Tulsa Firm To Specialize In Hired Guns

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK - Guns for hire.  An elite security force is being put together in Tulsa.  The U.S. Shooting Academy is assembling a private security team it says is capable of defending anyone, anywhere in the world.

The U.S. Shooting Academy is best known for its programs.  Police officers, members of the military and normal citizens visit the academy to improve their shooting skills.  But, the academy has expanded its scope to private security.  

"Similar to police. They're in business to protect the public and we are, too. We're just a private company for hire," said Mike Seeklander with U.S. Shooting Academy.

The academy recently launched the Protective Operations Group.  Mike Seeklander says it will provide hired guns for companies or the government for any security situation, whether it be at home, in Iraq or even battling piracy on the high seas.

He says a deteriorating world economy has created more of market for that line of work.

"It is unfortunate. Myself, and I think the company, would love it if the world was perfect. It's not right now, I don't think the economy is going to get any better in the near future," said Mike Seeklander with U.S. Shooting Academy.

Former Marine Chad Warren heads up the Protective Operations Group.  He says despite the danger, there's been no shortage of people willing to sign up.

"They enjoy this type of work and the adventure that it brings," said Chad Warren with U.S. Shooting Academy.

And, the way things have been going, the academy expects business to be good.

"It's already proven and shown that crime is on the rise.  Unfortunately, the need for these security services are absolutely on the rise," said Mike Seeklander with U.S. Shooting Academy.

The U.S. Shooting Academy says part of the appeal of the Protective Operations Group is the paycheck.  It says private security can be much more lucrative than the military or law enforcement.