Our Instructors
Pacific West Academy’s Certified Training Instructors
The faculty at Pacific West Academy incorporate decades of high-stakes, real-world tactical experience into our curriculum, surpassing the expectations of a traditional bodyguard school.
As a primary resource for those researching GI Bill® approved educational providers, our faculty are dedicated to providing the specialized, executive-level guidance required for a truly successful security guard training program. Under their leadership, students gain the strategic depth necessary to lead in the private security sector.
Oded Krashinsky
Owner and CEO
Israeli Air Force Commando / Tier 1 Operator
Mr. Krashinsky is a veteran lieutenant of one of the world’s most elite and respected special operations units. Having served with high-level, top-secret security clearance, he is a subject matter expert in counter-terrorism tactics, advanced ballistics, and electronic counter-surveillance. His expertise encompasses comprehensive threat analyses, risk assessments, and large-scale crisis planning for global entities.
He brings unparalleled experience in strategic planning and emerging security technologies to the leadership of our institution. By transcending the curriculum of a traditional bodyguard school, Oded leverages his vast experience in physical security planning for CEO’s and high-net-worth private families to ensure our executive protection training remains the benchmark for the private security sector.
Under his vision, Pacific West Academy has become the premier destination among GI Bill® approved educational providers or those seeking elite professional advancement after military service. Whether you are looking for an advanced security guard training program or a path toward specialized protection, Oded’s leadership ensures PWA remains in a class of its own.
Raz Klinghoffer
Lead Training Faculty
Former Israeli Navy SEAL
Mr. Klinghoffer is a former Israeli Navy SEAL who dedicated six years of distinguished service to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). During his tenure, he participated in countless high-stakes military operations and commanded elite troops across both land and sea, concluding his service with the rank of Top Sergeant.
Trained in diverse tactical disciplines, Mr. Klinghoffer served as a first-aid lead and completed extensive training as a field medic, providing him with a unique medical perspective in high-threat environments.
Following his military service, Mr. Klinghoffer transitioned into a career in protection and security, acting as a member of specialized security forces that secured gas platforms 15 miles next to the Gaza shore.
Upon moving to the United States, he further refined his expertise by graduating from Pacific West Academy’s Comprehensive Security Training (CST) program.
His transition into the private sector led him to serve as an executive protection agent for A-list celebrities and high-net-worth clients.
Today, his extensive combat expertise has led him to become a lead member of our Elite Faculty, where he serves as a primary specialist on the firing range.
Mr. Klinghoffer’s real-world background ensures students receive the highest caliber of instruction for the private security sector, far surpassing the standard offerings of a traditional bodyguard school. Under his mentorship, students achieve the tactical proficiency required to earn a professional bodyguard certificate and excel in elite protection roles.
Brig Barker
Training Faculty
Retired FBI Agent
Agent Barker is a career FBI Special Agent specializing in Counterterrorism, with over 30 years of operational experience across the Middle East and Africa.
A fluent Arabic speaker (MSA), Agent Barker brings distinguished executive management experience, having commanded two separate interagency counterterrorism task forces. His elite credentials include being hand-selected as the FBI Senior Advisor embedded with U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), complemented by his background as a former FBI SWAT operator and sniper.
Prior to his federal career, Agent Barker served as a Captain in the 82nd Airborne, serving as a platoon leader and weapons executive officer in both garrison and combat environments. This extraordinary level of tactical depth is precisely what distinguishes Pacific West Academy from a traditional bodyguard school.
Agent Barker’s real-world leadership is a vital asset for students enrolled in our security guard training program and those seeking the highest level of executive protection training from faculty with former Special Forces advisory experience. His distinguished background ensures that PWA remains the premier destination among GI Bill® approved educational providers for veterans transitioning into the high-stakes private security sector.
Bob Dougherty
Training Faculty
Retired CIA Agent
Agent Dougherty served for 25 years as an undercover Operations Officer for the CIA, developing deep operational experience across the U.S., Europe, Central America, South America, and the Middle East.
Throughout his distinguished career, Agent Dougherty successfully directed operations against high-threat foreign terrorist organizations, including ISIS, Al-Qaida, Hezbollah, Sendero Luminoso, and the PLO. Furthermore, Agent Dougherty possesses extensive expertise in countering state-sponsored terrorism and monitoring global intelligence and procurement operations.
As a premier member of our faculty, Agent Dougherty serves as a subject matter expert on counter-terrorism for law enforcement, U.S. federal officers, and U.S. military personnel. His background in executing high-profile operations is a core component of our elite curriculum.
By training at Pacific West Academy, students gain professional insights for the private security sector from a veteran who has effectively dismantled global terrorist networks.
This level of instruction makes PWA a recognized choice among GI Bill® approved colleges for veterans seeking a level of tactical and intelligence training that transcends any typical bodyguard course.
Jacob Lupton
Lead Training Faculty
Close Protection Agent | US Marines – 1st Marine Division, NCO
Mr. Lupton joined Pacific West Academy to fulfill a vision for a premium security training organization that meets the demand for a higher tier of protective services.
