By Chris Marvin
Because Train SMART is designed by veterans and so deeply rooted in military principles, we knew we had to test it with the people who understand those principles best: more veterans. The 2025 Military Influencer Conference (MIC) in Atlanta provided a perfect proving ground. Over three days in September, I joined other veterans and volunteers to discuss the merits of Train SMART with service members, combat veterans, military spouses, and nonprofit leaders.
Train SMART was developed to bring the military’s proven principles of firearms training, safety and responsibility to civilians. Yet it’s truly built for everyone — prospective gun owners, first‑time purchasers, and experienced marksmen — because safe gun ownership starts with a solid foundation. While many gun training courses are motivated to sell guns or insurance, Train SMART has just one objective: safety. I recently explained to USA TODAY that Train SMART training is more like what a grandfather teaches a grandson than what you would get in the back room of a gun shop. And in our case, that grandfather is a veteran.
The Military Influencer Conference
MIC is the premier event for those who shape and support the military community. Held in Atlanta, the conference attracts leaders, entrepreneurs, content creators, creatives, and brands from across the country. With attendees from the military-connected community, MIC was the ideal place to gauge interest in and gather feedback on Tran SMART.
For three days, our booth buzzed with conversations that reinforced why we built Train SMART. Here are some stand‑outs:
- A veteran who is also an NRA-certified pistol and rifle instructor said, “This is what we’ve been looking for. This is what we need.” He asked how he could become a Train SMART instructor.
- A veteran’s spouse who had been discussing buying a gun with her husband admitted being overwhelmed by conflicting advice online, but Train SMART’s virtual format, focus on safety, and low price point appealed to her.
- Several nonprofit leaders from veteran-facing organizations were eager to explore partnerships. They saw Train SMART as a way to engage their audience with desired knowledge while stepping up their suicide‑prevention efforts.
- An older veteran confessed that it had been years since he’d fired a weapon. He appreciated that the program covers fundamentals he’d once been taught while also addressing civilian-specific issues like secure storage and de‑escalation techniques.
- Numerous veterans asked about becoming certified to teach Train SMART courses, and others promised to spread the word to their friends, family, communities, and social networks.
Across all these conversations, a few themes emerged. Price and accessibility matter. People were pleasantly surprised that a program of this caliber costs less than many range fees. Credibility matters. Knowing that veterans designed the program and teach many of the courses builds trust. And inclusivity matters. We spoke with women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ veterans who felt Train SMART would be more welcoming than learning how to kick in doors with the gun club bros.
Why Veterans Embrace Train SMART
The program resonates with veterans for several reasons:
- It’s grounded in military principles. We’re taught from day one that firearms require discipline and accountability. Train SMART carries that ethos into civilian life.
- It centers safety over sales. Many firearms courses are offered by gun shops or manufacturers, and their bottom line is to sell guns or accessories. Train SMART’s bottom line is to save lives.
- It fills a training gap. Research shows 39 percent of gun owners lack formal safety training, and millions of people have become first‑time buyers during the pandemic. Many of these new owners don’t have military backgrounds. Train SMART provides them with structured, vetted instruction that matches the standards we followed in uniform, and veterans appreciate knowing that their neighbors are getting quality training.
- It signals that gun ownership and gun safety not only coexist, but can be one and the same. As I told a few skeptical veterans, responsible gun ownership doesn’t mean opposing the Second Amendment. You can own a gun and still be staunchly in favor of safety and vociferously against gun violence.
- It integrates suicide‑prevention practices. According to the latest VA data, nearly 75 percent of veteran suicides were by firearm. Research shows that these crises are often impulsive, and our curriculum teaches students to recognize warning signs and implement life-saving tactics ranging from secure storage and temporary out-of-home storage to protection orders that can create time and space to prevent tragedies.
Bridging Two Worlds
As an Army combat veteran, I know the value of training, safety, and responsibility. Those habits kept my soldiers safe in combat. After leaving the military, I saw how many civilians lacked access to the knowledge I took for granted. I also saw the harm done when gun safety advocates and gun owners talk past each other. Train SMART bridges that divide by meeting people where they are. We acknowledge the reality of widespread gun ownership and respond with evidence‑based training that can reduce unintentional shootings, theft, and suicide.
MIC reminded me that the military community is overdue for this conversation. Veterans across the political spectrum told me they appreciate a program that focuses on safety instead of politics. Many of them want to help us spread the word. That’s why we’re building an instructor network and planning in‑person classes. Our goal is to offer a live, hands‑on component in select locations next year while maintaining robust online options.
Looking Ahead
Testing Train SMART at MIC confirmed that we’re on the right path. We saw firsthand that veterans want to share their knowledge, protect their families, and serve as role models. Train SMART gives them the tools to do so. It also appeals to first‑time gun owners looking for credible guidance and to nonprofit partners seeking to reduce firearm suicides.
The road ahead is exciting. We’ll continue refining our curriculum, expanding instructor training, and partnering with organizations across the country. If you’re a veteran, instructor, or simply someone who values responsible gun ownership, I invite you to join us. Together we can model the behaviors that keep our communities safe and prove that the values we learned in uniform — training, safety, responsibility — are not just relics of service but guiding principles for everyday life.
Chris Marvin is a former U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter pilot and combat-wounded veteran of the war in Afghanistan. He serves as a Train SMART advisor and Everytown’s veteran lead. No component of the Department of Defense has approved, endorsed, or authorized this program.