Instructor Bio

 Steve Faris - Firearms Training Expert

 With over three decades of experience in firearms training and competitive shooting, Steve Faris is here to share his passion and expertise with you! His journey began in 1991 as a Police Officer with the U.S. Navy, where he developed his skills with the trusty 1911 pistol while stationed at Naval Air Station Alameda. Steve's love for marksmanship blossomed during Navy shooting competitions, earning him Expert Marksmanship Medals in both Service Rifle and Pistol categories by 1998.

After retiring from the Navy in 2010, Steve shifted gears to the civilian shooting world, participating in National GSSF Matches, local IDPA, and Practical Pistol Matches. He enjoys competing on Law Enforcement and Civilian shooting teams, typically participating in one to two monthly matches.

With a Master's Degree in Adult Education and Training, Steve left a fulfilling 15-year career at the Federal Bureau of Prisons to pursue his true passion: teaching. He is state-certified to teach Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) courses for the San Bernardino County Sheriff, Riverside County Sheriff, and Los Angeles County Sheriff, helping people feel more confident and prepared.

Steve’s impressive credentials include being a Retired U.S. Navy Chief Gunnersmate, Defensive Firearms Coach, USCCA Training Counselor, and a certified instructor in various firearms disciplines. But what truly sets him apart is his warm, approachable nature. He loves connecting with students and making the learning process enjoyable and effective.

In 2017, Steve and his wife Julie founded Aegis Authority, a premier firearms training company in Southern California, dedicated to providing top-notch training experiences. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, Steve is excited to empower you on your journey to confidence and safety with firearms. 

Steve's Industry Credentials

• California Department of Justice Certified Carry Concealed Weapon Program Instructor CI#089
• California Department of Justice Certified Instructor CI# 203464 
• California Bureau of Security & Investigative Services TIF - Firearm Instructor License / Certification #2821
• California Bureau of Security & Investigative Services TFF - Training Facility Firearms License  #1726
• USCCA Training Counselor and Certified Firearms Instructor #6220 
• USCCA AR15 Fundamentals Instructor 
• USCCA Defensive Shooting Fundamentals Level 1 Instructor 
• USCCA Range Safety Officer 
• USCCA Children's Firearms & Safety Fundamentals
• NRA Certified Chief Range Safety Officer 
• NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun Instructor #136914429 
• USNavy Certified Firearms Instructor #K1398 
• USNavy Certified Crew Served Weapons Instructor
• Deadly Force Instructor - Certified by Massad Ayoob 
• Range Master Certified Advanced Instructor - Certified by Tom Givens 
• Defensive Firearms Coach - Certified by I.C.E. Rob Pincus
• Modern Samurai Project Red Dot Pistol: Fundamentals Instructor - Certified by Scott Jedlinski 
• CA P.O.S.T. Certified Firearms Instructor - Certified by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department - #A39-A22
• Ambassador Academy - Ryan & Dianna Muller 
• SIG SAUER Academy Pistol Instructor - Certified by Eric Palmer  
• NRA Law Enforcement Handgun Instructor Development School
• NRA Law Enforcement Patrol Rifle Instructor Development School
• GLOCK Certified Armorer / Operator

• Los Angeles County CCW Unit - Approved Vendor 
• ALL Los Angeles City PD Issuing Agencies - Approved Vendor 
• Riverside County CCW Unit - Approved Vendor 
• ALL Riverside County City PD Issuing Authorities - Approved Vendor 
• San Bernardino County CCW Unit - Approved Vendor
• ALL San Bernardino County City PD Issuing Authorities - Approved Vendor  

 Julie Faris, the ultimate multitasking mom, wife, leader, and all-around superwoman is here to shake things up and empower women like never before! With a passion for firearms and a heart full of adventure, Julie is on a mission to connect with other fabulous females looking to unleash their inner warrior queens.

Leading the charge at Aegis Authority, a full Firearms Training Company in Sunny California,  alongside her husband and partner-in-adventure, Steve, Julie creates a welcoming haven where women can hone their skills.  Julie brings a mix of charm and confidence to the range, where she's known for turning newbies into sharpshooters with a touch of sass and a whole lot of encouragement!

At the helm of the High Desert Chapter of A Girl & A Gun, Julie's infectious enthusiasm and playful approach to training resonate with women of all ages and backgrounds. Whether she's hosting a training session or sharing stories around the campfire with her family, Julie's magnetic energy brings people together in a unique blend of fun, empowerment, and pure joy.

Beyond her impressive array of certifications and accolades, Julie's true superpower lies in her ability to connect with women personally, inspiring them to break barriers and aim for the stars. 

When she's not locking in her aim or inspiring the masses, you can find Julie wrangling her gang of rescue pups, swapping veggie plates for juicy steaks, and diving headfirst into her latest hunting escapade.

Julie's Industry Credentials: 

• California Department of Justice Certified Carry Concealed Weapon Program Instructor CI#088
• California Department of Justice (DOJ) Certified Instructor #353521
• California Bureau of Security & Investigative Services TIF - Firearm Instructor License / Certification #2881
• California Bureau of Security & Investigative Services TFF - Training Facility Firearms License  #1726
• USCCA Training Counselor 
• USCCA Certified Firearms & CCW Instructor #1184289
• USCCA AR-15 Fundamentals Instructor 
• Ambassador Academy - Ryan & Dianna Muller 
• SIG SAUER Academy Pistol Instructor – Certified by Eric Palmer 
• Modern Samurai Project Red Dot Pistol: Fundamentals Instructor 
• Rangemaster Certified Advanced Firearms Instructor - Certified by Tom Givens
• Defensive Shooting Fundamentals Level 1 Instructor
• Defensive Firearms Coach - I.C.E. Certified 
• NRA Level 1 Rifle Coach 
• NRA Certified Range Safety Officer 
• NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle & Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor  #18961274
• CA P.O.S.T. Certified Firearms Instructor - Certified by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department - #D00-Y79
• Women on Target Clinic Director
• GLOCK Certified Armorer / Operator
• High Desert Chapter Leader & Instructor, A Girl and A Gun Women's Shooting League