Mr. Lupton is a veteran Sergeant of the United States Marine Corps who served with BLT 2/1 Fox Co. (Amphibious Raid Company) and was assigned to the Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF) Trailer Platoon.
During his distinguished military service, Mr. Lupton deployed with the 13th, 11th, and 15th MEU SOC (Marine Expeditionary Unit, Special Operations Capable), which included the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. Mr. Lupton was later assigned to WFTBN (Weapons and Field Training Battalion) R505 as a Field Instructor and Range Safety Officer.
Mr. Lupton brings elite weapon systems expertise to our institution, elevating PWA far beyond a regular bodyguard school.
He is an effective leader who uses a common-sense approach to define our executive protection training programs. His attention to client assets ensures that PWA results consistently exceed the highest expectations. As a leader among our military instructors, Jacob ensures PWA remains a top choice among GI Bill® approved educational providers for veterans seeking a career as a certified Close Protection Agent.
Benji Rosenfeld
Director of the Combative Department
Close Protection Specialist | Mixed Martial Artist
Mr. Rosenfeld became a valued member of the Advanced Security Concepts (ASC) team in 2010. Throughout his extensive tenure with ASC, Rosenfeld has successfully operated in Estate Security, Executive Protection, and as a professional Personal Bodyguard. His diverse career as a protection agent has covered multiple high-stakes disciplines, including serving as the Director of Security for Infusion Lounge and Universal Studios, as well as a Security Host for numerous prominent Hollywood nightclubs.
With a true passion for martial arts, Mr. Rosenfeld has devoted countless hours to both training and teaching a wide array of elite combative systems, including Krav Maga, boxing, muay thai, freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, and submission wrestling.
Mr. Rosenfeld’s unique path and technical knowledge allow him to masterfully teach the tactical maneuvers necessary for the professional executive protection training of elite agents.
Now serving as the Director of our Combative Department, he produces agents of the highest caliber. By bridging the gap between hand-to-hand combat and field operations, Mr. Rosenfeld ensures PWA remains a premier alternative to a standard bodyguard school for those looking to excel through specialized bodyguard training.
Matt Cheun
Director of Firearms Department
Close Protection Agent | US Marines – 1st Marine Division, NCO
Mr. Cheun began his distinguished career in the United States Marine Corps in 2016. During his extensive military service as an NCO within the 1st Marine Division, Mr. Cheun specialized in conducting high-stakes overwatch operations as well as the clandestine surveillance and tracking of personnel in a wide range of complex environments.
Mr. Cheun s specialized military training package was exceptionally robust, including land-based reconnaissance, amphibious reconnaissance, and small boat operations. He mastered small unit tactics, counter-surveillance, and demolition operations, along with land and nautical navigation, urban assault training, and a series of advanced small unit tactics courses.
Upon conclusion of his service, Mr. Cheun transitioned into the private sector by working professional contracts both within and outside of the U.S., conducting estate security, mobile security, and specialized counter-surveillance operations. Mr. Cheun thoroughly enjoys instructing firearms application courses and constantly works to excel in his craft. Having taken many courses throughout his military career, he has personally instructed a variety of basic and advanced courses to include carbine, pistol, low light/no light, and room clearing.
Mr. Cheun is currently an Executive Protection Agent for Advanced Security Concepts as well as an instructor for Pacific West Academy.
In his role as Director of Firearms, Mr. Cheun provides students with efficient, up-to-date instruction regarding the evolving world of firearms manipulation and close protection training protocols. His real-world background ensures PWA remains a top search result for executive protection training.
His guidance helps students navigate veteran careers in the high-stakes world of elite security, offering a level of sophistication not found in a typical bodyguard course.
David Paladini
Medical Training Faculty
US Army – Medic (68W), NCO | Former Law Enforcement Officer
An 18-year veteran of the United States Army and a member of the Ranger community, Officer Paladini was a Long Range Detachment team member and leader. As a secondary military occupational specialty (MOS), he graduated from the Health Care Technician’s course at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and was awarded the military MOS 68W. He is an active member of the Special Operations Medical Association, the Ranger Association, and the Army Parachute Association.
Officer Paladini is also a civilian paramedic with over 15 years of experience in Southern California’s 911 systems. He is Affiliate Faculty to the American Heart Association and holds Instructor Credentials in Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) disciplines. He currently functions as Course Coordinator for the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) course and serves as Affiliate Faculty, Course Coordinator, and Military Instructor for NAEMT’s Tactical Casualty Combat Care (TCCC) course.
This unparalleled medical expertise is a cornerstone of our curriculum, ensuring students are prepared for high-threat trauma care—a standard that sets us apart from any basic bodyguard school. For veterans utilizing VA education benefits, Officer Paladini’s instruction provides the vital life-saving skills needed to excel in the private sector.
Additionally, Officer Paladini has graduated from a California Peace Officers Basic Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) academy and functioned as a reserve Deputy, rounding out his expertise in law enforcement and tactical medicine.
