History
What started out as Echo 6 Gunworks & Training in 2016 as an all-in-one training company, has expanded into ODM Defense, focusing on defensive use of a firearm across all platforms. At ODM Defense, you will receive first-class training and attention to detail during your range and classroom experience. We do not buy into the idea of “Range Theatrics”, and teach what is absolutely, realistically needed to handle your chosen firearm safely and proficiently. Whether you are new gun owner, first time shooter, or an experienced shooter looking to add more skills to your set, ODM Defense has a well-rounded course selection to fit your needs.
Our Instructors hold multiple certifications accredited by the Department of Defense, National Rifle Association, Nevada Dept. of Wildlife, among others, though much of our curriculum was created based on real-world experience. Courses are available for all skill levels. Please take a look at our calendar for information on upcoming classes.
Get in touch
We at ODM know that finding the right instructors to safely and professionally instruct you is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why we always say, VET YOUR INSTRUCTORS! Contact them, speak with them, ask them questions. Look for reviews, referrals and recommendations. Don’t fall for just the title “Firearms Instructor”. After all, you are paying your hard-earned money to have someone teach you life skills that may be used to save your own life, or the life of someone you love. Do your research!!
We offer free consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget.
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Instructors
LEAD instructor
Jeff Herbert
Jeff fired his first rifle at the age of 14 while visiting his great uncle’s West Salem cherry orchard in 1989, and his first pistol at the age of 16 while on a camping trip at Lake Redinger. That’s all it took.
In 1993 at the age of 18, Jeff purchased his first long gun (Norinco SKS Paratrooper in 7.62x39), and 3 years later, his first handgun (Star Firestar 9mm single stack) at the age of 21.
Jeff enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 21, and served 10 years during both peacetime and times of war, obtaining multiple ”Expert” shooting awards for both rifle and pistol disciplines. in 1999, while stationed in Misawa Air Base in Japan, Jeff was selected as the OPFOR (Opposition Force) NCOIC (Non-Commissioned Officer-In-Charge), leading opposition forces against US Air Force Base Security Forces during base defense exercises, where he received numerous accolades for improving perimeter defense and overall base defense readiness. From there, Cpl. Herbert transferred to Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay where he served in the Radio Reconnaissance Platoon from 2000 to 2002, and then with the MEWSS (Mobile Electronic Warfare Support System) Platoon as a Platoon Sergeant, Team Leader, and Light Armored Vehicle Commander. While in the Platoon Leader role (LT billet held as a Sgt), Then-Sgt Herbert served 2 combat tours in Iraq, spanning 3 years time (2003, 2004, 2005) participating in numerous combat engagements with enemy forces while attached to 2/5 (2ndMarBn/5thMarReg) and BLT 1/4 (Battalion Landing Team 1stMarBn/4th MarReg) 11th MEU(SOC).
After 10 years in the Marines, Jeff continued to shoot regularly, and in 2011, began a career in the firearms industry as a sales and service consultant. This path expanded into firearms repair and custom builds of AR-15 and Glock-pattern firearms. He also began shooting competitively that same year in IDPA and multi-gun disciplines.
Jeff began teaching privately in 2012 in San Antonio, TX, and after moving to the Carson Valley in 2014,he began teaching CCW in 2016 and creating curriculum for other more advanced training. Since 2018, Jeff has been working primarily as a private security contactor, covering multiple aspects in the field, ranging from corporate security director, asset transport and protection agent, executive protection agent, and security project manager, From that professional experience, knowledge, and understanding of safe and professional firearms integration, understanding, use, and implementation, Jeff has written comprehensive training curriculum that has helped shape ODM Defense into one of the most comprehensive, respected, and recognized self-defense training companies in all of northern Nevada.
