Sean Torbett joined the US Army shortly after high school and a brief time in college. Feeling the need to give back, he felt the best way to serve in the armed forces would be in combat arms, so when he enlisted it was with the goal of being an airborne infantryman.
After serving with 3rd BN, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment for about a year, he incurred an injury during a training jump which kept him grounded while his injury healed. He was reassigned to 5th Infantry BN (Mech) with the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea and ran patrols with his unit in the American sector of the DMZ as a designated marksman.
After a year tour in Korea he returned to the 82nd, this time with the 1st BN, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment and, shortly after Iraq invaded Kuwait, he deployed as part of the 82nd Airborne QRF to Saudi Arabia and Iraq for Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Shortly after returning to the U.S. his initial enlistment was complete, so he trained at Fort Devens, Massachusetts in electronics and transitioned to civilian life working in the electronics, computer and ultimately broadcast television engineering field for various television stations around the country for a 25-year career.
After that, he went on to earn his private pilot certificate, his commercial pilot certificate and then multiple flight instructor certificates and ratings including the select Gold Seal for his flight instructor credentials. He has spent over five years as an active flight instructor creating new pilots in the Northern Nevada skies.
All through this time his interest in the shooting sports, specifically defensive shooting, personal and home protection were a regular part of his living routine. Constantly learning, changing and working to develop practical habits of carrying and using firearms in everyday life.
After one notable day at the gun range where he witnessed and attempted to help a couple of shooters who were well-intentioned, but with very little knowledge of safety concepts or how to handle a firearm, it compelled him to seek formal instructor certification. Now he uses his teaching skills to educate fellow shooters by improving their skills and promoting safe handling of firearms to aid in preventing accidents or tragedies.
Just like in the cockpit, safety in firearm handling comes from methodical and deliberate action, calm nerves, and clear communication. I apply the same ‘Gold Seal’ instruction standards to my shooting courses.
Sean currently holds concealed weapons permits (CCW) for both Nevada and California.
USCCA Certified Firearm Instructor # 3043791
NRA Range Safety Officer ID# 101000040202097