As are most firearms instructors in the valley, Mark Cerchione is a certified Firearms Instructor through the NRA. Mark also holds a current instructor rating through the USCCA. His training, experience and certifications go well beyond that though, making Mark what we believe to be one of the most well qualified firearms instructor in Idaho. Mark recently retired from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). For DHS, he was a certified Firearms Instructor as well as a Use of Force instructor. Mark was certified as a “distinguished expert” with all of the weapons systems used by DHS. Mark served as a Physical Security Specialist and Police Officer. In this position, Mark conducted physical security and safety assessments on federal properties throughout Idaho. Mark was also a certified Federal Law Enforcement Instructor, a teaching credential, meaning that he was trained TO TEACH. Mark retired from DHS in October, 2021. Mark has a lifetime of experience to share with you!
Mark has forty years experience in all aspects of firearms, from the United States Military, as well as Law Enforcement, including investigations at the city, county, state, and federal levels. Mark has attended several National Firearms Instructor and Advanced Firearms Instructor courses around the United States. An Idaho Native and lifelong sportsman, Mark is an avid elk hunter and Outdoors-man as well as a licensed Federal Firearms Dealer (FFL). Mark is a gifted instructor, and just has a way of explaining things in an easy to understand, common sense kind of way. He has spent a lifetime learning about firearms and firearm safety. He is passionate about the freedoms we have in this great country, and he is anxious to share some of his knowledge and passion with you!
Mark writes:
"There are many very talented and qualified Firearms Instructors to choose from in Idaho. It’s very important to choose the right one to meet your individual needs. Many of the Firearms Instructors conducting business today are pretty "high speed" guys, meaning they are very talented and able to teach some very, very advanced firearms skills. I can do a little of this as well, but there are guys around who can do it better than I can. Personally, I prefer to concentrate my efforts more on the folks who are just starting out -- or those just trying to improve their basic shooting skills by mastering the fundamentals.
At 62 years of age, I have grown a little tired of the "door kicking, guns-a-blazing" mentality. I just enjoy teaching people how to shoot well and be safe doing it. Teaching the basics of firearm proficiency, with a heavy emphasis on being SAFE! Nothing makes me happier than running into someone who is eager to learn how to properly and safely own and operate a firearm. So, if you want a super high speed guy to teach you how to "Run and Gun," and shoot from the back of a moving truck, call me and I will give you his name and number. If you just want a safe, friendly training environment, one in which you will learn to be a better, safer shooter, give me a call! I believe that I am one of the most qualified Firearms Instructors in the State of Idaho, and I really look forward to sharing this great sport, this great freedom, this great responsibility, with you. Come learn to shoot with me!"