rick Crawley: What sets us apart is that it’s not my opinion of whether you’re a good or bad shooter. We use unbiased metrics to gauge that. When individuals come to our classes, we present them with clear, measurable challenges, like the Dope Drill, which shows exactly where they stand. In our Performance Baseline Class, we strip away all egos and pride very quickly, breaking students down to their core. Then, it’s our job to build them back up and show how they can improve on drills like the Dope Drill.

We believe in the importance of reps and exposure at real-time speed, with real-time execution of fundamentals. Being able to perform on demand is what truly sets us apart. In just a short eight-hour day, we simplify the training process without over-complicating it. We understand the struggles our students face because we’ve been there ourselves, and we relate to them. We connect with students on that common ground and show them quantified data that proves their progress in both speed and accuracy. It’s a completely unbiased assessment of performance.

Can You Tell Us About the AHT Membership?

Rick Crawley: At our training center, we don’t just offer the same old training you find everywhere else. We provide unique, vetted training opportunities exclusively for our members. These opportunities can be either in-house or with outside instructors, but they are all carefully curated to meet our high standards. We also host both sanctioned and unsanctioned shooting matches for our members.

One of the major perks is the access to our extensive target inventory. Unlike your typical range, where you have to buy paper targets and deal with shipping costs, we provide thousands of dollars worth of target systems for our members to use year-round. Most ranges have either homemade or subpar steel targets, which can quickly become dangerous. Our setup eliminates that risk, ensuring safety and quality.

We also carefully vet our members. Whether it’s a father-son duo, a couple, or an individual, we want to make sure they fit within our community. Our goal is to create a welcoming, safe environment where everyone is here for the right reasons—learning and preserving life, liberty, and happiness. We’re not the cheapest option, but I believe we offer the best value in Ohio when it comes to firearms training.

Our members have access to a gym, lounge, and classroom facilities. If someone wants to run a concealed carry class but I don’t have the time, we allow them to use the space and charge them a daily fee. We offer a variety of memberships—corporate, out-of-state, and in-state—all at different price points. However, even after applying, membership is not guaranteed. If, during orientation, I don’t feel it’s the right fit, we’ll part ways. It’s important to us that Achilles Heel Tactical remains a home range built on trust and shared values.

Another benefit of membership is the chance to train with some of the best instructors in the world. We handle all the vetting, so if a class is held at Arrow Concepts Training Center, you can trust the instructor is top-notch. Most likely, I’ll also be there, taking the class myself.

Do Members Have Access to the Facility 24/7?

Rick Crawley: Yes, members can access the facility seven days a week, 365 days a year. We’ve all been to ranges where RSOs (Range Safety Officers) in red shirts walk around micromanaging everything, telling you that you can’t shoot more than one round per second. It’s completely unrealistic and dictates how you train, which is unacceptable in real-world scenarios.

We wanted to create a space that’s secluded and truly belongs to our members. When you become a member here, you’re not just getting access to a range—you’re taking on the responsibility of safe gun ownership and proper weapons handling. Whether you’re military, law enforcement, or a civilian, the same standard applies, especially when you’re carrying a firearm, either under constitutional carry or with a concealed carry permit.

We are absolutely not a “Barney-style” range. We allow our members to train the way they need to, whether it’s during the day or at night, drawing from inside the waistband, or shooting as fast as they need to. Members have already seen the value of this kind of training and know how it plays out in real-world situations. They’re no longer afraid of how things will go down when they’re in a high-pressure scenario and need to protect the people they care about the most.

What Are the Future Plans for Achilles Heel Tactical and Arrow Concepts?

Rick Crawley: We’ve expanded by bringing on more firearms instructors. Paul Costa is one of them; he’s also a Master Class USPSA shooter. We’ve also added David Acosta, who has trained under Kyle Defoor and has worked with Bill Rapier at AMTAC.

Paul has been with us for the last three years, and he’s been doing a fantastic job. David joined more recently, and he’s starting to gain momentum. The goal for Achilles Heel Tactical is to be more than just me. For a long time, everything was centered around my face—people only signed up for my classes. But now, we’ve rebranded AHT to be about a broader team. It’s not about changing the logo or the name, but about showcasing other instructors who can provide the same value that people trust and appreciate. This shift has been working well, though, like anything in this industry, it takes time—about a year to a year and a half for it to really take root. Paul has been running classes from coast to coast, and people are starting to sign up for his sessions just like they do for mine. David is also on that path, slowly building up his following.

I don’t hire people who have the same skills as me. I look for instructors who bring different skills, abilities, and experiences to the table. We’ve also added a wellness program through a partnership with the Train Heroic app. Other training companies, like GBRS, have done similar things, and it’s been a great addition for us.

We have a guy who writes workout programs, which was essential for me. I can only dedicate so much time and energy to planning workouts, so having this support has been a game-changer. The app provides an easy and affordable way for people to sign up and follow structured workouts. It has video guides, so even if you don’t know how to do a specific exercise, you can learn through the app. Plus, there’s a community element that makes it feel more engaging, almost like Patreon for training.

The best part is that I no longer have to think about what to do in the gym each day. I just open the app and get to work. It’s been a huge relief, and the guy who runs the program has done a great job.

This also ties into why we have a gym at Arrow Concepts Training Center (ACTC). Our members can benefit from the app and the trainers, whether they’re traveling from out of state or commuting a couple of hours each way. Personally, when I’m down there, I make sure to knock out my workout before heading home, knowing I won’t have time or energy later. We’re creating a one-stop shop where people actually want to be, rather than just tolerate being there.

Looking ahead, we plan to add lodging and a long-distance range. We also want to incorporate health and wellness amenities at small, A-frame retreats in the woods. These are additional revenue streams we’re exploring. We already have corporate members interested in doing corporate retreats, bachelor parties, and similar events. So, we’re excited about where things are headed.

Wrapping It Up

Rick Crawley’s journey from Marine Corps veteran to the founder of Achilles Heel Tactical highlights his deep commitment to improving firearms training.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your firearms journey, the insights shared by Rick Crawley demonstrate the value of training that emphasizes self-awareness, real-time execution, and continuous growth. With access to world-class instructors, cutting-edge training programs, and a community of like-minded individuals, Achilles Heel Tactical offers a unique opportunity to elevate your skills and prepare for any situation.

Connect with Achilles Heel Tactical today. Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and visit their website to explore upcoming courses, events, and membership opportunities. Don’t miss the chance to train with the best and become part of a community committed to excellence in firearms instruction.