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Meet Our Founder

Dustin McPhillips

CEO & Lead Instructor

Dustin "Mac" McPhillips is a decorated veteran, federal agent, and nationally recognized instructor with over 20 years of military, operational, and instructional experience.  He has protected U.S. Presidents, led high-risk operations overseas, and helped develop active threat response protocols now taught nationwide.

A Commitment to Safety Through Education

Today, he brings that elite, real-world background to schools, organizations, and communities through calm, practical, and confidence-building training programs

Dustin founded Specter Defense Group with one mission: to bring a proven, real-world approach to school safety and community preparedness.

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Every course he teaches blends technical expertise with a deep respect for the emotional realities of school and community environments. 

Military Career & 
Combat Experience

Dustin began his career in the U.S. Military, serving multiple deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

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During his service, he was trained and certified as a combat medic, providing lifesaving care in high-stress and austere environments while supporting tactical operations across multiple deployments.

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​​​These foundational years built the calm, disciplined, and structured leadership style he is known for today.

Contracting &
The Private Sector
Following his military career, Mac entered the private sector, conducting paramilitary and counter-terrorism operations around the globe for the:
 
  • U.S. Department of State,
  • Central Intelligence Agency, and
  • Other government agencies.

As a team leader and team medic, Mac provided emergency medical support during high-risk missions. He concluded his contracting career with Ground Branch, conducting counter-terrorism operations and Protective Service Details for senior officials and diplomats.

Across his combined military and contracting service, Mac accumulated more than 81 months in combat zones, gaining extensive experience in:

  • Direct action

  • Intelligence-driven operations

  • Tactical medicine

  • Operational planning

  • High-pressure decision making

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This operational depth forms the backbone of Specter Defense Group’s real-world training methodology.

Federal Law Enforcement Instructor

Upon returning home, Mac became a Federal Law Enforcement Instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, where he taught:

  • Active Threat Response

  • Tactical Medicine

  • Firearms & Use-of-Force

  • Basic Tactics

  • High-risk scenario-based decision making

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He served as a permanent instructor and course coordinator, helping shape national-level training programs in tactical medicine and active shooter response. 

 

Today, he continues to serve as a federal agent conducting sensitive investigations and serving as a Regional Training Coordinator.

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  • Active Shooter Threat Instructor Training Program

  • Basic Tactical Medicine Instructor Training Program

  • Law Enforcement Instructor Training Program

  • Basic Tactics Instructor Training Program

  • Use of Force Instructor Training Program

  • EMS Certified​

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Certifications & Qualifications

Despite an elite operational career, Mac remains committed to bringing the same level of readiness to schools, organizations, and everyday civilians

At Specter Defense Group, he combines real-world experience with a passion for teaching — empowering schools, organizations, and communities to respond confidently and effectively under pressure.

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