Mike, the owner, was great. We were scheduled for Thursday, but as we woke up on Wednesday - it was overcast and raining in Phoenix (not the best hiking weather). I took a chance and called ATA before normal opening hours. Fortunately, Mike was there already (being ex-military I wasn't TOO surprised he'd be up and about. He was great allowing us to come a day early. He had another couple going that day and suggested we all go together as we'd get more repetitions in the kill house and we did.
We did the black ops experience and everyone was all in. For example we had the option of putting the ballistic plates in our combat vest or not - everyone wanted as realistic an experience as possible so everyone put then in.
Reading online I though it would be like laser tag, but no we used real M-16's. But the "ammo" were essentially M-16 ammo loaded with maybe only a primer and a tiny paint ball pellet. So we were actually shooting and hitting targets and Mike would de-brief us after each scenario on our shooting.
Using the night vision gear was really cool. So with a little training, Mike would brief us on whether we are rescuing a hostage, looking for a IED etc and we'd set of to clear the kill house of bad guys and accomplish the mission - then a debrief afterwards. NO spoilers here - but there will be surprises!
Mike told us his goal was for all of us to be safe, have fun, and have a good experience. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. I have read many books/watched movies about the US military - this was my chance to get a tiny taste of what some of them do for a living.
Mike had an afternoon group coming in and we stuck around and chatted. He showed up some more modern night vision gear and how it worked with infrared laser designators. And chatted about things about the military and his business. He's...
Read moreI recently had the privilege of visiting this absolutely amazing place, and I cannot express enough how transformative the experience was for me. The staff are not just well-trained and professional; they exude a level of expertise and passion that is truly inspiring. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported, and it was clear that everyone there is deeply committed to personal and professional growth.
Throughout the event, I didn't just learn new techniques; I gained invaluable life lessons that have fundamentally changed the way I approach being a teammate—in business, in life, and in every endeavor I undertake. The workshops and activities were thoughtfully designed to challenge us and foster deep connections among participants. The level of team bonding that occurred was beyond anything I could have imagined. We didn't just work together; we built lasting relationships based on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to excellence.
This was not just an event; it was a journey of self-discovery and transformation. I found myself stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new perspectives. The insights I gained have had a profound impact on both my personal and professional life. I feel more confident, more connected, and more capable of contributing positively to any team I'm a part of.
I am absolutely planning to return, and I highly recommend this extraordinary staff and their programs to anyone seeking meaningful growth. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, build stronger relationships, or simply take a step toward becoming the best version of yourself, this is the place to do it. It's simply outstanding—an experience that earns an A++++ in every...
Read moreI live locally and have taken several dozen courses with owner/head instructor/Air Force veteran Mike Simpson over the last two years. It becomes obvious very shortly after meeting him that he is a master (and also a never-ending student) of his arts: tactics, leadership, and business among many others. Perhaps more importantly, he possess the ability to teach the skills he has developed in both the military and civilian worlds to others in a way they can understand. He will encourage you when you need it, and push you when you need that instead. All while still enjoying yourself! His scenario-based courses are an excellent combination of fun, adrenaline rushes, physical fitness, mental discipline, and problem solving. Mike is a professional in the truest sense of the word, and in many ways has become a personal mentor. I have no hesitations about recommending his training and adventures to you. I make the same recommendation to those I know in my personal life and have brought family from out of town, personal friends, co-workers, and neighbors along with me to classes. They have all enjoyed themselves thoroughly, despite vast differences in experience, age, fitness, and interests. If you take one of his adventures there is a high probability you will be left wanting...
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