Team: Intuitive Defense

Richard Baker

Intuitive Defense CEO and Lead Instructor

​He spent 11 years in the military as an Infantry soldier (11B). He did two deployments overseas before getting out of the United States Army with the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6).

​He also spent 10+ years in law enforcement, the majority of that time in high tempo special operations units, to include:

• Directive Patrol Unit (DPU)
• Narcotics
• S.W.A.T. Team (Team Leader)
• Tracking Team
• Violent Offender Task Force Officer (VOTFO) for the United States Marshals Service​

He left law enforcement with the rank of Sergeant (SGT) to pursue contract work overseas, which he still currently does. ​

While working as a contractor, he has assisted in training military and/or law enforcement personnel from over 20 countries in a wide range of tactics, which include: firearms, medical, close quarters battle (CQB), open air movements, counterterrorism, leadership, tubular assaults, asset protection, quick reaction force (QRF), vehicle assaults, asset recovery, low light/no light operations, ambush/counter ambush procedures, and defensive tactics. While working overseas he has lived in, and operated in, various high-threat areas around the world.

He is also an instructor in the following skill sets:

• Active Shooter 
• Patrol Rifle
• Pistol
  
• Tactical Shield
• Distraction Device
• Edged Weapons
• Close Quarters Battle (CQB)
• Breacher (mechanical and ballistic)
  
• Vehicle Close Quarters Battle
• Tactical Shooting (handgun and rifle)
• Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings
• Pressure Point Control Tactics (PPCT)
• Multiple-Assault Counter Terrorism Action Capability (MAC TAC)

John Kennedy

Intuitive Defense Instructor

Kennedy spent 5 years in the United States Army as a Generator Mechanic (52D), last assigned to an Airborne unit at Ft. Bragg (he has to brag about something). During his only deployment to Iraq in support of OIF/OEF, Kennedy discovered an insatiable hunger for MRE’s and jokes to make any mother blush.

Kennedy then spent 5 years in law enforcement as a Patrol Deputy, SWAT officer, Bicycle Patrol officer and all-around great guy. Kennedy hasn’t held as many positions in law enforcement as some other over-achievers, but he does hold the distinction of never shooting a (non-military) modern firearm before the Academy, then due to the 100’s of hours os self-imposed training, was awarded Top Gun by the end of the Academy. 

Kennedy then left law enforcement to pursue a career in security contracting. Over the 7 years of work, he has traveled and work in places such as Puerto Rico, Kansas, Texas, and Alabama. Only one of those involved a tropical paradise, and it wasn’t Puerto Rico. 

Kennedy has trained hundreds of people in firearms since  graduating the Academy in law enforcement. Some say that his genuine manner and likable personality help him to bridge the gap between student and instructor, but Kennedy insists that it’s 10% effort and 90% good looks. 

With experience involving pistols, rifles, shotguns and crew-served weapons, Kennedy has the expertise to help anyone and everyone that is capable of shooting a firearm in defense of themselves or loved ones.