Josuel Gooden
EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operation Course) Lead Faculty
Retired Los Angeles Police Officer | National/International Trainer
Mr. Gooden spent over 30 years as a distinguished member of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), where he worked diverse assignments that included patrol, gang enforcement, narcotics, and detectives. He was also a key part of the anti-drug education program D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and served extensively within the EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operations Course) unit. During his 30-plus year career, Mr. Gooden sharpened his teaching and training skills to become a master instructor for the LAPD.
Mr. Gooden has conducted professional training around the world. As a member of the Los Angeles Police Department’s elite training cadre, he traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia training members of the Department of Defense, specifically the military police. He has trained thousands of police officers and presented at high-level tactical conferences both nationally and internationally.
One field that Mr. Gooden specializes in is emergency vehicle operation. This specialty includes high-speed pursuit driving, evasive driving maneuvers, collision avoidance, and skid recognition and control. His instruction also covers slow-speed skills, reverse driving, perishable skills, and both defensive and offensive driving. These techniques were used daily as thousands of members of the LAPD benefited from the challenging and creative courses developed by Mr. Gooden.
Specializing in high-speed pursuit, evasive driving, and collision avoidance, his instruction is a vital component of our elite curriculum. This expertise makes our training a top-tier choice for those seeking a private security license with an executive edge. His mastery of vehicle dynamics is why PWA is a cornerstone for those researching military-friendly colleges and professional security guard training.
Mark Ackenback
Firearms Faculty
POST Certified
Mr. Ackenback is a POST Certified Firearms Faculty member and the lead visionary behind First Defense Training. Utilizing deep technical expertise, Mr. Ackenback provides a superior level of tactical training to both Law Enforcement Officers and high-level protection professionals.
Known throughout the tactical community for his knowledge-based approach to shooting fundamentals, Mr. Ackenback is a highly demanded specialist frequently featured at major industry events such as California Range Weekend.
Mr. Ackenback currently instructs officers from multiple law enforcement agencies throughout Southern California, specializing in defensive pistol and carbine applications.
His methodology focuses on modernized, performance-based shooting with specific defense applications. He guides Pacific West Academy students through critical firearms drills, emphasizing advanced target transitions—skills that are essential for any professional operating in high-threat environments.
Mr. Ackenback’s elite range instruction makes PWA a premier destination for those searching for bodyguard training near me. By offering world-class private security courses that transcend the basics, Mr. Ackenback helps the academy maintain its reputation for transitioning veterans into high-performance protective roles.
George Rodriguez San Diego
Regional Manager Security Company CEO
Close Protection Agent
Since 1992, Mr. Rodriguez has established himself as a titan in the security industry, serving as a Corporate Security Director for a $600M sports memorabilia corporation and a $1B worldwide sports equipment manufacturer.
In these high-stakes roles, Mr. Rodriguez developed comprehensive security departments that integrated with Human Resources and Legal teams to protect high-level executives and critical assets across the U.S. and Mexico.
His operational depth includes managing complex investigations and direct law enforcement coordination. Following his corporate tenure, he founded and managed a State of California-certified security firm providing elite protection to high-profile clients.
Mr. Rodriguez is fluent in English and Spanish and holds a B.S. in Business Management and a Human Resources Management Certification from Villanova University.
His specialized credentials include State of California certifications in executive protection, private patrol operations, and advanced investigations. He is professionally affiliated with ASIS International, the National Council of Investigation & Security Services, and the California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms.
Beyond his technical roles, Mr. Rodriguez is a dedicated philanthropist, regularly supporting fallen-officer fundraising events for the California Highway Patrol.
Mr. Rodriguez’s leadership ensures PWA remains a premier choice for those researching colleges for the military and professional executive security training. Students benefit from his executive-level insights—insights that elevate PWA far beyond a typical bodyguard school—when pursuing an armed security officer license or a high-end corporate protection career.
Steve Burkett
Faculty
Close Protection Specialist | NRA & Concealed Weapons Faculty
Mr. Burkett serves as a senior member of our Elite Faculty and training center manager at Advanced Security Concepts, bringing over 30 years of experience in managing and supervising high-performance personnel teams. A certified weapons specialist and Range Safety Officer, Mr. Burkett holds an extensive portfolio of state and federal credentials.
His certifications include the State of California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) – Firearms; Department of Justice (DOJ) – Firearms Safety/Roll Fingerprint; and National Rifle Association (NRA) – Pistol and Range Safety Officer.
Additionally, he is a certified instructor for the American Heart Association (AHA) in CPR/First Aid and Taser International for the Taser X26-X2.
Beyond tactical weaponry, Mr. Burkett holds elite professional licenses, including a Federal Aeronautics Administration (FAA) Helicopter Pilot license and a Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Competition Race License. This unique combination of aerial and high-speed ground expertise is rounded out by FEMA Active Shooter training and a Brown/Black Belt in To Shin Do Martial Arts.
An integral member of our elite Executive Protection Team for over seven years, Mr. Burkett has personally executed hundreds of protection details for high-profile celebrities and corporate executives, including red-carpet awards shows and movie premieres.
This vast, real-world experience ensures our executive protection training courses remain the most comprehensive in the nation. His leadership is essential for students pursuing an armed security license or seeking veterans education pathways into an elite protection career that transcends the curriculum of a typical bodyguard school.
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