Everything You Need To Know About Tactical Readiness Training
What is AEDA?
AEDA (Avoid Escape Defend Academy) develops men and women who are AEDA Ready — responding lawfully and leading prudently when confronted with imminent threats and danger.
What are my official credentials as a Firearms Instructor?
Al Tucker is the Founder and Lead Instructor of Avoid Escape Defend Academy (AEDA), where responsible citizens learn to think clearly, act lawfully, and protect what matters most.
Credentialed
United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA)
Instructor # 3938142
Avoid Escape Defend ACADEMY, LLC
Certified with the USCCA since 11/1/2025
Certifications
- Concealed Carry & Home Defense
- Countering the Mass Shooter
- Emergency & First Aid
- Women’s Handgun and Self-Defense Fundamentals (IN Progress)
My instruction goes beyond marksmanship.
Every class is designed to develop sound judgment, disciplined decision-making and the confidence to respond appropriately under pressure.
Students leave with more than technical skills — they gain a practical framework for becoming prepared, principled protectors at home, in public and within their communities.
Every AEDA course is built upon four guiding principles:
- Be Prudent — Think First. Think Completely.
- Be Proficient — Master your entire protective toolbox through repetition and review.
- Be Protective — Be READY so you don’t have to get ready.
- Be Parliamentary — Honor the law in a way that protects your freedom.
“We don’t simply train people to carry firearms. We train diligently and specifically to become prepared, principled human beings.”
— Al Tucker, Founder & Lead Instructor, AEDA
Do you offer Virtual Training?
Yes.
Virtual training is conducted through Google Meet.
Basic Firearms Virtual Course (Prerequisite)
2 Hours Classroom ONLY (Virtual) – NO Range Live Fire
- The 11 Commandments Of A Protected Powerful Life — For Men (1st Hour)
- Standard Firearms Curriculum (2nd Hour)
- 1ST and 2ND Tuesday 7:00pm to 9:00pm (Virtual Training)
Investment: $99
Note: The Basic Firearms Virtual Course provides the required classroom curriculum before Range Live Fire is facilitated.
Register For Basic Firearms Virtual Course
S.A.S.S.Y. One Virtual Course (Prerequisite)
2 Hours Classroom ONLY (Virtual) – NO Range Live Fire
- Standard Firearms Curriculum (1st Hour)
- Live Q & A: Ask Your Questions and Be Ready For Range Day (2nd Hour)
- 3RD Wednesday of the month 7:00pm to 9:00pm
This includes Basic Firearms Virtual Course + Situational Awareness Curriculum Created for Women.
Investment: $99
Note: The S.A.S.S.Y. One Virtual Course provides the required classroom curriculum before Range Live Fire is facilitated.
Register For S.A.S.S.Y. One Virtual Course
What Classroom and Range Live Fire Training do you offer?
Basic Firearms Range Fundamentals (includes Live Fire)
2 Hours Classroom (Virtual)
- The 11 Commandments Of A Protected Powerful Life — For Men (1st Hour)
- Standard Firearms Curriculum (2nd Hour)
- 1ST and 2ND Tuesday 7:00pm to 9:00pm (Virtual Training)
2 Hours Range Live Fire
- 2ND and 3RD Saturday of the month 9:00am to 11:00am
Investment: $149
Register for Upcoming Basic Firearms Full Course
S.A.S.S.Y. ONE Range Day (includes Live Fire)
Firearms Training for Women
2 Hours Classroom (Virtual)
- Standard Firearms Curriculum (1st Hour)
- Live Q & A: Ask Your Questions and Be Ready For Range Day (2nd Hour)
- 3RD Wednesday of the month 7:00pm to 9:00pm
2 Hours Range Live Fire
- Range Live Fire on (4th SAT) 9:00 to 11:00am
Investment: $149
Register for Upcoming S.A.S.S.Y. One Range Day
What 1-on-1 Coaching Do You Offer For Tactical Readiness
Tactical Readiness Coaching (Virtual)
Tailored To Your Needs
Investment: $75/hour
Ideal for:
- Firearm selection
- Readiness planning
- Gear questions
- Confidence development
- Dry-fire coaching
Book Your Session: Tactical Readiness Coaching Virtual
Tactical Readiness Coaching with Range Live Fire
Defensive Shooting 100 Series
Investment: $75/hour (with 2-hour minimum)
This is our entry level Defensive Shooting 100 Series. You will receive real-time, corrective feedback in 1 or more of the following areas:
- Trigger control
- Accuracy
- Sight alignment
- Dominant eye evaluation
- Recoil management
- Confidence building
Book Your Session: Tactical Readiness Coaching with Range Live Fire
Events Calendar
Structure and Sequence
The calendar below provides you an overview of how we structure and sequence each month for your Development, Transformation and Readiness. A link appears below the image for this month’s Core Events.
Link To Upcoming Events
Range Details and Firearms Guidelines
Where is Range Live Fire Training conducted?
Training is conducted at selected ranges throughout the Birmingham, Alabama area.
Specific locations are provided after registration.
Do I need my own firearm?
No.
Rental firearms are available when appropriate.
However, for training and skill development, it is recommended that you train with your own firearm.
Rental Fee: $25
If you’re unsure of which firearm to purchase, Schedule a Tactical Readiness Coaching session and we’ll help you find the right firearm for you.
What additional supplies are available?
Supply Package
Includes:
- 50 rounds of ammunition
- Eye protection
- Hearing protection
Investment: $20
What is required before live-fire training?
Before handling firearms, students must complete:
- Signed liability waiver
- Valid pistol permit and proof of age (at least 21 per Alabama laws)
- Any applicable range documentation
- Range Fee: $35 (at most ranges)
What are the state-level regulations on purchasing firearms in Alabama?
Legal Age
In Alabama, individuals over the age of 18 are legally allowed to purchase rifles, shotguns and ammunition without a permit. However, individuals must be at least 21 years old to purchase handguns.
There is no state waiting period for purchasing firearms.
Background Checks
Background checks are required for all firearm purchases from licensed dealers. Private sales between individuals do not require a background check, but it is recommended that individuals conduct one through a licensed dealer.
Restrictions
There are also certain restrictions on who can purchase firearms in Alabama.
These include:
- Prohibited Persons: Individuals who have been convicted of a felony, anyone under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, fugitives from justice, and unlawful users of controlled substances are prohibited from purchasing firearms in Alabama.
- Underage Purchases: Individuals under the age of 21 are prohibited from purchasing handguns and handgun ammunition.
- Mental Health: Individuals who have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution or declared mentally incompetent by a court are prohibited from purchasing firearms.
- Domestic Violence Convictions: In accordance with federal law, individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence offenses cannot purchase firearms in Alabama.
- Residency Requirements: Those wishing to purchase firearms must be residents of Alabama or have a valid non-resident hunting license in the state.
Guiding Principle
Prepare before it matters.
Where can I continue my development between training sessions?
Visit the eMquattro Community.
There you’ll find learning resources, Community Live, implementation tools and ongoing development.
Visit: eMquattro.com