MEET OUR TEAM
Dan Hughes – Owner / Founder of Sparta Strategic Defense
Dan has over two decades of experience in special operations and strategic defense training. As a Green Beret, he spent over a decade on a Special Forces team with multiple combat rotations. He also served as a Special Forces instructor, mentoring and training the next generation of elite soldiers. As an Operations Sergeant, he deployed worldwide, including Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Later, Dan was selected for a specialized role within the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).
After retiring from military service, Dan transitioned into the private sector, where he worked as a tactical firearms and high-risk driving instructor, further refining his expertise in planning and delivering high-level security training.
Currently, Dan leads Sparta Strategic Defense, a premier provider of personalized security solutions. Sparta offers comprehensive training in personal protection, home defense, and crisis response training. With a focus on real-world application, Sparta equips individuals, families, businesses, and places of worship with the skills needed to safeguard what matters most. Backed by a team of elite professionals with extensive operational backgrounds, Sparta Strategic Defense delivers customized, practical training designed to instill confidence and preparedness in any situation.
Mission: To provide comprehensive security training and consulting services, enhancing personal and property safety for individuals and communities through customized, tactical training and strategic defense solutions.
Experience:
22 years of military service, including 19 years in Special Forces with multiple combat deployments, 8 years as Shooting, Tactics & Advanced Tactical Driving Instructor.
Qualifications:
Special Forces Instructor
Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Instructor
Pistol & Carbine Instructor
Restraint Defeat Instructor
Advanced Tactical Driving Instructor
Armed Guard / CPR First Aid
Beaux Southern – Lead Tactical Advisor
Beaux Southern brings extensive leadership and instructional experience, with a focus on tactical operations, tactical medical care, and protective security training. Served in the Marine Corps, Scout Sniper platoon with multiple high-intensity combat deployments to both Iraq, and Afghanistan. Following his military service, Beaux transitioned to emergency medical services (EMS), where he gained years of hands-on experience before advancing to an overseas role as an Advanced EMT/SOAR medic, spending several years in the field.
During his time in EMS and law enforcement, Beaux developed a deep expertise in emergency response and close-quarters combat. In 2020, he was promoted to a corporate security position, overseeing and managing an Executive Protection team through a variety of operations and high-profile assignments. His expertise encompasses proactive and reactive measures for active shooter and active assailant response, including threat vulnerability assessments, close-quarters battle (CQB) tactics and advanced defensive marksmanship.
Experience:
4 Years in Scout Sniper platoon with multiple combat deployments, 6 years of Emergency Medical training, 9 Years of Corporate Security and Executive Protection experience.
Qualifications:
POST Certified Law Enforcement officer
Advanced EMT
CPR/First Aid Instructor
Pistol & Carbine Instructor
Armed Guard
Brian Gregory – Senior Defense Strategist
Brian Gregory offers extensive expertise in urban defense strategies and tactical operations management, drawn from nearly two decades with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department's SWAT team. As a seasoned team leader, he excelled in high-risk arrest and emergency rescue operations, contributing to the SWAT team's success in critical scenarios. Brian's in-depth involvement in developing and delivering tactical training programs enhances his role at Sparta Strategic Defense, where he implements his vast experience in urban security dynamics and close quarters combat.
Experience:
26 years of Law enforcement with 19 years in specialized SWAT roles. Conducted hundreds of real-world operations to include violent criminal arrests and high-risk search warrants.
Qualifications:
· SWAT Tactical Operations Instructor
· Advanced SWAT and Urban Combat Tactics
· Carbine and Pistol Instructor
· Active Shooter Response Instructor
· Strategic Self-Defense and Grappling Tactics Instructor
Brandon Frith – Chief Training Officer
Brandon Frith brings a wealth of tactical law enforcement experience from nearly two decades of service in specialized units, including SWAT operations and high-risk response teams. Since 2006, he has led specialized patrol units, trained both new and veteran officers, and served as a Sniper Team Leader in critical operations. His deep expertise in tactical training, combined with extensive real-world experience, makes him uniquely qualified to oversee Sparta’s training programs, ensuring they are comprehensive, realistic, and highly effective.
Experience:
17 years of tactical law enforcement and SWAT experience. POST certified instructor in SWAT operations and sniper tactics. Extensive background in weapons training and tactical operations planning and execution.
Qualifications:
Sniper Team Leader and Tactical Firearms Instructor
SWAT Basic and Advanced Training
Certified in Tactical Carbine and Handgun Operations
Active Shooter Response Instructor
Tactical Shotgun and Carbine Instructor
What You Get
Life-Saving Medical Skills
Emergencies can happen anytime, and knowing how to respond can make all the difference. We cover essential medical skills such as CPR, bleeding control, and wound care, equipping participants with the ability to provide immediate aid when it matters most.
Firearms Familiarization & Home Defense
For those incorporating firearms into their security strategy, we introduce safe handling, responsible ownership, and defensive planning tailored to home protection needs.
Situational Awareness & Decision-Making
Understanding your environment is key to avoiding danger before it happens. We train individuals to recognize potential threats, trust their intuition, and make quick, informed decisions in high-pressure situations.
Intruder Response & Emergency Planning
When seconds count, having a plan can save lives. Our training helps families develop strategies for intruder response, defensive positioning, and clear emergency communication protocols.
Practical Preparedness for Everyday Life
Readiness isn’t just about emergencies—it’s about having the right tools and plans in place. We provide guidance on assembling go-bags, securing homes, and preparing for unexpected disruptions to ensure a proactive approach to safety.
Contact Us
Have questions? Ready to take the next step in securing your home or business? Reach out to us today.
Sparta Strategic Defense
Email: spartastrategic@gmail.com
Phone: +1 (719) 330-0600
Let’s discuss how we can tailor a security training program to meet your needs.