Certifications
NRA Personal Protection Inside the Home - Instructor
NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home - Instructor
NRA Basic Pistol Instructor
USCCA Personal Protection Outside the Home
USCCA Concealed Carry of Weapons
NRA Range Safety Officer
Activities & Affiliations
• Northern Nevada IDPA
• Western Nevada Pistol League
• Northern Nevada United Multi-Gun League (UML)
Brand Ambassador
Smoke Composites
First Line Ballistics
Team Whiskey
LEAD instructor
Corky Sponcey
Corky joined the Marine Corps in June of 1998 and served through OIF 1 and 2. Upon completion of his contract he went on to do overseas contracting and to teach the Navy anti-terrorism and force protection. Corky rejoined the Marine Corps in January of 2008 and served until April of 2012. During this stint in the Corps he served in OEF at Delaram in 2009 to 2010. Corky joined the Army in October of 2012 to be an Army Aviator and returned to Iraq in 2016, Afghanistan in 2019, and participated in Atlantic Resolve in 2021.
Corky is a certified Navy Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor (SAMI) who is also certified to teach Ship’s Reaction Force Basic Course, and Advanced Course (SRF-A/ SRF-B), Non-Lethal Weapons Basic Instructor Course, Non-Compliant Visit Board Search and Seizure (NCVBSS), and has attended Inter-service Non-lethal Individual Weapons Instructor Course (INIWC). Corky was also a Marine Corps Martial Arts green belt instructor and Combat Marksmanship Instructor Trainer (0931). Corky Sponcey competed in the 2012 Marine Corps Pacific Division Shooting Matches and was the high tyro and gold medaled. Mr. Sponcey is also an AH-64E pilot with approximately 1500 total flight hours.
Certifications
Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor
USCCA Personal Protection Outside the Home
USCCA Concealed Carry of Weapons
NRA Range Safety Officer
Non-Lethal Weapons (Basic)
Non-Lethal Individual Weapons
Visit Board Search & Seizure [VBSS (CQB)]
Combat Marksmanship Instructor
Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor (MCMAP)
Activities & Affiliations
Northern Nevada IDPA
range safety officer/assistant instructor
Jeremy Litka
Jeremy is our lead Hunters education instructor and one of our Range Safety Officers. His passion for hunting and the shooting sports in general is evident by the amount of time he dedicates to local organizations like the Carson Valley Chuckar Club, among many others. Jeremy is an avid hunter and competitive shooter and is a valued asset to our E6G&T family. In his spare time Jeremy enjoys rolling around in his pajamas with other sweaty dudes attempting to fold laundry while people are still in it (Jiu-Jitsu).
Certifications
NRA Range Safety Officer
NDOW Hunter’s Education Instructor
Activities & Affiliations
Northern Nevada IDPA
Western Nevada Pistol League
Northern Nevada United Multi-Gun League
Carson Valley Chuckar Club
Brand Ambassador
Indebted Patriot
Alpha United Apparel
Alpha Outpost
Patriot Beard Supply
Team Whiskey
Nevada Cerakote
First Line Ballistics
Instructor - CPR/AED, First-Aid, Stop the Bleed
Darrell Billings
Darrell is our go-to for all things medical. He started his first responder career as a firefighter while attending the University of Maryland. After a year in the fire service he joined the Navy and became a Corpsman, serving alongside Marines in the Fleet Marine Force. Later in his Naval career he became an instructor at the Naval School of Health Science teaching both Basic and Advanced classes as a ACLS/BCLS instructor. Darrell then went on to aircrew school and became a Search & Rescue Air Crewman. After 20 years of Naval service, Darrell worked in multiple emergency rooms across the country. Now living in Nevada, he has been a member of the Washoe County Search & Rescue Team, and is one of their training officers. Darrell’s teaching philosophy revolves around the integration of practical experience and theoretical knowledge. His classes are characterized by a hands-on, interactive approach that reflects real-world scenarios. His dedication to continuous learning and improvement ensures that his students receive the most up-to-date and relevant training in emergency response. Darrell’s profound commitment to service, coupled with his extensive background and certifications, makes him an invaluable asset in the field of emergency response training. His passion for teaching and wealth of experience and knowledge make him a sought-after instructor for individuals and organizations seeking to enhance their preparedness and response capabilities.