Casey Van Bastelaar
Founder / Lead Instructor
Phone:
541-580-3777
Email:
Certifications:
Sniper School, SDM (x2), Ranger School, US Army EIC (Pistol), ORARNG Governor's Twenty (Pistol), Combat Engineer (Explosives), US Army MFT, NRA Basic Pistol, CPR-AED, NASM CPT, CF-L1
Interests:
Program design, shooting, outdoor activities, playing (not watching) sports
Tenants (Training Values)
Keep It Stupid Simple
Transcendence
Functional
We follow the KISS methodology. If a concept or skill can't be broken down into five steps or fewer, it needs to be simplified further. Complexity is the enemy of execution—especially under pressure. Master the basics. Build from there. Repetition isn’t redundancy; it’s reliability.
Time is limited, so we don’t train for one-dimensional outcomes. Every drill, every rep, every decision should serve a purpose beyond its surface. Our goal is to design training that transcends its original intent—improving not just tactical performance, but also decision-making, confidence, discipline, and adaptability across life domains.
Training must be functional—relevant, applicable, and grounded in reality. It should solve problems, not just impress your buddies at the next wine-and-cheese party. Functionality is about purpose: can you use what you learned when it counts? If not, it’s just noise.
About Me
Everyone has a story. Here’s mine—specifically as it relates to preparedness and subject matter expertise.
Two events during my formative years fundamentally shaped how I approach preparedness. When I was eight years old, I witnessed a horrific accident: a high-speed collision left a driver trapped in a burning van, restrained by a jammed seatbelt. We watched helplessly as the individual burned alive. Years later, an active shooter incident occurred at my high school during the school day. Cell towers were overwhelmed by the surge of calls and texts, effectively shutting down all communication during a critical moment.
Why do these events matter? Because they cemented in me a lifelong belief: preparedness must be practical, redundant, and real. I believe in carrying tools that allow for self-rescue from vehicles, and in maintaining communications that don’t rely on vulnerable infrastructure. These aren’t abstract concepts for me—they drive how and what I teach.
I’ve served in the military for over 17 years, including 6 years in special operations with the U.S. Army and 11 years in the Oregon Army National Guard. Military service alone doesn’t make someone an expert—but effective leadership, proven results, and a commitment to mentorship do. I’ve led teams in everything from no-knock direct-action raids and reconnaissance/sniper operations, to logistics, administration, and operational planning. I’ve deployed six times across the Middle East and Africa.
Why does this matter? Because my experience isn’t siloed. I provide not only in-person training, but also long-term guidance—whether through educational templates, sustained coaching, or scalable training models for continued skill development.
In addition to my military service, I spent three years as the Lead Regional Trainer for a premier private security firm. There, I built and led a comprehensive training cycle that spanned customer service, executive protection, first aid, tactics, marksmanship, and surveillance. The goal was clear: develop adaptable, competent agents capable of serving both high-profile clients and everyday protective missions.
Why does this matter? Because my knowledge extends far beyond traditional military contexts. I train with a focus on practical application—real-world skillsets for civilians, professionals, and protectors alike.